Giving
Annual Fund
The Bush Annual Fund
The Annual Fund is a fundraising campaign that supports all aspects of The Bush School's annual operating budget. The Annual Fund Family Campaign takes place in the fall, from September 26 to November 15 this year. If you have any questions about the the Family Campaign, or would like to get involved as a volunteer, please reach out to our campaign leads listed at the bottom of this page. The collective generosity of our entire community—alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty and staff, parents of alumni, and friends—makes a difference in the life of each student and teacher. This year, the priorities of impact include:
- Supporting a $5.3 million financial aid budget, benefitting 167 students across all three divisions
- Building on our Community, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives for the whole community
- Providing professional and personal growth opportunities for faculty and staff
Annual Fund pledges must be fulfilled by June 30, 2025
Thank you for your commitment to The Bush School. If you have questions or need help with this form, please email the Development Office or call 206.326.7776.
The Bush School emails gift acknowledgment letters for all gifts received. If you require a paper receipt or acknowledgement, please contact the Development Office.
Tax ID
The Bush School’s 501c3 tax ID (91-0161095).
Cultivating Community Get to Know Our Volunteers
-
Heather O'Malley, FA President
Heather O’Malley and her family are wrapping up their 14th year at The Bush School, with two “lifers” graduating this year. Over the years, Heather has generously given her time in a variety of volunteer roles—most recently serving as the Family Association (FA) President.“The reasons I volunteer are simple,” Heather shared. “Time is my most valuable commodity, and I’m very intentional about how I spend it. I’ve chosen to give my time to Bush whenever possible because it’s a direct way to stay connected to our children’s lives and to support the strong sense of community we’ve found here.”For Heather, volunteering is about showing up and being present. “In a community that models philanthropy at every level, there really is no such thing as giving too little,” she said.She emphasizes that getting involved doesn’t require a formal commitment. “Join a parent social, bring napkins to the Teacher & Staff Appreciation lunch, or cheer on a team at a basketball game. It’s all about supporting one another. We quite literally build the community we want our kids to thrive in—and we set the tone for how that feels.”Heather encourages families to explore the many ways to get involved on campus. Whether it’s reaching out to an active parent volunteer, filling out the online volunteer interest form, attending the Volunteer Fair after Convocation, or joining one of the FA community meetings throughout the year, there’s a place for everyone.Outside of her volunteer work, Heather and her husband, Ed, enjoy the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. They’re avid skiers and campers and often take their dog Hank for walks in Seward Park. Heather also enjoys cooking, gardening, and relaxing in her hammock with a good book.
-
Joanna Smith, FA Treasurer
Joanna and her family have been part of The Bush School community since 2020. Drawn to the power of collaboration, Joanna finds joy in working alongside others and witnessing how diverse strengths and perspectives can come together to create something extraordinary. “You see the very best in people when you volunteer together,” she shared. “I've met some of my favorite parent friends through volunteering.”One of her favorite memories from this year was working with the procurement team on the Celebrate Bush auction. “It was just so fun! There were so many moments when someone would wonder aloud about an item, and everyone would chime in until we were all talking at once—creating something amazing together. The energy was electric and so joyful!”Joanna’s commitment to philanthropy was inspired early in life. “My mother was my role model for philanthropy,” she said. “She always found a way to give to the communities that mattered to her and our family.” Whether arranging flowers for graduates or opening her basement for gala decoration projects, Joanna’s mother modeled generosity in both big and small ways—an example Joanna carries forward today.She believes that it takes the combined strengths and time of the entire community to make Bush the special place it is for children and families. “There are so many ways to give—whether it’s lending your voice to a collaborative effort, quietly coordinating something for your grade, baking for a Teacher and Staff Appreciation lunch, taking on a leadership or support role for an event, writing thank-you notes for annual giving, or giving a campus tour to prospective families,” Joanna explained. “Whether you have one hour or many, there’s a way to get involved.”Outside of her volunteer work, Joanna and her family love spending time outdoors—hiking, skiing, and camping whenever they can. Joanna also has a deep passion for food. She enjoys cooking and exploring different culinary traditions. If you’re heading out for a night on the town, she recommends Matt’s in the Market—a favorite spot she always takes visiting family to when they’re in town.
-
John Arthur, Athletics Booster Club
Since joining The Bush School community in 2022, John Arthur has brought his lifelong love of sports and community engagement to life through his volunteer work with the Athletic Booster Club.For John, volunteering has been a meaningful way to connect with other parents and experience his children’s school life from a new perspective.
“It’s great to see them interacting with their friends and classmates outside the usual routines,” he shared. One of his favorite moments was handing out treats at school events. “I felt like Jim Carrey in Yes Man—just saying yes to everything and spreading joy.”John’s passion for athletics runs deep. Growing up, he played a variety of sports with his twin brother and friends, eventually focusing on soccer, basketball, and tennis. Today, he still plays weekly basketball with a group of longtime friends and has recently taken up pickleball. His two sons are also active in Bush athletics, participating in basketball and ultimate frisbee.Outside of sports, John enjoys traveling with his family, walking their dog, skiing in the winter, and attending live music events during the summer—activities that reflect his energetic and community-oriented spirit.A standout memory for John was the Winter Blazer Bash, where he joined the crowd in cheering on the basketball teams. “The spirit in the gym was incredible,” he recalled. “But the most touching part was watching the seniors get recognized through heartfelt speeches from friends and family.”To John, volunteering is more than just lending a hand—it’s a form of philanthropy. He views it through the lens of coaching, describing it as a way to promote the happiness and well-being of others. “Whether in sports, business, or school, good coaching and giving back come from the same place: a desire to help others thrive,” he explained.He encourages new families to explore volunteer opportunities by attending the Volunteer Fair at the start of the year and connecting with other parents.
“There are so many ways to get involved that don’t require a huge time commitment. You can start small and grow your involvement as your schedule allows.”
His personal recommendation? Sign up for a future Blazer Bash. “It’s a fun and easy way to get involved and feel the energy of the Bush community.”
-
Joey Burgess, Volunteer Coordinator
Joey Burgess and his family may be new to The Bush School community this year, but their impact has already been deeply felt. In just one year, Joey has taken on several key roles—including FA Volunteer Coordinator, Celebrate Bush Chair, and co-chair for Simply Cultural.“I enjoy volunteering because it gives me the chance to connect with the school community and fellow parents, all working together for one important purpose—our children,” Joey shared. “We share a simple but powerful mission: to make our children’s school experience the best it can be. At the heart of it, what truly matters is showing up, being present, and contributing in whatever way we can. Together, those small efforts make a big difference.”One of Joey’s most meaningful volunteer experiences this year was leading Celebrate Bush, a community-wide event that raises funds for financial aid. The experience allowed him to connect with families across all divisions of the school and left a lasting impression. “It was incredibly rewarding to see the entire community come together in support of such an important cause,” he said.Joey’s family commitment to philanthropy at Bush is grounded in a simple belief: show up, offer support, and respond to the needs of the community. “Whether it’s giving our time, contributing resources, or simply lending a hand when needed, we believe that every form of support matters,” Joey explained. “It’s not about how much you give, but about being present and thoughtful in meeting the real needs of the school and its families.”For those looking to get involved, Joey recommends joining the Family Association. “It’s not your typical PTA—it’s something truly special,” he said. “The FA is filled with kind, welcoming, and committed people. It’s a meaningful way to dive into the Bush experience, build relationships, and feel a true sense of belonging.”Outside of his volunteer work, Joey enjoys reading, cheering on the Seattle Storm, and spending quality time with his daughters—their latest shared interest is making friendship bracelets together.
-
Judi Yates, Service Club
When Judi and her family moved to Seattle, they arrived without any relatives nearby. But through their connection to The Bush School, they found something just as meaningful— what Judi calls her “framily”. (Friends that are like family) Judi began building this community through her active involvement on campus, which quickly became a cornerstone of her family’s experience.“Volunteering gives me the chance to collaborate with others, build new friendships, and model service and care for my own kids,” Judi said.Over the years, Judi has contributed her time and energy to many areas of campus life. From organizing Service Club events to supporting Fine Arts Evening, she embraces every opportunity to be involved. For Judi, volunteering is not just about giving back—it’s about setting an example for students and showing them the many ways they can make a difference in their communities.One of her favorite volunteer roles this year has been leading admissions tours for prospective families. “Being involved in this way makes me feel like I’ve played a small part in another family’s Bush journey,” she said.
Judi also continues to support the Service Club, which holds a special place in her heart. “These events show kids, in a hands-on way, that we can make our communities stronger through collaboration, connection, and care.”A favorite saying of Judi’s captures this spirit beautifully: “When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.” It’s a powerful reminder of the strength found in community.At Bush we believe volunteering is a cornerstone of philanthropy. Judi wholeheartedly agrees. “To me, philanthropy is about showing up for your community, your values, and the future you want to help create,” she said. “I’m proud to support Bush in ways that feel meaningful and aligned with who I am.”Reflecting on her journey, Judi shared that volunteering at Bush has been one of the most rewarding and grounding parts of her parenting experience.
“It’s given me purpose, perspective, and a deep appreciation for the care and effort it takes to create an inclusive and vibrant community.”For those who want to volunteer but are unsure where to start, Judi encourages everyone to start small and follow your interests.
“You don’t have to lead an event to make a difference, lending a hand, even in small ways, can go a long way. Volunteering is about contributing with care and purpose, and you might be surprised by how meaningful it becomes.”When she’s not volunteering on campus, Judi enjoys spending time with her family, biking, and making art, activities that reflect the same creativity and care she brings to her community at Bush.
-
Ahn Trin, Secretary-Elect
Anh Trinh is a lover of knitting, gardening, and cooking traditional Vietnamese dishes. She finds joy in recreating the flavors of home—especially those hard to find locally. When dining out, she enjoys visiting Ramie on Capitol Hill, a Vietnamese restaurant that offers elevated, Vietnamese dishes with authentic and familiar tastes. Anh has also found a lot of joy from being part of The Bush School community.Since joining Bush in 2022, Anh has quickly become an active and valued member of the community. This year, she served as Secretary-elect on the Families Association and participated in events like the Lower School Service Club and Fine Arts Evening. Volunteering, she says, has been a meaningful way to connect. “I've met and become friends with so many parents, guardians, and faculty members. It also helps me learn more about my child and his friends. Many of the kids in Pascal's grade know my name and chat with me about everything under the sun—those conversations are quite interesting.”Two of Anh’s favorite volunteering experiences this year were the Fall Lower School Service Club and the Fine Arts Evening. During the service club project, families learned about worm composting and helped clean up the Middle School courtyard. “It was joyous seeing all the kids picking up as many leaves as they could with their tiny rakes, and even jumping onto the leaf piles to squish them down before transporting them out,” she recalled.At the Fine Arts Evening, Anh helped with the self-portrait project. “It was fun, it was messy, and it was incredible seeing the students’ personalities and creativity come through in their work.”For Anh, philanthropy is about giving in ways that feel personally meaningful. “I see how much care and love the teachers and staff give to their students, and in turn, how much joy the students get from their schooling experience,” she shared. “But educators can't do it all by themselves. If my tiny contribution can make it just a bit easier for our beloved educators, then it is impactful and meaningful to me.”Anh encourages others to get involved, noting that many opportunities require only a small time commitment. “Start by talking with fellow parents and guardians, or your grade representatives, to see what they might need help with over the summer or next year. Attend the FA Volunteer Fair after convocation to explore all the opportunities. Sign up to chaperone a field trip. Start small, and give time in ways that are meaningful for you.”Looking ahead, Anh is excited to continue her involvement with the Families Association. “If you're in the FA, you might be getting a few emails from me as the new Secretary. I'm thrilled to continue my journey as a parent and volunteer in the Bush community!”
Families often ask, "how much should we give?" and the answer is, "whatever feels comfortable for you and your family"! Every gift makes a difference, and we thank you for considering making a gift in support of The Bush School. Below are the Annual Fund Giving Levels.
-
Gracemont- $25,000-$49,999
- Parkside- $10,000-$24,999
- Team 1924- $2,500-$9,999
- Tykoe- $1,000-$2,499
- Blazer- Up to $999
Ways to Make Your Gift
List of 7 items.
-
Credit Card (gift or pledge)
If you would like to pay via credit card to make a gift or pledge, please use the giving form. Please do not share your secure credit card information via email. -
ACH Payment
To make a gift of ACH Payment (bank to bank transfer), you may give through this site. -
Check or Cash (gift or pledge)
To make a gift to the Annual Fund by check or cash, please make the check out to The Bush School and mail it to:
The Bush School ATTN: Development Office
3400 E. Harrison
St. Seattle, WA 98112
You may fill out the form below and select the "pledge to give" option to indicate that a gift is on its way. -
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)
DAFs are a giving vehicle established at a public charity. These funds allow donors to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction and then recommend grants from the fund over time. To direct a gift to The Bush School through a Donor Advised Fund, you may be asked for the 501c3 tax ID (91-0161095). -
Stock or Securities
If you are interested in making your gift with securities or stock, please see these Stock Transfer Instructions. If you would like to make a gift of Mutual Funds, please contact the Development Office to discuss additional supplemental information required to successfully complete the fund transfer.
Please remember to inform the Development Office of your stock gift. Brokers may not share that information directly with the school and we want to ensure we credit you for the donation. -
Corporate Matching Gifts
Many companies offer corporate matches as a way to make your donation go even further. To explore if your company offers a matching program, please reach out to your employer’s HR representative. Please note that it can take up to 45-60 days for your gift to reach us through workplace giving programs. To discuss matching gifts at Bush or to confirm your gift, please contact Annual Giving Manager Emma Dubery or call 206.838.8821. -
Wire Transfer
Please contact the Development Office for Wire Transfer Instructions.
The Bush School is an independent, coeducational day school located in Seattle, WA enrolling 735 students in grades K–12. The mission of The Bush School is to spark in students of diverse backgrounds and talents a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their communities
3400 East Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98112 (206) 322-7978
The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment, recruitment, admissions, or administration of any of its programs on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, gender, or sexual orientation. In addition, The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment on the basis of age or marital status