Giving News
2010-2011 Annual Report
Our 2010-2011 Annual Report is below. Thanks to all the donors who made this a great year!
Partygoers experience the extraordinary at KCDate
KCDate 2012 promised guests that they would experience the extraordinary, and this year's auction did not disappoint. The event was once again hosted in our new fine arts center, where guests enjoyed elegant decor, great food, and — of course — an evening of exciting bidding.
The silent auction process worked a little differently this year. Bidders used handheld touchscreen devices to make their bids, allowing them to track their items without moving from table to table. Guests reported that the devices made bidding easier and allowed them to spend more time with friends.
The live auction also offered something new this year. The Fund a Need section of the live auction allowed guests to support a specific need at KCD. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we raised over $20,000 for technology initiatives in less than ten minutes!
Thanks to Bluegrass Audi, this year's KCDate once again offered a chance to win either an Audi Q5 SUV, an Audi A5 Cabriolet convertible, or $40,000 in cash. This year's grand prize raffle winner was KCD alumna and former parent Lisa Sullivan Zaring, KCD class of 1979. Congratulations, Lisa!
Final numbers are still being tallied, but KCDate Director Sheri Nilsson reports that net proceeds from the event total about $160,000, making this one of the most successful fundraisers in years! These funds will be used to support crucial needs at KCD, such as technology initiatives and professional development for teachers.
An event of this scale would not be possible without the tireless dedication of our volunteers and sponsors. The event was managed by KCDate Director Sheri Nilsson; event co-chairs Wendy Anzalone, Amy Cimba, Monet Jaggers, and Kelly Wagner; and procurement chair Amy Lavin. This year’s presenting sponsors were former parents Steve and Amy Trager and Mike and Susan Vine of Bluegrass Audi. Thanks to all those who sponsored, volunteered, and supported KCDate by bidding!
Alumnus honored at Chair’s Reception
Lowry Watkins Jr., a 1964 graduate of KCD predecessor Aquinas Preparatory School, was presented with the Exceptional Service Award during the Chair’s Reception held in the Fine Arts Center on Friday. During the presentation, KCD Board Chair LouAnn Atlas said that, “Few, if any, have had as broad an impact on KCD as a result of their philanthropy. Over the years, Lowry has established endowments to benefit the tennis, baseball, and soccer programs, as well as the library.
He contributed to the construction of this theater by naming two seats, one in memory of his brother. Most recently, Lowry has established an endowment to provide a full scholarship, renewed annually, to a deserving student based on merit and need. In doing so, he has enriched the KCD experience for generations of students, and his generosity will make the KCD experience possible for students who wouldn’t otherwise have this sort of opportunity.”
Campaign leaders honored at annual Chair's Reception
The annual Chair's Reception was held on Friday, October 8. The reception served as the first event in KCD's new theater and assembly hall. Dick Clay and Gary Smith, co-chairs of the Expanding Horizons: Building Upon Excellence capital campaign, were presented with the Exceptional Service Award. In addition to their roles as chairs of the fundraising campaign, Mr. Clay and Mr. Smith are both past members of the KCD board of trustees and are recognized as community leaders. The Exceptional Service Award recognizes “ongoing development, advancement, and quality improvement to Kentucky Country Day School with the highest distinction.” Additionally, the reception provided an opportunity to thank our major donors to the campaign that provided the funds to build the new theater and assembly hall.
KCD holds ribbon-cutting ceremony for new performing arts center
At 10:00 am on Friday October 8, a new chapter in the life of KCD was opened. The school held a brief ribbon-cutting to celebrate the opening of the new, 25,000-square-foot performing arts center. The facility includes a 400-seat theater as well as additional classroom space. The new facility will host KCD's performing arts programs and provide a much-needed space where divisions can hold assemblies and host guest speakers.
In addition, the new classrooms will help make room for a growing student body. The school's population has grown by 200 students since 1998, when the Frazier Upper School was built. According to KCD Head of School Brad Lyman, the facility will provide a resource to local arts groups and will make KCD the "East End Center for the Arts."
The first major event that will take place in the new facility will be the Upper School play A Midsummer Night's Dream, which will take place October 21-23.
Read the Courier-Journal's coverage
KCD family endows professional development fund
Thanks to the generosity of Russ and Kathy Cox, we are pleased to announce the Cox Family Teacher Development Fund. This endowed fund will support teachers in the development of innovative teaching methods and will be awarded for the first time this spring.
