CSDEF more than doubles goal for annual campaign

Hungry Colonial students will continue to benefit from free lunches and weekend meals this year, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of more than 175 donors who contributed to the Colonial School District Education Foundation (CSDEF) 2024 Annual Campaign, Food For Thought.

The CSDEF set a goal of $10,000 for the six-week campaign, which launched during American Education Week in November. The target amount was strategically chosen to match a $10,000 donation from Firstrust Bank. With just a week to go before Winter Break, the fundraising total was still shy of the goal by more than $1,000.

“We were amazed by the outpouring of support as the campaign neared its end,” said CSDEF President Annette Swartz. “A number of incredibly generous donors stepped forward in the final days, helping us not only surpass our $10,000 target but actually double what we hoped to raise.”

The 2024 Food For Thought campaign ultimately brought in $21,386—marking the highest total to date. Combined with Firstrust Bank’s matching gift, the CSDEF now has more than $30,000 to help ensure that Colonial students have access to nutritious meals throughout the year.

“A heartfelt thank you to every donor who made this success possible and to the entire Colonial Community for coming together in such a meaningful way,” added Swartz. “Your support makes a world of difference for our students!”