Gateways Board of Trustees Meeting December 9, 2024
Development and Communications Pre-Read Packet
A few general Development updates… and then all things Sweet Sounds!
1) We are pleased to share our current FY25 fundraising status: FY25 Fundraising Projections through 12/4/2024
2) Last week, Gateways promoted its second annual “Day of Gratitude,” foregoing the standard “Giving Tuesday” campaign to focus instead on expressing gratitude for our community. This year, we highlighted impactful quotes from families of B’nei Mitzvah students and Day School students- the focal points of the last two Sweet Sounds events. A copy of the email is included in this packet.
3) The Development Committee met on December 4. We strategized regarding post-Sweet Sounds stewardship efforts and segmenting donors into outreach categories, including new and prospective Host Committee members, and individuals who donated, but did not attend the event.
4) We are planning a Gateways Gathering event (also known as a parlor meeting) in January, to be hosted by Linda Sternberg. Ali Shwartz, our Mental Health Specialist, will be a speaker at the event.
Sweet Sounds 2024 was a wonderful success! Please see the attached sheets for:
• A by-the-numbers look at the impact of your outreach
• Event highlights and successes
• Plus, be sure to check your email and our Facebook page for tons of newly posted event photos!
Here are two questions to consider before the meeting for discussion:
1) Reflecting upon our three event goals*, how effectively do you think the goals were communicated during Sweet Sounds?
The three Sweet Sounds event goals:
• Making day schools more accessible to numerous students and families because of educational and mental health services and support.
• Enriching the broader day school environment because of a more diverse student body and broad inclusion programs.
• Fostering lasting connections to the Jewish community through nurturing Jewish education and engagement among all students.
2) In considering the themes of the three most recent Sweet Sounds events:
• 2024: Paving the Way to Jewish Day School
• 2023: 100 Gateways B’ Mitzvah Celebrations
• 2022: Mental Health Impact What ideas would you suggest for featured themes or honorees in the coming years?
Finally, please feel free to share any specific Sweet Sounds feedback with Amy or Jamie Perelman. Thank you!
OUTREACH + IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
18
Board + Committee Members, Co-Chairs, and Gateways staff wrote notes and reached out to friends and family via email, social media, and more.
77
489
members of the Gateways community received personalized outreach for Sweet Sounds.
114
donors benefited from personalized outreach and stewardship. people from this outreach effort attended Sweet Sounds on November 17th.
$467,096
raised in pledges and donations from Gateways supporters who received personalized outreach.
