Insight: The Annual Fund – One Community, One Purpose

By Vickie Baldwin, Director of Institutional Advancement

At Eastside Prep, our greatest strength is our community. The recent Fall Harvest event was a perfect reminder of the joy that comes from simply being together—parents, guardians, faculty, and staff connecting not for a purpose, but for the pleasure of community itself.

That same spirit of connection shines through in the incredible support for our Annual Fund. In recent years, 95–97% of EPS parents and guardians have participated—joining 100% of our faculty, staff, and Trustees! This extraordinary level of engagement reflects a shared belief in our mission and in the value of an Eastside Prep education.

The Annual Fund is our only fundraiser of the year, and every gift—no matter the size—has a meaningful impact. It directly supports the people, programs, and experiences that make EPS exceptional. Our philosophy on fundraising is simple: be straightforward, be transparent, and trust in the strength of our community. When we all contribute, we all make a difference.

Each year, I’m inspired by the reflections shared in our Annual Fund videos. If you didn’t have the chance to see this year’s video at a Head’s Table event, you can watch it here:

• Watch in English
• Ver en español
• 观看中文视频

And if you missed Sam’s “Avoid the Call” video—complete with face paint, neck bolts, and a spark or two—you can watch it HERE.

I hope you’ll join me in supporting the Annual Fund this year. Together, we continue to nurture a community grounded in care, clarity, and connection. Learn more and make your pledge at eastsideprep.org/giving.