University Liggett School Breaks Fundraising Record, Receiving Over $1 Million in Donations

Hard work really does pay off, especially for the more than 600 students at University Liggett School.

Thanks to the generosity shown through its three major fundraisers over the past year, the school will receive more funds to benefit students and staff for many years to come.

Of the three yearly fundraisers – the Annual Fund, the Liggett Knight Auction and the Spring Raffle – two set new records.

According to Liggett Director of Communications Ron Bernas, more than $1.15 million was raised in the Annual Fund which will be used to improve the school in many ways - both inside and out. Classrooms will be outfitted with new technology while students will be able to experience even more enrichment opportunities. The funds will also be used for improvement and upgrades to the school's building and athletic development. Lastly, it will aid in staff development.

Liggett Knight, the school’s annual fall fundraiser, also set records for participation and in funds raised- approximately $195,000. Additionally, Liggett’s Spring Raffle brought in another $67,000. 

Fundraising efforts were reached thanks to donations from students, their family and friends, alumni as well as local and national businesses.

Discussing improvements that the Annual Fund has made possible, Bernas said, "In the past year, it’s helped us purchase and install more Smart boards, purchase iPads and Chromebooks for students to use in the classroom, purchase video conferencing equipment to connect with other students and teachers around the world, and enhance our WiFi network."

Liggett has also been able to expand its academic and co-curricular programming to include a robotics team, strings program, an after-school learning enrichment group and more. 

While in the school's athletics division, money raised has supported the purchasing of new uniforms and equipment, transportation to and from athletic events as well as compensation for coaches. 

Bernas also notes that the Fund also assists in outdoor education and experimental learning for students, offered at spots such as Camp Tamarack, the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House and even Chicago.

"It has helped bring in guest speakers, provide opportunities for faculty development and enrichment, and overall campus improvements and maintenance," he adds.

The Annual Fund was created to make up the difference for educational costs that tuition does not cover, approximately 20 percent. Each year, a goal is set by the school and this year's target - $1.15 million - was the highest ever, with more donors than ever before.

Every member of the school’s faculty and staff, 81 percent of parents of students and 17 percent of alumni – up by more than 6 percentage points over recent years – made donations to the fund. 

University Liggett School is located at 1045 Cook Road in Grosse Pointe Woods. For more information on the school and its upcoming fundraisers, visit www.uls.org.