Friends of Drummond
In 2003, a group of neighbors near Drummond Elementary School met to discuss creative ways to forge community ties and become involved in Drummond’s school improvement. Friends of Drummond (FOD) was formed, and the group gained momentum following the announcement of the school’s grant to become Drummond Montessori Magnet School. FOD is incorporated as a nonprofit organization and has grown to comprise about 75 individuals, including current and former Drummond parents and alumni, neighbors of the school, local businesses and other community members. FOD members support the school through fundraising and other volunteer activities.
Last year FOD jump-started funding efforts for the Campus Park Project, an ambitious plan to turn 63,000 square feet of asphalt around the school into a beautiful green space that not only students but the whole community can enjoy. FOD recruited landscape designer Greg Raymond to design the park on a pro bono basis. At its Cinco de Mayo fundraiser last May, FOD raised $24,000, which went to fund the park project as well as an after-school music and drama program and scholarships for low-income students to attend the program. Inspired by FOD’s and the community’s commitment to improving Drummond, Alderman Ted Matlak subsequently arranged for $500,000 in city funding for the Campus Park Project, which is expected to break ground later this year and has a budget of over $700,000.
This year, FOD will build upon this momentum to host Tango for Drummond. Turning our greening impulse inwards, this spring’s event proceeds will go toward some basic but critical improvements for our 114-year-old school building, including new air-conditioning units, new tile, and fresh paint. In keeping with last year’s green spirit, to the extent possible, the School will use environmentally sound products and supplies. Tango for Drummond will be held on May 17 at Rio’s d’Sudamerica in Bucktown.
Other FOD efforts have included hosting a series of cooking class fundraisers in the school’s kitchen sponsored by local restaurants, recruiting volunteer judges for the school’s annual Science and History Fairs, arranging for food donations from local businesses for school events and researching after-school care options for Drummond children (culminating in the implementation of a cutting-edge after-school enrichment program). FOD also invites guest speakers to address its membership on topics of interest to Drummond parents and community members.
Contributions to FOD are tax deductible. More information on Tango for Drummond will be posted at www.friendsofdrummond.org. For more information about FOD, please contact Monica Lasky, President, monica@friendsofdrummond.org.
