Annual Fund Gala
Saturday, November 16, 2019
Parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of MPA gather each November to celebrate and support our school at the Annual Fund Gala, raising funds to support student programs, faculty professional development, financial assistance, and facilities improvements.
Thank you to everyone who made our 2018 event so special, including the Gala committee, our tremendous sponsors, and everyone who supports Morgan Park Academy!
Support the Annual Fund
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Four Pillars of Giving
Gift Clubs
Founders Circle - $10,000 plus
Headmasters Circle - $5,000 to $9,999
Benefactors Circle - $2,500 to $4,999
Laureate Circle - $1,000 to $2,499
Academy Partner - $500 to $999
Century Club - $100 to $499
Academy Friend - Up to $99
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The Global Scholars Advantage
We believe that growing and developing the Global Scholars program is critical to Morgan Park Academy’s goal of providing an exceptional college preparatory curriculum. A global approach requires academic innovation, inspirational speakers, thought-provoking field trips, life-changing service activities, and state-of-the-art technology. Not only does the Global Scholars initiative challenge students to become independent learners and global leaders, it inspires them to fulfill the ultimate promise of our mission: to make a positive difference in the world.
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World Class Faculty
We believe that as we advance our global approach to education, we must provide our faculty with opportunities to explore cutting-edge classroom initiatives. Investing in our faculty is key to sustaining high-quality academics. Bringing new ideas and instructional methods into the classroom encourages excellence and creativity in teaching and helps to ensure that we achieve our mission of preparing our students to succeed in college and in life.
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Sustainable Campus
We believe that environmental sustainability begins at home. We are committed to preserving and restoring our historic campus, becoming more energy efficient, redesigning classrooms for the 21st century, creating green spaces, and upgrading infrastructure and technologies. New signage, banners, outdoor lighting, and architectural landscaping on 111th Street will increase our visibility, further establishing the Academy as a beacon of academic excellence dedicated to serving the greater community.
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Passport to Excellence
We believe that an Academy education should be accessible to talented students regardless of financial circumstances. Our school’s commitment to diversity extends beyond cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity, to include socioeconomic and geographic diversity as well. Providing scholarships and financial assistance increases our ability to recruit talented students throughout the Chicagoland area, enriches the school community, and enhances our environment both inside and outside of the classroom.
FAQ
What is the Annual Fund Gala?
Our students are our inspiration and your donation is an acknowledgment of your belief in a Morgan Park Academy education. The Gala supports our Four Pillars of Giving!
What is the cost and how do I buy my tickets?
Tickets for the cocktail reception, dinner, and auction are $175. (Please note that approximately $100 of your ticket will directly benefit Morgan Park Academy’s Annual Giving Fund.)
What is the VIP reception?
Join the Board of Trustees and Head of School Mercedes Z. Sheppard for a wonderful reception in Hansen Hall to discover the new renovations happening in the building. The cost is $350 per VIP ticket.
What is an Altruistic Auction?
No material prizes are offered during an Altruistic Auction. Guests will be asked to raise their paddles in support of the Academy’s Four Pillars of Giving. The reward is the priceless feeling that comes from making a positive difference in the lives of Morgan Park Academy students and faculty.
How much money are you hoping to raise from this event?
This event kicks off our Annual Giving Fund pledge drive, and like last year, we hope to raise 50% of our $550,000 goal the night of the Gala. We also hope to achieve 100% participation from Academy families and 100% participation from alumni.
What if I’m unable to attend?
Even if you can’t make the event, you can still use this occasion to make your contribution to the Annual Giving Fund. Simply complete the Reply Card included with the invitation indicating your contribution. You can also stop by Hansen Hall and ask for Vincent Hermosilla or call him at 773-881-0667. Or donate online.
Is my gift tax deductible?
100% of your contribution to the Annual Giving Fund given during the Altruistic Auction is tax deductible. $100 of the cost for your ticket(s) is also tax deductible.
Do you accept matching gifts?
Absolutely! We encourage you to ask your employer if there is a matching gift program available. This is a wonderful way to make your contribution go even further in assisting Morgan Park Academy.
