“The most valuable people in life are those who take the least but give the most.” By
How do we determine the value of our support to the Copey Learning Center?
As reported in the two prior Posts, part of the value is determined by our volunteer service which accounts for many individuals and significant contributions of time and talent. The other means of determining our value to the Copey Learning Center is related to our direct financial support. Each year, Friends are reminded that our financial support is to supplement the center’s efforts to provide English education for the students residing in the Copey community. Our primary efforts fall into three major categories; The Anne G. Broady Scholarship Fund, Executive Director’s Salary Support, and the Pathway Project.
The following is an accounting of our 2023 performance in each category.
The Anne G. Broady Scholarship Fund (AGBSF)
The fundraising campaign goal of $1,800.00 was set to support the tuition needs of students desiring to attend the Copey Learning
Center. The campaign was successful with $1,930.00 raised. On average, each student in need could receive $100.00 towards their enrollment tuition costs. Generally, the full tuition is less than $200.00 per student for the year.
We are excited to have the ability and ongoing support from Friends. This scholarship fund was part of the original mission when Friends of Copey began in 2013. The total amount of scholarship funds raised over the ten years is nearly $20,000.00.
The Executive Director’s Salary Support (EDSS)
The fundraising campaign goal of $2,000.00 was set to support the salary of the center’s manager (Director) to conduct the day to day operations essential to achieve the center’s educational goals. Again, we successfully achieved our goal. The campaign raised $2,030 when the campaign ended.
This funding need was not part of our original mission in 2013. After a couple years, the need became obviously essential after recognizing the need for competent operational consistency.
Overview of Both Campaigns
This was an exceptionally good news year. The good news is our ongoing success for raising the funds needed to support the Copey Learning Center’s mission. This was our tenth year for providing financial support and many donors are thanked for the generosity shown.
It is uniquely challenging to financially support annually this rural community located in central America while depending on Friends living in over a dozen states and two or more countries. In reviewing this year’s donor’s list, nearly a third of the donations represented first time donors. This was remarkable and represents a real positive trend. However, it is also noted that nearly a third of the donors from the prior couple years did not respond this year. Therefore, our tenth year in my opinion was the most challenging year as we struggled to meet our goals. However, I do believe we are well positioned to meet the challenges of 2024’s fundraising efforts. Thank you both prior and new donors for pulling us across the finish line.
The Pathway Project Fundraising Campaign
Friends really enjoy supporting the Pathway Project and we had a dual purpose in 2023. Our plan was to conduct the Pathway Project as we
have successfully done in prior years. And, we included the purpose of celebrating our tenth year of support to the Copey Learning Center.
The dual purposed event was an amazing success. The funding support was exceptional and the non-financial support was over the top. In my opinion all things came together in a wonderful and magical way. We had two of the most dynamic Copey students to date on hand, an experienced chaperone on her third term with the Pathway Project, and a host of donors and experienced volunteers who joined together both forces and resources to make this year’s Pathway Project the best ever.
The initial financial goal was set at $4,400.00. This was the project cost we determined early on would be needed to support the transportation and related expenses for two Pathway Project students and their chaperone. The final results in cost was a total of $4,693.40. This was nearly $300.00 greater than the first cost estimate. The total amount raised was $4,750.00 which covered all expenses for the project. The extra funds raised were donated to the Copey Learning Center.
Final Comments…!
We do not want to overlook the fact that a few Friends provided financial assistance outside these established fundraising efforts. Such are typically special donations and often sent directly to the Copey Learning Center. My information indicates the total funding support provided in this fashion amounts to less than $500.00. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all financial support even if we are unable to assign the support directly to Friends of Copey.
I was with Arthur on his first trip to Copay. I also live here in Costa Rica. You have no idea the value these kids get from these volunteers teaching them English. It opens so many employment doors for them, because of the dependance on the tourist trade. Thanks Art, and keep up the good work.
It’s wonderful and impressive to see that the Friends of Copey met their fundraising goals in order to meet the needs of students and faculty. Congratulations on another successful year. It makes me happy to read this.