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Class Gifts Memo

To celebrate their 50th Reunion, members of the Haddonfield Memorial High School Class of 1956 have established “The Class of 1956 Scholarship for Further Education in Music”.  The total Class of 1956 contribution was $5,600.  A scholarship of $1,000 will be presented annually for five or more years to a graduating senior who will continue his/her education in the field of music.  Pierce Pelouze, Class of 1956 Reunion Co-chair, said, “The HMHS Class of 1956” wanted to provide a class gift to celebrate our reunion and provide a scholarship that will allow our class to be recognized and remembered in a very meaningful way.  As HMHS alumni, we believe in “giving back” to our high school and our students”. Because music matters, we are pleased to assist in this area of further education. 

Additional contributions to this scholarship are welcome.  Checks payable to the “HMHS Scholarship Fund, c/o Class of 1956” may be sent to Haddonfield Memorial High School, ATTN: Carol Barbano, 401 East Kings Highway, Haddonfield, NJ 08033-1297.  Contributions are tax deductible.

THE FOLLOWING MEMO WAS SENT BY THE CLASS OF 1956 TO THE HAS WHEN THEY FORMED THE IDEA TO CREATE A CLASS SCHOLARSHIP.

TO: Wayne Hunter, President, Haddonfield Alumni Society (HAS)
CC: Carol Barbano, HMHS

FROM: Baird Foster, Class Gift Chair HMHS Class of 1956   

RE: Class Gifts/HMHS Reunions

Reflecting upon our HMHS Class of 1956 50th Reunion and our establishing the “Class of 1956 Scholarship for Further Education in Music”, I want to share this scholarship concept with other classes that may be planning special reunions but that may not be considering a class gift in their reunion planning.

A major class reunion, such as the 25th or 50th, provides an ideal opportunity for raising funds for HMHS through a class gift.  It is also an ideal way for a class to be recognized and remembered in a meaningful manner--a benefit both to that class and to the high school.

After speaking with Carol Barbano, advisor for the HMHS Scholarship Fund, I have learned that there are three basic areas to which class gift funds may be utilized: 

1. The general “HMHS Scholarship Fund,” a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt fund.  Class gifts to this fund will  be used by the Fund Administrator as seen fit.
2. A specific gift for the school itself, such as monies to be used for special auditorium lighting (a current need) or another specific item which the high school may require but that may not be included in the budget.
3. A specific Scholarship Fund allocation for the class holding the reunion.  Contributions can be directed to the “HMHS Scholarship Fund c/o the Class of XXXX.”  These contributions are included in the fund and enjoy the tax advantages of the fund but are assigned to a specific scholarship.  The details and procedures of this plan can be developed with Carol Barbano at HMHS.

The Class of 1956 chose this third method, as it was that committee’s desire to have a scholarship for further education in music in the name of the Class of 1956. The initial fund raising yielded $5,600; additional contributions have pushed the total to $6,200 as of Jan. 17, 2007.  News about the scholarship with solicitations for contributions is sent via e-mail to nearly 150 classmates.

The HAS has the opportunity to encourage class gifts and to make the various class reunion committees aware of the options and needs of the high school.  I would welcome the opportunity of sharing information about creating a specific class scholarship and making class gifts in general, with any reunion committee.  As noted above, the concept of a class gift may be overlooked and an opportunity lost for both the class and HMHS.

Interested Class Representatives are welcome to contact me via Telephone (856-235-5862) or E-mail ([email protected]).