Light the Way A Spectacular Success

The $7.5 million raised is a reflection of the commitment that our families, grandparents, alumni and friends have made to the individuals that we are shaping at Brooklyn Friends School.

On Thursday October 27th, the community gathered together to celebrate the completion of our most successful philanthropic initiative to date – the Light the Way capital campaign. Comprehensive giving to the Brooklyn Friends Fund, annual galas and capital gifts Light the way was a three year initiative that raised over $7.5million to support the school’s programming, our faculty, our commitment to financial aid and, of course in support of the new Upper School.

While the rain fell and the wind blew outside, inside warm 116 Lawrence Street, friends gathered together to congratulate one another on our success. Karen Edelman, Director of Advancement thanked the capital campaign cabinet, and parent chairs, Mark and Allison Dunn for their leadership. She stated that the gifts that were given to help build this beautiful building that we are currently standing in is a reflection of the commitment and the dedication that our families, that are grandparents, that our alumni and friends have in the kind of individual that we are shaping at Brooklyn Friends.

Allison spoke of the passion that she and Mark have for the values that Brooklyn Friends instills in our students and how their sons have thrived here over the last several years. It has been their privilege to lead this philanthropic effort.

A special treat of the night was the surprise appearance of two members of our community. Mike Philips, is a former parent, a current grandparent, and was the clerk of the School Committee (Board of Trustees) when the school’s last major real estate decision was made – to purchase 375 Pearl Street. In addition, Kenneth Lightell, former head of the Middle School, was visiting from North Carolina. Ken was instrumental in creating a strong Middle School program, one that is thriving today. Dr. Larry Weiss had the honor of welcoming them both and highlighting their role in the past that has made BFS a success today.

Larry concluded the evening by reflecting on the past 150 years while setting the stage for the next 150 – a task that everyone seems up for!