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.

'FYI from FOT' Mailing List

Upcoming Events & Fundraisers

Thank you to our 2021/2022 Donors and Sponsors!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Wow, what a night! Our spring gala event was a huge success and we could not have done it without the outstanding support of our amazing community! We are so grateful to you all for coming, bidding and buying, dancing, and helping us create our most fun and festive event yet! Special thanks to our Friends of Tubman gala committee, Patti Lenkov, Ali McGannon, Charlotte Thoresen, Lora Franz, Kimberly Beck, and Dana Carman, for planning and executing the event and auction. Thank you to our FOT board for additional support and input. A huge debt of gratitude to Heather Way Kitzes of Cubs Charities for attending and presenting our school with a $25K check that will go toward our new math curriculum and the professional development around it. Thank you to Lakeshore Sport and Fitness for hosting us and providing top-notch everything, and to our very generous sponsors, including Murphy's Bleachers, the UPS Store and all those who contributed! Special shout outs to our admin and staff members for coming out to join in the fun! We have the best school spirit around!

I ♥ Tubman 2022 Pledge Drive raised over $22,000!!

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.

Assistance Program fund flyer ENGLISH TUBMAN

Assistance Program fund flyer TUBMAN Spanish

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.

Donate Here

Fundraising with Amazon Smile

Also, 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).

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.

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.