The Mountain Education Foundation (MEF) hosted its highly anticipated Celebration for Education (CFE) fundraiser and gala on February 3rd at the SMGCC. The sold out event at 250 tickets not only showcased the community’s commitment to Signal schools but also broke previous fundraising records with dollars raised and pledged that night. The online auction helped reach these new heights of success with a gross amount exceeding $41,000.
Parents, grandparents, community leaders and friends gathered to celebrate the future of Signal schools, embracing the Sky’s the Limit theme. From the harmonious blend of futuristic and elegant decor to the diverse menu of delectable dishes, the event was thoughtfully orchestrated for an unforgettable evening. Guests were treated to the talents of live music performances by Moon Slew and Supreme Cutlass, providing an experience that complemented the evening’s celebration of education and community unity.
The heart of the Celebration lay in the program from MEF Executive Director, Hilarie Robison. Guests gained deeper insights into the mission and impact of MEF’s endeavors, and it was during this time that an announcement of a groundbreaking milestone achievement was made. Robison revealed that the MEF Endowment has surpassed the crucial threshold, allowing the organization to initiate an annual draw of earned revenue beginning this school year. This draw is poised to cover all operating costs for MEF, ensuring that every donated penny to the Annual Fund directly impacts Signal students and schools!
Established in 1991, MEF has continually played a pivotal role in enhancing educational opportunities for the Signal Mountain community. The lifetime impact of MEF includes an impressive array of achievements, from providing $10 million to Signal schools to supporting more than 200 teacher salaries. MEF has not only been a financial supporter but has also served as a thought leader and model, showcasing best practices that are often scaled and replicated at other schools after being proven with MEF funding.
Over the past five years, MEF has showcased its commitment to forward-thinking and strategic planning, resulting in remarkable growth and impact, including:
- achieved forward funding to raise funds in advance of promising them, as expected by grantmaking organizations
- grants to schools have doubled
- average fundraising has nearly tripled
- MEF Endowment has more than quadrupled
- assets have increased by more than 400%
This extraordinary trajectory has led to the milestone announcement: the initiation of an annual draw from the MEF Endowment.
“This draw will cover all operating costs, ensuring that every dollar donated to the Annual Fund directly benefits Signal students and schools,” shared Hilarie Robison, Executive Director of MEF. “This milestone achievement places MEF in the enviable and rare position among nonprofits, where every penny raised goes directly to impact students and schools.”
As the announcement echoes, “Every dollar. Every year. Every student. Forever. This is Signal!” The achievement proudly signifies 0% overhead and 100% impact, showcasing the unity and strength of the Signal Mountain community. Together, the community is achieving something truly remarkable: building a legacy of education excellence with MEF as the driving force behind expanded opportunities for Signal students.
