PFA Gifts FWCD $175,000

Each year, FWCD’s Parent Faculty Association allocates the money raised through its yearlong fundraising initiatives. This year, the PFA gifted $175,000 back to The School in support of the following purchases: 

• A truck for Plant Operations.
• Backdrops for the Nutcracker ballet and three cello instruments for the Fine Arts Department
• New elements for the Falcon Challenge Course (Ropes Course) that allow the youngest Falcons to utilize this team-building space, making it an activity available to students in grades K-12, and the addition of 300 feet to the current zipline, making it 500 feet.
• A cookout area with a permanent structure with an inset grill for the Athletics Department (will be used for other School and class events), and a track mat, providing a designated area for pedestrians to cross over and protect the track surface from damage. 
• A sunshade for the Bryant Irvin Security guard booth. 
• Four additional refillable water coolers throughout campus.
• Financial assistance for PFA events such as Carnival, Bingo, Holiday Sale, and Homecoming Mums and Pajama Pants

“Every purchase of an admission ticket, raffle ticket, pumpkin, silent auction item, Holiday Sale treasure, or used uniform purchase adds up and allows the PFA to truly make a difference on campus,” said Katie Semple, 2024-25 PFA President. “The PFA allocation process is incredibly rewarding and a true highlight of leading this incredible organization.”

All funds raised go back to the School in the form of gifts, which are requested by all divisions and areas of the school. In the past, the PFA has donated a 65-passenger school bus, two security cars, calculators and computers for Breakthrough, an Academic Support Coordinator office in the new Lower School building, the electronic marquee by the Middle School Pond, Marley Dance Floor for the Ballet and Conservatory programs, the Lower School and kindergarten playground structures, bleachers with awnings for athletics, and more. 

This year’s allocations continue to make an impact. “The money awarded to the Falcon Challenge Course [Ropes Course] by the PFA allows us to grow and expand our experiential learning course, making it available to kindergarten through 12th grade students,” said Falcon Challenge Course Director Sara Teegarden. “With more opportunities and challenges for our littles, our work with team building, problem solving, working outside our comfort zone, and resiliency can be incorporated into each grade level!”

Chelsy Beninate, Assistant Head of School for Operations and Security, said, “The Plant Operations team covers many miles on lawnmowers, golf carts and vehicles. Still, none compare to the truck used daily to haul various items and retrieve needed materials from surrounding areas. The team will love and use the new-to-us truck from the PFA. We are so thankful to the PFA for recognizing and fulfilling a need without request. And stay tuned for some new graphics that will adorn both guard stations.”

The Athletics Department is grateful for PFA’s generosity. “The new cookout area will be a real community builder. It’s not just for football games -- I can see this area being used for other sporting events, Homecoming, Athletic Department cookouts, and advisory and class events,” said Athletic Director Leigh Block. “The track mats will help protect our track during soccer and lacrosse games. We have a terrific facility and want to keep it that way!”

Director of Fine Arts Lindy Heath is thrilled for the Fine Arts Department. “The PFA has allowed us to offer our students new instruments to play as they learn. We were in great need of cellos and wanted not to have to move instruments from the Middle School orchestra room to the Upper School room in the outdoor elements. This gift is amazing for our orchestra students.

“To have our very own backdrops for The Nutcracker is not only a beautiful boost to the performance itself, but they will save us money from renting them each year,” Heath continued. “The backdrops are being designed specially for our space and our production. It will take this production to the next level and give it a uniqueness that is only FWCD’s. Please join us in December to see this gift!” 

Thanks to the generosity and dedication of the PFA and the FWCD community, this year’s allocations meet practical needs and enhance the student experience across all divisions. Whether expanding access to outdoor learning, supporting the arts, upgrading facilities, or providing moments of joy through community events, every dollar raised has a lasting impact. The PFA’s gifts are more than purchases – they are investments in connection, creativity and care that fuel the FWCD spirit.