CHARLOTTE, N.C. — SignUpGenius is partnering with Brookstone Schools, a nonprofit K-8 school that provides a Christ-centered education for underprivileged urban students, during National Volunteer Week (April 10-16).
Employees of the leading online sign up site for event and volunteer management will volunteer and visit with Brookstone students April 12 as the company continues to support Brookstone's mission to provide a quality education to children who might otherwise not have access to one. SignUpGenius also serves as a gold-level sponsor to the school, donating more than $12,000 a year and sponsoring two students.
"Not only does Brookstone allow kids to have a great, faith-based education, but they also provide resources through their volunteer programs that enrich every part of a child's life," said SignUpGenius Operations Assistant Katie Bobo, who serves as a lunch buddy at the school. "I enjoy getting to know them and seeing that they really enjoy when I come for lunches to catch up."
Brookstone is in rapid growth mode, recently winning a $100,000 challenge grant from Leon Levine Foundation in Charlotte that will match donations through May 31 and help it expand enrollment and programming. The school plans to double in size from 150 students to 300 students over the next several years. Volunteers and donors are a crucial part of the school's success, contributing financially and through efforts such as classroom tutors and lunch buddies.
Less than 6 percent of Brookstone's revenue comes from student fees, and 87 percent of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Expansion will also allow the school to meet growing demand for volunteer opportunities.
"There's such a desire to rally around these kids and rally around this mission," said Laura Townsend, development and communications coordinator at Brookstone.
About 66% of Brookstone's revenue comes from individual donations, and 10 percent comes from corporations.
"The atmosphere at Brookstone is very nurturing and positive. I am very impressed by the faculty and the students at the school," said SignUpGenius Support Analyst Kelly Johnson, who also serves as a lunch buddy. "It is obvious that a lot of character education goes on at Brookstone, and the students are learning and thriving."
SignUpGenius is committed to helping nonprofits locally, nationally and internationally. The company has a particular emphasis on helping vulnerable and at-risk children and has four giving partners: Brookstone Schools, Samaritan's Purse, Christian Adoption Services and African Christians Fellowship International.
"SignUpGenius is a great partner for Brookstone," Brookstone Head of School Steve Hall said. "Along with the financial gift, they have provided the hope and human capital that are just as crucial to our students' success."
About SignUpGenius
SignUpGenius simplifies the process of coordinating events and people by providing online sign ups for nonprofits, schools, sports, churches, families, colleges, businesses and organizations. By enabling up to 10 million unique visitors per month to sign up for tasks online, SignUpGenius has done away with the need for paper sign ups, "reply all" emails and phone trees.
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About Brookstone Schools
Brookstone Schools is a nonprofit Christ-centered school serving inner-city children and families since 2001. Brookstone offers an opportunity for parents who want a choice in how they educate their children but are unable to afford a private education. Brookstone Schools is located in uptown Charlotte (301 South Davidson St., Charlotte, N.C. 28202). All gifts made to Brookstone Schools are tax deductible. For more information, please visit www.brookstoneschools.org.
