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.
Thank you to all of our generous donors. We are so grateful for all the support over the years. Donations to our General Fund are enthusiastically accepted anytime.
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
Popcorn Friday is Back!
See all the delicious details about this favorite fundraiser in the flyer below and click here to sign up for a subscription now! Popping begins September 20th.
Our Popcorn Friday popping crew is looking for volunteers! We pop popcorn and deliver to classrooms. No experience necessary. Laughs guaranteed. Click here to volunteer!. Note that all volunteers must be approved CPS Level 2 volunteer (it's easy and quick, don't worry!). Volunteer information can be found here.
18th Annual Fun Run Registration Open
The 18th Annual Fun Run is coming up on October 4th so get a head start by registering your student, sharing and donating today! Our goal is to raise $40,000 for CPS budget shortfalls in the areas of curriculum, staffing and technology. Signing up is easy and free and each student will receive one FREE PIZZA gift certificate from Lou Malnati’s simply for registering; register today at MYBOOSTER.COM.
Congratulations to sixth grader Zuley Alvarez who had the winning design for the 18th Annual Fun Run official t-shirt that all students and staff will wear on race day. Thank you to students for entering and voting!
More information, including nightly challenges, will be coming soon as we count down to the 18th Annual Fun Run on October 4th! Friends of Tubman appreciates ALL forms of support, whether it's through volunteering, financial donation, or by spreading the word about our school and events.
Whew, WHAT A YEAR!
We kicked off the school year with a fun and welcoming Back to School Bash and quickly jumped into raising essential funds with the 17th Annual Fun Run which was glowing and colorful. Hot chocolate and churros after drop off helped us usher in Hispanic Heritage Month. Rain did not dampen the HallaBOOlooza Fall Fest where games, prizes and candy were aplenty for the broader community. We came together to celebrate and give back to our community at the Winterland Wishes event and students shopped 'til they dropped at the Penguin Holiday Shop. The Pledge Drive allowed us to share all the reasons that We HEART Tubman while raising money for the school we love and our Movie Night was extra special with the new sound system and screens. We blasted off to celebrate our out of this world teachers and staff throughout Teachers Appreciation Week and gathered for an incredible Spring Fling Fundraiser and Auction which raised critical funds.
Along the way, we dined together and at home at delicious restaurants to benefit Tubman, supported our school while catching a Chicago Wolves and Chicago Fire game and enjoyed informal community gatherings with staff. The smell of popcorn filled the halls every Friday, we debuted new Spirit Wear designs and provided new lawn signs and magnets to show Tubman pride. Popsicle treats were provided during an extra hot first week of school, to celebrate the Eclipse and on Field Day.
Our three large fundraisers brought in over $125,000. The money raised for the Middle School Travel fund ensured that all 8th graders that wanted to enjoyed a once in a lifetime trip to Boston. And we brought our community together in so many fun and different ways. None of this could have been possible without the support of our incredible community, our volunteers, administration, teachers and staff and LSC. We look forward to more this fall!
Ongoing Fundraising
Thank you to all our generous donors over the years. We are so grateful for all the support. Donations to our General Fund are enthusiastically accepted anytime. Please click here to donate now.
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
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 2024/2025 year:
Friends of Tubman holds monthly meetings that are open to all members of the community. All meetings are scheduled for 6pm via Zoom unless noted below.
August 29, 2024 (8am at Tubman and via Zoom)
September 19, 2024 (8am at Tubman and via Zoom)
October 17, 2024
November 21, 2024 (8am at Tubman and via Zoom)
December 19, 2024
January 16, 2025
February 20, 2025
March 20, 2025
April 17, 2025
May 22, 2025
For more information, please contact FOT President, Charlotte Thoresen
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.
Friends of Tubman Board
Nicholette Maggio
Vice President
Sandra Minea
Treasurer
Erin Studenka
Secretary
Tara Karmin
Karla Lombardi
Brittany Kersey
Ana Gallardo
Becky Abramowitz
Friends of Tubman Patti Lenkov Community Award
We are thrilled to share creation of the Friends of Tubman Patti Lenkov Community Award and announce the 2024 award winner who was recognized at graduation last week
Over her 15 years as a Tubman parent, Patti has given innumerable hours to the Tubman community in a multitude of roles, including serving as the President of Friends of Tubman for the last seven years. Patti’s legacy is one of service, community building, inclusivity, collaboration and leadership for Tubman.
The Friends of Tubman Patti Lenkov Community Award recognizes one graduating student who epitomizes these values and has contributed to strengthening the Tubman school community, inside and outside of the classroom. The 2024 award winner is Ainsley Waguespack.
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).
