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.
Upcoming Events & Fundraisers
Spring Fling Gala Fundraiser
Take advantage of early bird pricing and purchase your tickets for the Friends of Tubman Spring Fling now! Join us for a fun evening of music, dancing, eating, drinking and of course bidding on some amazing auction items to support Tubman. Early bird pricing is available until 4/22.
Lakeshore Sport and Fitness will provide on-site care for children ages 3-10 years old for the fee of $45 per child. This will include trained staff to watch the children, organized activities and crafts and a pizza dinner. Limited amount of spots are available! Tickets and childcare can be purchased by clicking this link or the flyer below.
Hep with the Spring Fling Fundraiser
This year's Spring Fling gala silent auction will run May 1-11, 2024 and we need our community's help securing fun and fantastic items to be bid on! Please submit any items or experiences as soon as possible, by April 29.
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.
Host a Party!
Again this year, our spring event will feature "parent-hosted parties" as a silent auction offering. A parent/caregiver-hosted
Help with the Auction
Do you have something you might like to donate to the auction? A voucher or item from your business? Tickets to a sporting event? Wine package? A favorite restaurant willing to donate a gift certificate? Please complete this form to donate an auction item.
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.
Spring Spirit Wear Store Open Now
The spring Tubman Spirit Wear Store is now open through April 19th with exciting new designs and many styles to choose from.
Click here to view the store and order today!
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.
17th Annual Tubman Fun Run - Thank you!
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!
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
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
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).
