Annual Reports 2020 Annual Report
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A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT I remember sitting in my sophomore English class at Central learning with hands-on activities in real-world scenarios. support for Central High School, the Foundation provided High School and reading Charles Dickens’ novel, A Tale of Two emergency funding to Central staff and families, developed a Cities. The classic line stuck in my memory: “It was the best This is just a glimpse of what the Central High School Resume Support program for alumni who were looking for jobs, of times, it was the worst of times.” I’m pretty sure I even used Foundation did this past year to ensure that all Central students created a virtual Senior Recognition Ceremony, completed its that sentence as the attention-grabber on my theme! Well, The continued to have a four-year academic experience grounded most successful Omaha Gives ever, supported current students Central High School Foundation’s 2019-2020 year harkens back in a traditional college prep curriculum, supplemented with and alumni with career and college selection guidance, created to that same phrase: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of experiential learning. I can assure you these opportunities do and provided real-time virtual class reunions, and developed times.” As I finish my first year as the President of the Central not happen at Central High School without the Central High and implemented digital engagement opportunities to keep us High School Foundation Board of Directors, I know I have School Foundation. all close together in a new era of social distancing. Talk about gained a tremendous appreciation for the Foundation’s work in the tough getting going! The work of the Central High School keeping Omaha Central High School strong and prosperous The Worst of Times Foundation shows us why Central High School, even in the during an unpredictable year; a year that had both the best of During its 161 years, Central High School has seen its share of worst of times, continues to be an example of the finest public times, the worst of times, and everything in between. tough and unprecedented events. Wars, recessions, depressions, education in the country. pandemics, droughts, floods, social unrest, and other events The Best of Times too numerous to mention. Every historic event has challenged I know our current challenges won’t be soon forgotten. I would This past year, the Central High School Foundation has Central in ways that most of us can’t fathom; oh, if those halls like to thank each of you for your support of the Central High worked hard to ensure that the educational opportunities and could talk! Yet, Central has prevailed. In my mind, Omaha’s School Foundation in the best of times. I also hope that you experiences Central offers its students continue. In 2019, we original high school is the poster child for the old adage: “when will continue to support the Foundation in the worst of times. unveiled a 45,000 square foot Arts and Library Addition. This the going gets tough - the tough get going.” This also applies Regardless of whether it is the best of times or the worst of building addition was developed, funded, and constructed by to the Central High School Foundation in how it handled the times, The Central High School Foundation and its Board of Eagle donors, alumni, and community supporters. The Central COVID-19 health crisis while staying committed to supporting Directors are dedicated to Omaha Central High School and its High School Foundation also awarded more than 50 classroom Central High School. future success as one of America’s premier legacy public high grants in the 2019-2020 school year. These classroom grants schools. included new equipment for JROTC, new technology for a When the pandemic pushed Omaha Public Schools to close “When going gets tough-the tough get going” student-operated podcast, support for the production of the the classrooms of Central, the Central High School Foundation GO EAGLES! musical and the annual Road Show, a practice space for the toughened up and got going! Instead of shutting its doors, swim team, a mixed-ability Inclusive Sports Camp, entry the Foundation became a conduit for the Eagle community. It fees for Math Club competitions, free ACT prep courses for became a support system to help the school, its administration, students with economic need, and much more. Each of these teachers, students, parents and alumni navigate the challenging opportunities helped students support their social and academic times. Taking on an unexpected role to provide pandemic Rob Likes, CHS 1991, Board President BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rob Likes Rusty Crossman, M.D. ABOUT US CHS 1991, President CHS 1966 Mike Lebens Matt Darling CHS 1970, Vice President CHS 1999 The Central High School Foundation was established in 1996 to provide support for present and future Central Keith Bigsby, Ed.D. Andy Haggart High School students to ensure that the tradition of Principal Emeritus, Secretary CHS 1988 excellence continues. Contributions of time, energy, and resources are essential to preserving and enhancing the Matt Aden Kristie Hayes, M.D. timeless values of a Central High School education. The CHS 1974, Treasurer CHS 1973 Central High School Foundation supports the school through a variety of activities, including alumni relations, Ed Bennett, Ed.D. Merrilee Moshier Miller Principal CHS 1966 fundraising, grant writing, student scholarships, capital projects, class reunions, and teacher and classroom grants. Julie Cobb Harley Schrager The Mastercraft The Central High School Foundation is a Nebraska Parent CHS 1965 1111 N 13th Street Suite 318 Omaha, NE 68102-4252 non-profit corporation qualified under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, donations to which are FOUNDATION OFFICE 402-556-1996 www.chsfomaha.org tax-deductible. Michele Roberts Ali Hodge Executive Director CHS 2009, Digital Engagement Erika Buffington Foundation Operations Josh Bucy Joanne Wagner Givens fb.com/chsfomaha @chsfomaha @chsfomaha @chsfomaha Communications & Database CHS1968, Finance 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2 A NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR On behalf of the Omaha Central High School Foundation us for assistance. We then developed the Resume Support It is during times like these that the support of our donors Board of Directors, the Foundation staff, and myself, I hope Program, connecting volunteer Central teachers with Eagles and alumni makes the most impact to help us sustain our this letter finds you and your loved ones safe and well. who found themselves in need of updating their resumes. “Tradition of Excellence.” We are so grateful for you, and your After making the decision to cancel our spring fundraiser, we continued support of Central High School. We are all in this The title of this year’s Annual Report, “Strength in invested our energy and strength into OmahaGives. Facing a together, strengthened by our Eagle community. Community,” is the perfect phrase for how the Omaha steep financial challenge, we leaned on our Eagle community Central High School Foundation has leaned into this year. and they showed up in huge numbers! The 2020 Central Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle, Due to COVID-19, in March, the school year came to an High Foundation OmahaGives set a record for both the abrupt halt. Central High School’s spring sports, prom, number of donors and amount of money raised for Central Senior Recognition Night, the 2020 graduation ceremony, High School in a 24-hour period. We were very humbled, Executive Director the Purple Feather ceremony, and a host of other spring and thankful, and inspired that our supporters are so passionate Michele Roberts, year-end activities ended in the same fashion. As I write about the important role the Foundation plays to support this letter, we now find ourselves beginning the 2020-2021 Central High School. school year with virtual learning. Although this is not how we wished to end last school year or begin this one, we, As we move forward with our current “new reality” of 2019-20 STATEMENT OF like you, are confronting these unique times with a positive limited personal and face-to-face interaction, please know attitude and a problem-solving mentality. we are developing and implementing creative ways to keep FINANCIAL POSITION connected with all of our Eagles. We have developed virtual During Central’s 160 years – and counting - our school engagement opportunities that include our Zero Hour ASSETS has seen its share of tough and unprecedented events: The Masterclass Series, Affinity Reunions, our podcast, “Eagle Cash and cash equivalents $1,582,891 Great Depression, World War II, the nuclear arms race, Tales,” and our blog, “The Quill and Feather.” These virtual Certificates of deposit $250,000 the Vietnam War, the economic crash of 2008, and much initiatives are just a few ways in which we are working to Deposits $600 Investments and cash restricted for endowment $3,905,809 more. These times put great strain on our school and our connect you to your alma mater as well as your classmates. Total Assets $5,739,300 community, just as COVID-19 does today. But Omaha On page 4 you will find out how to register for these great Central has withstood, and, rest assured, it will meet the events! LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS recent trials and tribulations just as successfully. It is the LIABILITIES strength of our community that will carry us forward! As the Central High School Foundation and Central High Bridge loan for capital campaign $2,652,859 School work through our current challenges, I want you NET ASSETS Following in the footsteps of resilient Eagles that came to know that I appreciate your continued support. Central Without donor restrictions - ($641,761) before us, The Central High School Foundation chose continues to be confronted with the same important With donor restrictions to find the silver linings in today’s challenging times.