GFS is fortunate to enjoy strong financial support from a large, diverse group of donors including our current parents, faithful alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents and friends.
Below are excerpts written by alumni who share their reasons for giving and the impact GFS has had upon their lives:
" Why do I give? I give because GFS was my home. It was the place where I met lifelong friends. My friends and family from my high school days and the experiences we shared really had a profound impact on my life. I give because my education at GFS was so rich: When I chose to leave college and pursue a career in music, I felt that I was academically prepared to meet the challenges that the "real world" posed. I give because even though other people give, I feel like I want to take on a responsibility to a place that gave me so much love. So much of who I am was shaped in the hallways and classrooms of GFS. The supportive environment, the close-knit family atmosphere, the wonderful teachers that opened my mind and [the minds of] my schoolmates, all of these elements stay with me today. Thanks GFS!"
Garrett Dutton, GFS Class of 1991
"It’s because of GFS that I realized I should pursue scriptwriting. In an Essentially English class for fiction writing, my teacher pointed out to me that all of my short stories were 98% dialogue, and she suggested I try playwriting instead. GFS not only pointed me toward writing for the theatre (and eventually, television and film), but it provided me with incredible support, both creatively and physically. Where else, at that age, would I have been allowed, let alone encouraged, to write, act, direct, and choreograph, and then supervise the sound, sets and lighting design of my very own productions? It was the best preparation for a life in show business, and I am eternally grateful."
Julie Rottenberg, GFS Class of 1988
screenwriter and former writer/producer on Sex and the City
"I give to GFS because GFS gave so much to me. GFS taught me how to think, to analyze, to explore. GFS taught me to reach for my goals. GFS taught me that anything is possible. GFS taught me that even a short Jewish kid with a bowl cut could win bronze in the marathon on Greek Day. Most importantly, GFS introduced to me to the love of my life, my wife, Emily Jaffe."
Dan Shotz, GFS Class of 1995
“I give because GFS made me feel that I was an important and valuable member of the community. I give because my time there helped me to become who I am today, and the lessons I learned about caring for others has shaped who I am as a parent and as an educator. I give because I want GFS to continue to be the special place that it is so that when my own children go to GFS they will have as wonderful an experience as I had.”
David Laver, GFS Class of 1986
Elementary Principal, Pan American School of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
“Why do I give to GFS? Because Chris Clemons was an incredible teacher who taught me to think critically. Why do I give to GFS? Because Jeremy Ross (an alumnus himself) has helped to shape my current goals in life, and when I retire or half-retire, I want to come back and teach a history course, just like he is doing.”
Alon Gur, GFS Class of 2008
college student