Tremendous progress distinguished the past decade at Millbrook School with the completion of Pulling Together, Phase I of the Master Plan designed and orchestrated by the Board of Trustees from 1992 through 2002. It was a quiet, yet vigorous campaign which raised $36 million for a variety of projects, most notably the construction of the Mills Athletic Center and the Holbrook Arts Center as well as the doubling of the school’s endowment.
Soon after that historic accomplishment for the school, Headmaster Drew Casertano and the Board of Trustees wasted no time in continuing their planning for Millbrook’s future enrichment. Their year-long planning process (2002-2003) resulted in establishing the next phase of financial development, named Pulling Forward, this time with a goal of raising an additional $40 million. Pulling Forward is off to a tremendous start, continuing to make strong and steady progress towards our $40 million goal. Commitments for bricks and mortar and endowment priorities currently total $12 million, and the Board of Trustees did approve the plans and figures for construction of a new Math and Science Center which was completed in the spring of 2008.
While funds are raised for these exciting projects, it is equally as essential to Millbrook’s financial health that the Annual Fund continues to grow. This support feeds the yearly operating budget including faculty salaries, financial aid, and the day-to-day operation of the campus. Thanks to alumni, parents, and friends, the Annual Fund saw robust growth during Pulling Together ($406,000 in 1992 to $778,000 in 2002), and even greater growth over the past few years. The Annual Fund surpassed the $1 million mark for the first time in 2004-2005 and, since that time, thanks to the generous support of our donors, the Fund grew to exceed $1,260,000 in 2008-2009.
The 1931 Society, in memory of Millbrook’s founders – Edward and Lucy Pulling - was also established in 2000 to pay tribute to those who have informed the school that they have made planned gift provisions for Millbrook. Thus far, the list has grown to nearly 100 forward-thinking individuals, those who have discovered how gratifying it is to be helping Millbrook School achieve its current goals while at the same time securing its long-term financial stability.
Millbrook is prepared to address present and future opportunities and challenges. We are so fortunate to have a large and dedicated force of alumni and parent volunteers who carry out their important roles with purpose and passion, and Millbrook School is forever indebted to them. As we look to the future of Millbrook School, we do so with optimism and purpose, and we count on the members of the Millbrook family to contribute in helping us fulfill its compelling mission in today's challenging times.
For further information about ways to support Millbrook School, please feel free to contact Director of Development Robert W. Anthony ’65 (845-677-6752 or ranthony@millbrook.org) at any time.