HISTORY OF THE ENDOWMENT

HISTORY

PRIDE was formed in 1995 when the local school board recognized the potential in developing an educational foundation. Later that year, the PRIDE Board was established with the following individuals serving as members: Rollin Arnett, Donna Cokel, Jim Gleich, Gary Lewis, Betty Menold, Ann Sterr, Kris Warren, Vickie Clark, Dave Gibbs, Tom Kelley, Addy Mansfield, Mike Menold, Dave Stoner, and Dave Messersmith.

ORIGINAL FUNDRAISING GOALS OF PRIDE

The original goal was to establish an endowment that would earn enough income to provide $25 per student per year of funding. At that time, with a student population of approximately 700, this amounted to a goal of annual earnings of $17,500. It was calculated that at a low-risk interest rate of 5%, a principal of $350,000 would be needed. The original board members of Pride set a goal to have an endowment worth $350,000 in place by the year 2000.

For the first three years, all donations and interest earnings were put back into the endowment. Money was raised through personal contacts, public meetings, and via a mail campaign targeting alumni and school district addresses. The money was mainly invested in certificates of deposit. Although the endowment has been a tremendous accomplishment, PRIDE hasn't reached its original goal. In 2007 total assets in the endowment totaled $207,982.