The Fotopoulos Family’s “Why” Behind Monthly Giving

Our family is now in our third year at this special school. When we moved across the country, we weren’t just looking for a house or a church, we were looking for a place where our children would be known, loved, and nurtured in faith. The moment we walked through The Christ School’s doors, we knew: this was home.

In our first year, we were introduced to the Annual Fund. Honestly, it was a new concept for us. At our previous school, fundraising meant countless events: craft fairs, fun runs, bake sales, and more. I don’t know about you, but I don’t always carry cash, which often meant running to the ATM just to participate. The Annual Fund at TCS is different. It simplifies giving while amplifying impact. To me, it feels like a warm hug from your grandmother or walking into her kitchen just as your favorite cookies come out of the oven. It’s all those “extra touches” that make our school experience so special.

The Annual Fund supports things that directly touch our children’s lives every day: supplies for classrooms (I’ll never miss scrambling through big-box stores hunting for glue sticks that dry clear, not purple!), field trips, and the countless little details that enrich our children’s education both in the classroom and beyond.

Another thing I quickly learned: participation matters. The more families who contribute, the stronger our case is when applying for grants and outside funding. Simply put, when we all give, it opens the door for even greater resources for our children and teachers.

For our family, giving was an easy yes, and monthly giving made it even easier. I’m a planner and budgeter, so being able to pick an amount, set up autopay, and not think about it again was a gift. Those small monthly contributions add up to something big over the year. It’s our quiet way of saying, “TCS is our first priority when it comes to giving.”

I share this because I know not every family can write a big check today, but many of us can give steadily and faithfully in a way that grows over time. When we do it together, it can transform our school! By becoming a monthly donor, you’re not just checking the participation box, you’re truly moving the mission forward in meaningful ways.

We encourage you to join us in making TCS first in your charitable giving and to give your best gift, whether that’s $25, $50, or more each month. Together, as a community, we can do incredible things. 

With gratitude,
The Fotopoulos Family