While we are eager to build a tradition of giving at The Elon School it is actually continuing a tradition of giving that started over a century ago among people who believed children should receive an education, life skills development and a safe haven in which to learn and thrive. This continues today at The Elon School. Please read on!

Current economic conditions are affecting us all in many ways. Deciding how to give is no exception. In fact the choice of what to give can be important when determining how much you can give. If you and/or your advisors would like more information about optimizing your giving, please contact Jane Grosse to request a free booklet Giving Alternatives. She can be reached at jane.grosse@elonhomes.org. Please see Ways to Give for further information.

Historic Philanthropy Provides Start-up Funds for The Elon School
You might think The Elon School is void of history and tradition due to its young age but nothing could be further from the truth. The Elon School is a continuation of something special that started 102 years ago. We are the beneficiaries of a century of hard work, dedication and generous philanthropy from so many people - many of whom we do not even know.

Please join us in a brief journey through time*:
	It was 1892. Burlington was beginning to thrive as textile mills were founded and railcars were serviced. But this was still a difficult time for many families. Many children lived in need and many children needed homes. Mrs. J. P. Barrett gave 65 cents to build an orphanage and she collected an additional $4.50, making $5.15 as the sum on which the dream of a home for children was launched. There was no doubt that there was a need for such a facility in North Carolina. In the years that followed other families joined the cause. They raised the essential money needed to purchase land, build a facility and begin operations. As is noted in the history of the orphanage many children joined in this cause and donated money to help other children in peril.
	In 1907 a 14-year old girl walked through the door of the new orphanage in the town of Elon College which was built with funds raised from these generous and compassionate individuals. This launched a mission which in the next century would directly touch the lives of thousands of young people. As needs of children changed, the orphanage evolved into Elon Homes and Schools for Children and it has continued to serve new children and new opportunities throughout its 102 year journey. In 2006 the Board of Governors of Elon Homes and Schools for Children decided after two years of research to start an independent college preparatory high school in Alamance County on the site of the 1907 orphanage with funds available through its Foundation. The students today are now directly touched by this dream and vision that began over 102 years ago.
	*Elon Homes for Children A Centennial History 1907 - 2007 by Don Bolden.

An Unusual Founding of The Elon School
When an independent school is founded, in typical independent school tradition, it is through the efforts of interested families and community leaders who see a need to provide an alternative educational opportunity. Because there is no government money available to start an independent school it is also typical for these founders to invest significant upfront capital because they are starting from nothing but a dream and a conviction that something new is needed. However, our school was created in an entirely different way!

The existing Elon Homes and Schools for Children administration and board had the vision for The Elon School and the Foundation committed up to $7 million to this project. The intention of this capital is to:

	Prudently spend from the allocated principal (the "savings account") to fund the start up of the new school.
	Replenish the expended principal over time through philanthropic gifts and investment growth so that it will be available for future needs and to provide income to augment future operating budgets.
	Seek to partner with school families and additional community and regional individuals, businesses and foundations that have an interest in investing philanthropic dollars into this community resource and helping build the school.

Today's Need for Philanthropic Gifts
The most critical philanthropic need is consistent giving to The Annual Fund which helps to bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of an education at The Elon School. Gifts are also needed for the Commodore Club and other fundraising efforts which enhance school programming. These are critical to the school's success and to its future.