Friends of Tubman

Friends of Tubman is an all-volunteer group of parents and community members dedicated to making Harriet Tubman Elementary a great school for all students through fundraising and community outreach events.

Please subscribe to our mailing list to receive  information on upcoming fundraisers, community events, and to learn how to can get involved.

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Upcoming Events & Fundraisers

Spring Fling Gala Fundraiser

Spring Fling Save the Date Half Page

Volunteers Needed for Classroom Art Projects

As part of our spring gala, we auction off classroom art projects each year. It's a fun way to get classes to collaborate on a fantastic art piece and raise money for our school! Projects range the gamut and NO art experience is necessary to volunteer in your student's classroom.

We're looking for two volunteers per class to organize and help create the classroom art. You can also collaborate with your grade's other classroom. You'll need to plan the project and provide supplies (some reimbursement from FOT may be available), coordinate with your teacher to set up a time, and volunteer with the kids. It's a great way to enjoy time in your student's classroom! If you're interested, please sign up at the link here.

A volunteer meeting via Zoom will be set up after Spring Break to discuss further details.

Help with the Auction

This year's silent auction will run May 1-11, 2024 and we need your help securing fun and fantastic items to be bid on!

Do you have something you might like to donate? Please complete this form to share the item or experience.

Would you like to help with outreach to businesses to secure auction items? Please email Karla by clicking this link.

If you have any questions, please reach out to friendsoftubman@gmail.com. Thank you for your continued generosity and support, we are excited to build an amazing silent auction to support our school.

Spirit Wear Store Coming Soon

Our spring Spirit Wear store will be open from April 8-19 with lots of new items for spring and summer! Grab some new gear to show your Tubman pride!

I HEART Tubman Pledge Drive

Thank you to our incredible community for showing your Tubman love and support during our Annual Pledge Drive. We raised just under $22,000, important funds for our school, and had a lot of fun.

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17th Annual Tubman Fun Run - Thank you!

FINAL FUN RUN FIXED BANNER

We set an aggressive goal to raise $40,000 during our 17th Annual Tubman Fun Run and we are thrilled to report that we raised CLOSE TO $50,000!! These important funds will go to supporting our school with technology upgrades and teacher professional development. Thank you to our students, teachers, staff, families, community, sponsors and more for your support! Whether on the glow in the dark track or in the color run, our students had a BLAST on race day!

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Ongoing Fundraising

Thank you to all our generous donors over the years. We are so grateful for all the support. To donate to our GENERAL FUND, please follow the link.

Assistance Program Fund

FOT is pleased to announce our second annual school Assistance Program Fund aimed at supporting our entire school community; both staff and families.

This fund has been created by both FOT & Administration with the goal of supporting families who have been suffering financial hardships during these unprecedented times. The fund aims to offer immediate assistance with various items and services such as:

  • Emergency food, clothing and household items
  • School supplies

Any additional items not specifically addressed above will be looked at on a case by case basis.

ALL REQUESTS WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL.

For more information and to receive immediate support, please email: assistanceprogramfund@gmail.com

For those who would like to donate to this fund:

CLICK  HERE  TO DONATE TO THIS FUND.

About Friends of Tubman

Accomplishments

FOT has provided financial support for a number of initiatives that would have otherwise been cut due to budget constraints.

Membership

All parents and community members are welcome and encouraged to join Friends of Tubman. Your participation, support and ideas can help shape Harriet Tubman Elementary into the school you want it to be.
All meetings will be on Zoom for the foreseeable future. A link will be emailed prior to each meeting.

Meeting dates for the 2023/2024 year:

  • September 28
  • October 19
  • November 16
  • January 25
  • February 29
  • March 21
  • April 25
  • May 30 - Annual Elections

For more information, please contact FOT President, Patti Lenkov

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Strategic Plan for Fundraising

In the last 5 years, we have raised over $500,000, which helps cover CPS budget gaps, strengthen our diverse community and support the school’s Strategic Plan for Fundraising. Tubman Elementary School’s fundraising goals are all directed towards supporting the Continuous Improvement Work Plan and the school vision and mission.

Short-term goals include funding arts, drama and dance programming, as well as supporting vital staff positions, investing in classroom technology, providing science lab supplies and repairing playground equipment. Long-term goals include renovating the gymnasium/auditorium.

Fundraising Initiatives

FOT supports our school with a variety of fundraisers and community events throughout the school year. See below for info on our annual fundraisers.

Each fall, the Fun Run, now in its 17th year, encourages family, friends and neighbors to sponsor students while highlighting our school's commitment to healthy habits. The 2023 Fun Run fall fundraiser, raised close to $50,000

In winter, the I ♥ IB Bulldogs Pledge Drive gives families the chance to show their appreciation for the school and what they love most. Families are encouraged to donate any amount they're comfortable with, whether it's a one-time amount or monthly.

Spring is host to two fundraisers: the Online Auction and Gala. The annual auction gives school families, their friends and neighbors across Chicago, plus over 300,000 bidders nationwide, the chance to bid on great items while supporting our school. The Spring Gala is an adults-only night full of fun, bidding and refreshments held in Chicago. Our 2022 Gala raised over $50,000.

Community outreach events include monthly Dining nights at popular area restaurants, with a portion of proceeds going to the school. It's a delicious way to support local businesses while benefiting our neighborhood school. Past participants include Lou Malnati's, Panera, McDonalds, Potbelly, Chipotle, Pockets and DMK Burger.

FYI from FOT Newsletters

Board Members

Patti Lenkov

President

friendsoftubman@gmail.com

Charlotte Thoresen

Vice President

Sandra Minea

Treasurer

Ana Gallardo

Tara Karmin

Nicholette Maggio

Brittany Kersey

Erin Studenka

Karla Lombardi

Friends of Tubman is an all-volunteer group of parents and community members dedicated to making Harriet Tubman Elementary a great school for all students through fundraising and community outreach events. Friends of Tubman operates independently of the school as a non-profit 501(c)(3).

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