The Auction is STM’s largest fundraiser. All proceeds go to HSA, St. Thomas More School’s parent-school association. While tuition pays for salaries, overhead and curriculum materials, HSA’s funds pay for the extras that enhance the classroom experience.

For example, HSA pays for:

1. Annual cultural enrichment programs – 3 programs/year for Pre-K through 4th grade and 3 programs/year for 5th-8th grades. This year’s programs are being presented by The Art Center.

2. NC Symphony trip for grades 3, 4 and 5.

3. Extracurricular activities such as Battle of the Books, Junior Great Books and Chess Club.

4. Annual teacher allowances ($250/year) to purchase materials specifically for their classrooms.

5. Teacher Appreciation Luncheon and birthday lunches.

6. School socials – Newcomers’ picnic and school dances.

7. Graduation breakfast.

HSA also pays for some of the capital improvements needed to make sure the environment in which our children learn is safe and updated such as new windows, lighting, carpeting, hot water heaters, and campus safety improvements; contributes 10% of its profits to tuition support; and donated $8000 to the ONE Campaign last year.

The money raised by all of the fundraisers, especially the Auction, will continue to fund many of the events described above. The need will be great in the upcoming years, however, as the HSA plans on helping to outfit the new facilities currently under construction.

So, I encourage you and your family to participate in the Auction – whether it is through volunteering your time, contributing to class gifts, attending the event itself, bidding on any of the wonderful Auction items or donating money to support this event. Each and every contribution – tangible or intangible – is critical to the continued excellence of this school and the enrichment of the children.