The Energy of the Young and Philanthropy

My former Head of School, a man with a sincere love for his job, often remarked that when an educator is not excited about innovative initiatives or is reluctant at the start of a new academic year, it is time to resign. Fortunately for his school community he is still there. After forty years, I am amazed daily at the energy of youth - their yearning for information, their zeal to make the world a better place. At Cardin, I smile every day listening (eavesdropping?) to conversations and observing students in their classes.


It is not unusual for high school students to attempt to raise money for causes, be it athletics, a school trip or something about which they are passionate. So too, at Cardin, you can find coffee, juice, bagels and donuts for sale most mornings. In this case, however the cause is unique. Families may be aware of our involvement in ROPE (Roots of Philanthropic Education) a project of RAVSAK, The Jewish Community Day School Network. One of six schools selected nationally,our group has spent the year learning how and why Jewish tradition has mandated philanthropic giving for thousands of years. They have come to know the impact of this tradition for them in today’s world and have gradually begun to develop knowledge of effective methods of fundraising. They are working collaboratively (via conference calls and the Internet) with Jewish teens in other states to identify and support causes of their own choosing. Visits by a number of local philanthropists who have shared their own experiences, helped them learn to approach donors independently. Our group is truly devoted to this project.

This year the theme for Project ROPE is Disadvantaged Youth. In the coming weeks, our students will make visits to a number of foundations and individuals, asking for further support. Having raised funds from the breakfast sales and a few other smaller outreach efforts, they will be confident asking for contributions, knowing their roots and having had the experience of trying to solicit funds from their peers.

You ask, I am sure, what this has to do with loving life in a school after so many years. To me, it is the simple joy of seeing a new generation learning important life lessons, knowing that their experience at Cardin is impacting the world beyond our walls. If you are in the neighborhood, drop in for breakfast!

~Marjorie R. Hoffman
Director of Development and Marketing