Fenwick’s 8th annual “Raise the Shield” fundraiser has just taken place and the school community could not be more excited. Raise the Shield, also known as Fenwick’s 24-hour day of giving, began on February 21 at 9 p.m and was open until February 22 at 9 p.m. Ms. Katie Vanaria, Fenwick’s Director of Annual Giving and Advancement Operations, commented on the importance of Raise the Shield saying, “I don’t think that most people realize that over 30% of our students receive some assistance to be able to go to Fenwick, and Raise the Shield is one of the most important days to ensure we can provide that aid.” The proceeds from Raise the Shield aid in supplying tuition assistance and overall funding for Fenwick’s many beloved academic, fine arts, and athletic departments. 

Funds were collected via Fenwick’s online website at raise.fenwickfriars.com. While the majority of the funds raised were collected online, students were also encouraged to participate in Money Wars at school during lunch. In the game of Money Wars, each class was given their own bucket and students had the opportunity to increase their class’ “points” by adding coins. To “sabotage” other classes students could add paper bills to their opponents’ buckets and subsequently deduct points. In addition to the feel-good reward of helping future students attend Fenwick, students were also given the opportunity to receive a dress down day if their class won. Money Wars this year took place on February 20 through February 22 during each lunch period. All funds raised from Money Wars directly support the Raise the Shield fundraiser. 

Alongside Money Wars, Fenwick’s Raise the Shield day had a new added sense of “gamification” to introduce more raffles and ways to get involved, according to Ms. Vanaria. Fenwick partnered with Whirlwind Coffee to promote donations and even raffled off a customized Fenwick High School Stanley cup. 

Raise the Shield is like no other Fenwick fundraiser. Ms. Vanaria explained that, “Raise the Shield is the one time throughout the year when anyone can participate. Every gift, whether $10 or $10,000, is celebrated equally. Even those who don’t have $10 to spare can help spread the word and tell their story. Raise the Shield is not about honoring one person or group, but the entirety of Fenwick’s vast community.” Fenwick’s guiding four pillars of prayer, study, community, and preaching are truly reflected in Raise the Shield. Ms. Vanaria shared what Raise the Shield means to her, saying, “Now that I am a Fenwick parent and employee, I can see how life-altering a Fenwick education can be for kids. There are so many deserving students out there who would benefit from a high school experience that nurtures a love of learning, values service, and develops leadership qualities.”