Chestertown, MD – COVID-19 has caused the Kent School campus to be closed at least through May 15, 2020. On March 18, distance learning was launched for all students. At that time, school administrators made the difficult decision to postpone the School’s Celebration Weekend, originally scheduled for April 3 & 4. The Celebration Weekend was to consist of a golf tournament on Friday, April 3 and fundraising auction and party on April 4.
Nancy Mugele, Head of Kent School said, “These events not only celebrate Kent School, but also raise a significant portion of our annual operating budget. Tuition Revenue does not cover the full cost of a Kent School education so we, like most independent schools, fundraise to bridge that gap. We are now thrilled to share that we will be moving this year’s Auction to a Virtual Event.” The Virtual Auction will take place, May 15 through May 17, with an online preview day scheduled for May 14. The School is still determining if it can host the Golf Tournament in June.
To participate in the Virtual Auction, bidders can text “Kent” to 71760 to view auction items beginning May 14. On May 15, bidders will be able to place bids, set a watch on an item, and set auto-bidding. You will even receive an alert when you are outbid. Guests do not have to register to view items. Kent School’s Virtual Auction is open to the public and there is no fee to participate.
Each year, Kent School designates one key initiative to fundraise for as part of their auction. This year, that initiative will strive to raise $15,000 in support of Kent School’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund to support the School’s families who own small businesses, such as restaurants and nail salons, and those parents have been laid off from their jobs. Mugele continued, “Our students and families need us more than ever right now, and financial assistance grant awards will provide needed support for them.”
Jen Matthews ‘01, Director of Development and Alumni Relations said, “Kent School created the COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Families to address these immediate financial hardships and obstacles facing families. Contributions to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Families will guarantee that we can continue to provide students with the teaching and learning that they deserve. We hope you can help.”
For more information, email Jen matthews at jmatthews@kentschool.org or please visit the Kent School website at https://www.kentschool.org/giving/golf–auction-weekend.
Kent School, located on the bank of the Chester River in historic Chestertown is an independent school serving boys and girls in Preschool through Grade Eight. Kent School’s mission is to guide our students in realizing their potential for academic, artistic, athletic, and moral excellence. Our school’s family-oriented, supportive, student-centered environment fosters the growth of honorable, responsible citizens for our country and our diverse world.
# ## #
~ Kent School