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
I HEART Tubman Annual Pledge Drive
Call to Auction
This year's silent auction will run May 13-23, 2023 and we need your help securing fun and fantastic items to be bid on! Do you have something in mind or know someone that may be able to donate? Please fill out this FORM to assist in our efforts to create an amazing silent auction to support our school. If you have any questions, please reach out to friendsoftubman@gmail.com. Thank you for your continued generosity and support!
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.
Fundraising with Amazon Smile
Please remember that the AmazonSmile app continues to help raise funds for our school and we have raised over $2000 thus far. If you're already signed up and supporting our organization, you will notice the charity name has automatically been changed to Friends of Tubman (our new name).
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 2022/2023 year:
- August 25
- September 29
- October 27
- December 1
- January 19
- February 23
- March 30
- April 27
- May 25 - 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.
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.
View the Tubman Strategic Plan here.
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 (formerly Walk-A-Thon), now in its 15th year, encourages family, friends and neighbors to sponsor students while highlighting our school's commitment to healthy habits. The 2021 Fun Run fall fundraiser, raised over $55,000.
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 500+ 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. Two years ago, both events brought in a total of $60,000. Last year's event was canceled due to the pandemic. We hope to be able to bring back our gala in 2022 and the online auction in 2023.
Community outreach events include monthly Dine Out nights (currently Dine IN 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
Alison McGannon
Vice President
Sandra Minea
Treasurer
Cindy Don
Secretary
Kim Beck
Erin Studenka
Dana Carman
Charlotte Thoresen
Nicholette Maggio
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).
