The Annual Fund's Impact: Spotlight on Annual Fund Volunteers

Over the past few weeks during the Annual Fund, we’ve highlighted our wonderful Faculty and Staff across campus and shared how the Annual Fund impacts their day-to-day lives at The Bush School. Today, we are sharing the wonderful efforts of a few of our Annual Fund volunteers and why they choose to support important initiatives across campus.

Shaundra Jackson - Shaundra has been a part of the Bush community for eight years, and her daughter is currently in Seventh Grade. She has served as a grade lead for the Annual Fund the last two years, and this year she also took on the responsibility of being a Family Association grade representative.

“I have always been one to give back to my community,” Shaundra said. “The Bush community is no different. It's always my goal to volunteer where I can.”

Shaundra supports the Annual Fund because she sees firsthand the impact it has: providing access to technology, learning resources, Financial Aid, and enriching educational opportunities for all students. One example she values is the SKIBUS program. While she’s not a skier herself, she appreciates that her daughter has the opportunity to participate if she wants to explore a new skill. 

“I believe it’s important for families and volunteers to invest in Bush’s mission and future because we are stronger together,” she said. “One of the slogans for the Annual Fund is that every amount makes a difference. I feel it’s the same with our dedication to our school community. Every minute of time, every dollar, every thought makes a difference.” 

Shaundra believes that community thrives when everyone contributes in their own way. 

“The Bush community will be at its best when each person does a little bit of something. Wherever I serve, it allows someone else to serve in another area, using their strengths to benefit us all.”

Cirihn Rogers Malpocher - Now in her family’s third year at Bush, Cirihn’s son is in Second Grade. She jumped into volunteering early and is currently in her second year as both an Annual Fund lead and a Families Association room representative.

Her volunteer journey began when someone nominated her for room rep.

“I’m glad I went for it,” Cirihn said. “I met lots of parents from other grades just through monthly Lower School Rep meetings. Seeing the same faces throughout the year fostered a real sense of camaraderie.”

Cirihn later stepped into the Annual Fund lead role as her second volunteer opportunity. She supports initiatives like this because she knows that philanthropy is often a critical piece to having sustainable operations at an organization.

“This holds true for Bush, where money raised through the Annual Fund provides unrestricted funds for the school's annual operating budget. This flexibility allows Bush to allocate funds internally in an organic, responsive way.” Cirihn said. 

She encourages others not to underestimate what they can offer.

“It doesn’t have to be all or nothing—truly, even just a few minutes of your time can make a difference. When you invest, whether it's through time or dollars, you feel greater ownership in the outcome,” Cirihn said. “Collective ownership leads to stronger overall collaboration and is built on a shared sense of purpose.”

Participation in the Annual Fund supports each classroom, teacher, and student at Bush. If you have not already, be a part of that collective impact, and give to the Annual Fund today.