CWA Fall 2025 Philanthropy Letter
September 23, 2025
Message from the Director of Development & Alumni Relations
Dear Charles Wright Academy Community,
I am thrilled to be kicking off another year at Charles Wright Academy as your Director of Development & Alumni Relations. For those who are new to receiving these communications – Welcome! At the start of each season, you’ll be receiving a Philanthropy Letter highlighting updates from our office and upcoming event dates related to our annual giving and alumni relations initiatives. Last year, we saw incredible success during our fundraising campaigns – exceeding our goals for the Fund for CWA and the Spirit Auction. Our Tarrier community is resilient and has demonstrated a sincere commitment to our mission.
The summer season brought forth transformations across our campus as a result of our 2025 Fund-A-Need: Fostering Community Spaces in each of our academic divisions. Additionally, we welcomed our new Upper School Director, Kevin Campbell, whose proven leadership, positive energy, and passion for outdoor and experiential education are exactly what we needed in the Upper School. We have shifted the location of some of our administrative offices and are just a few weeks away from welcoming the Admissions team back into the Upper School administrative wing. This decision was made to have our newest Tarrier families begin their enrollment journey in the building in which they will end it and become alumni.
At the end of August, we welcomed our students back to campus, and it has been buzzing with activity. Last Friday, the Family Association hosted Charlie’s Picnic, and next month we will be launching our 2025-2026 Fund for CWA Campaign! Lastly, I look forward to welcoming those of you who will be making your way back to campus for our Homecoming festivities and to celebrate the return of Alumni Weekend! More details can be found in the upcoming events section of this newsletter.
As always, your engagement and support are a vital part of our mission, and together we are making a difference. It really is a great time to be a Tarrier, and I look forward to the memories we will create together over the next year!
With Care & Gratitude,
De’Andre Jones, M.Ed.
Director of Development & Alumni Relations
Philanthropy 101
The Development & Alumni Relations Office strives to inspire philanthropic engagement, fostering lasting connections with past, present, and future Charles Wright Academy community members. Through strategic partnerships, innovative initiatives, and dedicated stewardship, we strive to secure the resources necessary to advance our mission and enrich the lives of those we serve. This year, our fundraising goal is $425,000.
Since 1957, the spirit of giving has been evident at Charles Wright Academy and we’ve relied upon the loyalty and generosity of the entire community to support the students, the school, and the pursuit of academic excellence. Supporting the Fund for CWA is not only a part of our culture, but also a vital piece of the financial health of the school as it provides money for the current year operating expenses and a critical piece in balancing the budget every year. We ask and depend on members of our school community to make a meaningful gift to the Fund for CWA to ensure we are able to deliver on the promise of an outstanding education for every Tarrier.
Donate to the Fund for CWA here!
Annual Giving Calendar
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | BGS Family Social
Calling all Beginning School families! You are cordially invited to the BGS Family Social hosted by Director of Development & Alumni Relations, De’Andre Jones and Beginning School Director, Rixa Evershed from 3-4 p.m. in the Carol B. Milgard Lower School Commons. This is an opportunity to connect with other BGS families, hear exciting updates from Rixa, and to learn more about the Fund for CWA and ways to engage in our campaign launch from De’Andre. Light appetizers and beverages will be provided! We hope you will join us!
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | Fund for CWA Campaign Launch
Join us as we go ALL IN for CWA! This day is a dedicated day of philanthropy and community spirit aimed at supporting the school’s mission and enhancing the educational experience for all students. This special day rallies the entire CWA community—students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends—to come together and contribute to the various funds that impact the CWA experience. Every gift, no matter the size, helps to sustain a high-quality education, ensuring that current and future students can thrive academically and personally.
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | LS Family Social
Calling all Lower School families! You are cordially invited to the LS Family Social hosted by Director of Development & Alumni Relations, De’Andre Jones, and Lower School Director, Stephani Crozier, from 2:15-3:15 p.m. in the Carol B. Milgard Lower School Commons. This is an opportunity to connect with other LS families, hear exciting updates from Stephani, and to learn more about the Fund for CWA and ways to engage in our campaign from De’Andre. Light appetizers and beverages will be provided! We hope you will join us!
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | US Family Social
Calling all Upper School families! You are cordially invited to the US Family Social hosted by Director of Development & Alumni Relations, De’Andre Jones and Upper School Director, Kevin Campbell, from 4-5 p.m. in the Phyllis Kriese Upper School Commons. This is an opportunity to connect with other US families, hear exciting updates from Kevin, and to learn more about the Fund for CWA and ways to engage in our campaign from De’Andre. Light appetizers and beverages will be provided! We hope you will join us!
Friday, November 14, 2025 | MS Family Social
Calling all Middle School families! You are cordially invited to the MS Family Social hosted by Director of Development & Alumni Relations, De’Andre Jones and Middle School Director, Crysta Swarts-Gillison, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the Middle School Library. This is an opportunity to connect with other MS families, hear exciting updates from Crysta, and learn more about the Fund for CWA and ways to engage in our campaign from De’Andre. Light appetizers and beverages will be provided! We hope you will join us!
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | #GivingTuesday
Giving Tuesday (the Tuesday following Thanksgiving) is a nationally recognized online day of giving. We invite you to be a part of this powerful day by making an additional gift to the Fund for CWA and leaving a message of gratitude for faculty and staff members at Charles Wright.
Save the Date: Spirit Auction 2026
The annual Spirit Auction is a lively and highly anticipated event held every year to support CWA’s programs and initiatives. The auction brings together the school community, including parents, alumni, faculty, and friends, in an evening filled with excitement and camaraderie. The event features an online, silent, and live auction with a variety of unique items and experiences up for bid, including student art pieces!
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Stay tuned for more information regarding this year’s theme and ticket information.
Questions can be directed to auction@charleswright.org.
Alumni Relations Events
Friday, October 24 & Saturday, October 25
2025 CWA Homecoming & Alumni Weekend
Throw on your green and white and join us for an unforgettable Homecoming celebration! Whether you graduated five years ago or 45 years ago, Homecoming is a great opportunity to return to your alma mater and reconnect with classmates and some of your favorite faculty. Let’s celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni while enjoying some festive music and delicious food, and finish off the night around the warm bonfire while cheering our Tarrier athletes on to victory.
Friday, October 24, 2025
Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame
Join us as we celebrate four Tarrier legends as they are inducted into the CWA Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame! There will be a ceremony for all to celebrate in the Chuck Wight Gymnasium at 5:30 p.m., then join us for the Homecoming Bonfire at 6:30 p.m. and then head over to the Alumni Tent to watch the Football game at 7:00 p.m. on Haertl Field. We can’t wait to see you there!
2025 Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees:
Vanessa Davis ’14
Phillip Grenley ’15
Teddy Grenley ’15
Zachary Sokolik ’03
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Alumni Pub Night
It’s time to come together for our annual Alumni Pub Night! Let’s reconnect, share stories, and create new memories. Join us at Narrows Brewing owned by CWA Alum, Parker Rush ’12! We’ll have the Pacific Taproom reserved just for us, and your first drink is on the house! Don’t miss this chance to catch up with your fellow alumni and we look forward to seeing you there!
Location: Narrows Brewing Co. | 9007 South 19th Street Tacoma, WA 98466
RSVP encouraged but not required!
Must be 21+ to attend
Thanks for taking the time to read this edition of our Philanthropy Letter. We look forward to keeping you in the know of what philanthropy and community connection looks like at CWA and how you can be a part of it year-round!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions at giving@charleswright.org.
GO TARRIERS!