Giving Tuesday Initiative at La Lumiere Slingshots Past Original Goal with Match from Jaren Jackson Jr. ’17

Totaling a whopping $118,850 and counting, La Lumiere’s Giving Tuesday fundraising effort blew past its initial ambitious goal shortly after lunch on Tuesday. The initial goal of $20,000 was set to take full advantage of a 3:1 matching gift pledge of $60,000 made by NBA star and recent alum, Jaren Jackson Jr. ’17. Over 150 individuals joined in donating $58,850, including alumni ranging from the classes of 1969 to 2020, current students and parents, alumni parents, faculty, and even a local sheriff’s deputy and the barber in town who cuts many of the students’ hair.

Jackson Jr.’s matching gift goes toward scholarship funds for La Lumiere students, while the rest of the funds raised on Giving Tuesday support the Bridge Fund, which underwrites costs beyond tuition, room, and board for student on financial aid—things like a school blazer, supplies for their dorm rooms, and extracurricular activities including trips and dances. 

“‘Diversity’ and ‘inclusion’ get thrown around a lot these days,” said Adam Kronk, Head of School. “At La Lu we work really hard on making these important efforts an integral part of how we do school—Jaren’s generosity, and that of our larger community, enables us to go about this important work the right way. We are thrilled and deeply grateful.”