I told you in an earlier post that I would tell readers about some institutions “about which I care deeply.”  One of those is Metrowest Jewish Day School, and tonight I spent time on the phones trying to raise scholarship money for students who want to attend.  As with most private religious schools, particularly those in startup mode like ours, the cost of tuition is substantially less than the cost to educate.  In addition, many families can not afford the cost of tuition.  But because we want to make this unique education open to all in our community, we do the fundraising.  So far this year, we are more than 80% of the way to meeting our goal of raising $700,000. 

As an inexperienced solicitor, I was thankful for the script that was provided for my pitch.  In short, this script, which was a good “pitch,” explained who we are and the fact that we are raising money for scholarships.  Short and sweet.  Next to me was another inexperienced solicitor and parent of a student at the school, who made more calls and raised more money than me tonight.  But I accomplished something that, over the long run, I hope will turn out to be just as valuable.  I sold the school.  Or more accurately, I began the process of selling the school. (more…)

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