“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” by Francis of Assisi (A repeat…!)
During a typical conversation with strangers about “Friends of Copey”, I am often asked about money or funds to support this project. I wish I had a more convincing response than the usual “we don’t have membership dues or we just call on people to help financially when needed”.
Year in and year out we consistently raise and spend less than $10,000.00 to honor our commitment to support the Copey Learning Center.
Again, this is true for 2019.
Annual Fund Raising Successes!
Each January we launched the dual fundraising campaign to support the Anne G. Broady Scholarship Fund and support for the Executive Director’s annual salary.
The Anne G. Broady Scholarship Fund goal was again set for 15 scholarships or $1,500.00. The actual amount raised with donations was $1,750.00. In addition to this scholarship success, we received a grant from a special friend:
“The Quido A. and Elizabeth H. Binda Foundation”
Based in Battle Creek, Michigan, the Quido A. and Elizabeth H. Binda Foundation provided a special grant of $500.00 to be applied to Copey Learning Center scholarships. We are very grateful for this one-time grant spearheaded by Robert and Cheryl Binda from Boise, Idaho.
The Executive Director’s Salary was set at $2,000.00 and was successfully achieved with a final total of $2,000.00. As in 2018, this goal was reached nearly a month earlier than planned.
Successful Financial Year for the Pathway Project!
The 2019 Pathway Project fundraising goal was originally set at $6,500.00 to cover round trip costs and related expenses from Copey, Costa Rica to the USA and back home for three students and one chaperone. In years past, we covered two students and two chaperones. 
In 2018 we paid an unusually high price for airline tickets and put forth efforts in 2019 to seek out better prices. Also, the addition of more “Friends” volunteering their time and involvement provided some additional reduced costs. These various and important in-kind support features allowed us to cautionously reduce the goal from $6,500.00 to $6,200.00.
The final cost of the “2019 Pathway Project” was $4,807.62 due to the extremely favorable prices paid for airline tickets. The total amount raised/spent represents an average of $1,202.00 per traveler on the “2019 Pathway Project”.
2019 Fundraising Summary
In Summary…for the entire 2019 year, a total of $8,558.00 was officially donated to meet our three major financial commitments in support of the mission of the Copey Learning Center. 
“Friends of Copey” does not impose membership fees or dues. We obtain and provide financial support only on a voluntary basis. And, we only raise funds we need!
“Friends” as financial donors are amazing and generous supporters. Without question, the continuation and longevity of the Copey Learning Center is in part due to the voluntary generosity most (or all) of the similar community based educational programs are lacking in Costa Rica.
Thank You!
Amazing work on the part of all Friends. Congratulations. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and all the best in 2020. Thanks for all you do, Scrapper.