Guide to Giving & Getting Involved
As the chair of the Development Committee, I welcome you to be a part of our school community of giving—of time, talent, and treasure— and I sincerely thank you for your participation.
Every school year, we come together to demonstrate support for our exceptional school. Whether through volunteering as a Puma Fund Class Agent and supporting our annual fund, getting involved with the Parent Guardian Association, or assisting with UPrep Together, generous donors make contributions that support and expand upon the tremendous work consistently happening everywhere, from classrooms and intensive field trips to art spaces and athletic teams. Gifts of all sizes enhance opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and creativity—hallmarks of a UPrep education. Please join me in helping our Pumas experience all of UPrep’s offerings.
As we celebrate UPrep’s 50th anniversary, we are mindful of the many hands and resources that have shaped our school. This brochure outlines opportunities to share your gifts of financial support as well as ways to get involved through the Parent Guardian Association and development efforts. Your partnership truly makes a difference in the lives of our UPrep students, faculty, and staff.
With appreciation,
Charlie Frischer
UPrep Development Committee Chair
Parent of Ben ’26 and Graham ’27
GETTING INVOLVED
Parent Guardian Association (PGA)
With more than 50 active volunteer roles, the PGA is a great way to be involved in the UPrep community, stay informed about what’s going on at school, develop new connections, and make a difference across our school. PGA nominations and elections occur in late winter and spring (watch for information in the All-School Email), but ongoing support of our events and programs is needed and welcomed by several PGA committees. These opportunities are outlined below. Contact information for those who are in these positions can be found on the Veracross PGA Portal.
Class Reps: The coordinators for grade-level community-building events and some all-school events are often seeking helping hands for events. Contact your grade’s team of class reps.
School Spirit Committee: This committee engages families in fun and fosters family-wide Puma pride all year.
Fine Arts Committee: This committee supports all visual arts, theatre, and musical events and performances and invites families to help with event support.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: Assist with Puma Heritage Night and affinity group events that create connections and awareness in our community.
Community Service: This team hosts events and opportunities for families to give back to the Seattle community at large.
Sports Boosters: Promote attendance at sports events, assist with photography, encourage team spirit and unity, and plan and carry out senior celebrations.
Buddy Families Program: Welcome new families and help their transition to UPrep.
Other roles support specific departments, including Admission, Innovation and Outdoor Education, College Counseling, and Wellness. Save the date for the first general meeting of the year on Monday, September 8, or email development@universityprep.org to learn more.
PUMA FUND
Our annual Puma Fund benefits every student in our UPrep community and allows the school to respond to ever-changing needs in real time. The Puma Fund makes possible all of the co-curricular activities that help our students thrive and supplements financial aid packages. With a community goal of $1.3 million, we invite you to participate at a level that is meaningful to your family. This five-week drive kicks off on September 29, and you can make a gift or pledge anytime at supportuprep.org.
Challenge Match
Help us reach our goals of $1.3 million and 100 percent parent/guardian participation! With this match, the first 70 gifts of $3,500 or more will each be matched with $3,500, for an additional $245,000.
Early Participation Drawing: Seattle Kraken Tickets
This year, if you make a Puma Fund contribution within the first two weeks of the drive, you will be entered in a drawing to win two Seattle Kraken tickets in the Symetra Club on Saturday, December 6, at 7:00 p.m. For a chance to win, make your gift by Sunday, October 12!
PARENT/GUARDIAN ANNUAL FUND KICKOFF: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, FROM 5:00–5:45 P.M.
New to independent schools or curious what the annual fund is? All parents/guardians are invited to learn more at a brief reception. You’ll hear about the importance of the Puma Fund from Head of School Ronnie Codrington-Cazeau, Puma Fund Co-Chairs Moani Russell and Adam Jossem (parents of Elliot ’27) and Kristen and Dylan Cohon (parents of Naomi ’30), and Director of Development Liz Van Hoy.
PUMA FUND CLASS AGENTS
Each grade level has a small group of volunteers who reach out to invite participation in the Puma Fund. You can expect to hear from your Class Agent in early September. If you are interested in becoming a Class Agent in the future, email development@universityprep.org.
$30,000 - $49,999
$20,000 - $29,999
$10,000 - $19,999
$5,000 - $9,999
$2,500 - $4,999
UPREP TOGETHER: MARCH 14, 2026, AT FREMONT STUDIOS
UPrep Together, our annual spring community celebration and fundraiser, will take place at Fremont Studios on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Join us for a festive gathering with drinks, dinner, and a program highlighting UPrep’s impact on our community over the past 50 years—and its vision for the future. Funds raised at this event support endowed financial aid, which ensures that all students can fully participate in all aspects of UPrep’s educational experiences.
UPrep Together Planning Committee
Do you want to help plan our spring fundraising event? Volunteers help secure live-auction items, drive attendance, plan social media promotions, and develop the evening’s theme and program. To learn more, email development@universityprep.org.
INTRODUCING THE JUBILEE SOCIETY: A SPECIAL INVITATION FROM RONNIE
In celebration of our 50th anniversary, we are introducing The Jubilee Society: a giving society honoring donors who contribute $50,000 or more during the 2025-2026 school year to the Puma Fund and/or an endowed fund.
Members of The Jubilee Society are visionary supporters who recognize this milestone as a moment not only to reflect on our past, but to invest boldly in UPrep’s future and the people, places, and programs that have the most impact on the education we offer and the community we seek to build.
Donors at this level have the option of premier seating at UPrep Together and are invited to a special dinner at the home of a trustee with me and two faculty speakers who will lead a discussion on the topic of Civil Discourse at UPrep and Beyond on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
DONOR APPRECIATION CELEBRATIONS
To show our appreciation for our generous supporters, we will host three gratitude events during the 2025–2026 school year.
Ambassadors Night Out
Donors who contribute $5,000 or more to the Puma Fund in the fall will be invited to a hosted reception with the head of school and a faculty guest at the Nordic Heritage Museum on the evening of Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
Distinguished Donor Dinner
Donors who contribute $20,000 combined to the Puma Fund and UPrep Together will be invited to a private dinner with the head of school on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
Jubilee Society Salon
Donors who contribute $50,000 or more in total during the 2025–2026 school year will be invited to a special dinner gathering with the head of school and two faculty speakers who will lead a discussion on the topic of Civil Discourse at UPrep and Beyond on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the home of a trustee.
LET’S CONNECT: GIVING AND GETTING INVOLVED AT UPREP
This year, we’re offering families a new way to connect with the Development Office. If you’re curious about philanthropy at UPrep or looking for ways to volunteer and get involved, we’d love to chat.
Schedule a one-on-one conversation with our director or associate director to ask questions, share ideas, and learn how your engagement— through time, talent, and/or resources—can make a meaningful impact.
Scan the QR code to schedule a conversation. We look forward to connecting with you!
