A Season of Gratitude

We are entering the season of gratitude and reflection. The end of another year. We get to take stock of what we accomplished, were able “ to do” or reflect upon what “happened to us”. And of course look ahead to a new year, coming at us faster than many of us would like to see.

Reflecting upon 2024 so far brings up an overwhelming sense of gratitude for all that we have been able to accomplish together. For the folk school this year has surpassed nearly all goals and expectations. None of this growth happened by accident, but all of this growth happened because a whole lot of people ‘showed up’! For that we are grateful beyond words. But I’ll try anyway.

Hurray for Volunteers!!

We have always known that for the folk school to become successful in a sustainable way we would need a large, vibrant and passionate community of volunteers. 2024 was the year that you all really began showing up and leaning in.

We have had volunteers from the very beginning. But this year saw huge growth in the numbers of volunteers who raised a hand and came to help - often more than once, or twice or more! It is no coincidence that our explosive growth this year was mirrored in our growing volunteer corps.

So thank you, thank you. We know from other similar organizations that continued growth of volunteers will be critical to our continued success. Please watch for more opportunities to help us continue the momentum of building and enriching community for all!

Grants and Giving

Another fact of life for a non-profit organization such as ours is we can only develop and deliver our programming with financial support. That comes in many forms - Grants and Gifts from Foundations, Service Organizations, Government entities and Businesses. And from generous individuals from across our community and region.

We saw generous and growing support from all of these areas. The increase in support is a recognition of the work we are doing and the plans we have for the future to expand our reach and impact among our community.

2024 has been a tremendous year of growth in many ways. The number of people we engaged with grew by 270% over last year, and we’ve experienced similar growth in many other areas. None of this would have been possible without the financial support noted above.

We have plans to build upon the momentum of 2024 to become better at what we do, engage with many more people, reach out for new relationships and build upon existing relationships within our community and region.

We need you.

Together we are doing great work with your help. Based upon the growth and interest expressed to us in 2024 we have just begun to scratch the surface. We will continue to run toward our fullest potential as a community organization. Your continued help will be critical to any success we may experience in 2025 and beyond.

So we ask that you do what you can.

Continue to subscribe to, read and share our occasional newsletter.
Take a course at the folk school, or share one with someone you feel would be interested.
Volunteer! We’ll need many in 2025, and we are working at continuing to get better at asking for help.
Attend one of our events- and please bring a friend!
Teach or suggest a course - growing our list of courses and dedicated instructors is crucial to our future growth.
Make a financial contribution. Any amount helps and is deeply appreciated. If this year has been especially good to you, maybe in unexpected ways- please consider sharing some of that in support of our work. We promise to turn your gift into a positive impact for our community and contribute to a strong future for the Avon Hills Folk School.
Wishing everyone a joyful season of celebration, family, friends, community and especially Gratitude.

With gratitude,

Chris Schellinger

Founder and Executive Director

Avon Hills Folk School