Friends of Tubman

Friends of Tubman is an all-volunteer group of parents and community members dedicated to making Harriet Tubman Elementary a great school for all students through fundraising and community outreach events.

Thank you to all of our generous donors. We are so grateful for all the support over the years. Donations to our General Fund are enthusiastically accepted anytime.

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Please subscribe to our mailing list to receive information on upcoming fundraisers, community events, and to learn how to can get involved.

'FYI from FOT' Email List

About Friends of Tubman

Accomplishments

FOT has provided financial support for a number of initiatives that would have otherwise been cut due to budget constraints.

Membership

All parents and community members are welcome and encouraged to join Friends of Tubman. Your participation, support and ideas can help shape Harriet Tubman Elementary into the school you want it to be.

All meetings will be on Zoom for the foreseeable future. A link will be emailed prior to each meeting.

Meeting Dates for the 2024-2025 Year

Friends of Tubman holds monthly meetings that are open to all members of the community. All meetings are scheduled for 8am at Tubman and via Zoom. The dates are:

August 29, 2024
September 19, 2024
October 17, 2024
November 21, 2024
January 16, 2025
February 20, 2025
March 20, 2025
April 17, 2025
May 22, 2025

For more information, please contact FOT President, Charlotte Thoresen.

Strategic Planning for Fundraising

In the last 5 years, we have raised over $500,000, which helps cover CPS budget gaps, strengthen our diverse community and support the school’s Strategic Plan for Fundraising. Tubman Elementary School’s fundraising goals are all directed towards supporting the Continuous Improvement Work Plan and the school vision and mission.

Short-term goals include funding arts, drama and dance programming, as well as supporting vital staff positions, investing in classroom technology, providing science lab supplies and repairing playground equipment. Long-term goals include renovating the gymnasium/auditorium.

View the Tubman Strategic Plan Here

Fundraising Initiatives

FOT supports our school with a variety of fundraisers and community events throughout the school year. See below for info on our annual fundraisers.

Each fall, the Fun Run, now in its 17th year, encourages family, friends and neighbors to sponsor students while highlighting our school's commitment to healthy habits. The 2023 Fun Run fall fundraiser, raised close to $50,000

In winter, the I ♥ IB Bulldogs Pledge Drive gives families the chance to show their appreciation for the school and what they love most. Families are encouraged to donate any amount they're comfortable with, whether it's a one-time amount or monthly.

Spring is host to two fundraisers: the Online Auction and Gala. The annual auction gives school families, their friends and neighbors across Chicago, plus over 300,000 bidders nationwide, the chance to bid on great items while supporting our school. The Spring Gala is an adults-only night full of fun, bidding and refreshments held in Chicago. Our 2022 Gala raised over $50,000.

Community outreach events include monthly Dining nights at popular area restaurants, with a portion of proceeds going to the school. It's a delicious way to support local businesses while benefiting our neighborhood school. Past participants include Lou Malnati's, Panera, McDonalds, Potbelly, Chipotle, Pockets and DMK Burger.

Friends of Tubman Patti Lenkov Community Award

We are thrilled to share creation of the Friends of Tubman Patti Lenkov Community Award and announce the 2024 award winner who was recognized at graduation last week

Over her 15 years as a Tubman parent, Patti has given innumerable hours to the Tubman community in a multitude of roles, including serving as the President of Friends of Tubman for the last seven years. Patti’s legacy is one of service, community building, inclusivity, collaboration and leadership for Tubman.

The Friends of Tubman Patti Lenkov Community Award recognizes one graduating student who epitomizes these values and has contributed to strengthening the Tubman school community, inside and outside of the classroom. The 2024 award winner is Ainsley Waguespack.

Friends of Tubman is an all-volunteer group of parents and community members dedicated to making Harriet Tubman Elementary a great school for all students through fundraising and community outreach events. Friends of Tubman operates independently of the school as a non-profit 501(c)(3).