Press release
Athens Christian Preparatory’s Board of Directors recently put forward a fundraising challenge from GoFundMe to all friends of ACPA. Until April 30, the Board will match any donation to ACPA up to a total of $17,000. So far ACPA has raised $10,000. Board member Gene Fulford said, “We want parents to know that we are more than just a Board of Directors. We are also supporters and backers of ACPA.”
“Our Board is incredibly supportive,” ACPA Headmistress Teresa DeMay explained. “They are a hands on Board who are dedicated to the vision of ACPA. This Matching Challenge is an example of how ACPA fosters a culture of generosity. It is not unusual for our families to give more than their tuition amounts in order to create opportunities for other families needing financial aid.”
ACPA relies on donations and fundraising to keep its tuition lower than any other private school in the area, and to provide scholarship opportunities to students who otherwise would not be able to attend.
“ACPA does a Legacy Fund drive every year,” DeMay explained. “The cost to educate our students is higher than the tuition that we charge. The difference must be made up through donations and fundraising. Giving to this fund helps us with the expense of education and allows us to extend financial aid to families who cannot fully afford private school.”
Board member Lona Mauk believes that the board’s mission is to serve both ACPA families and the community at large. Mauk said, “We are not competing against public schools, we are offering Christian education for those who see the value of it. Many families in and around Athens take their kids outside of the area for Christian private education. We want to support the community and local economy by getting those families to stay in Athens.”
Scholarships are also an invaluable part of ACPA’s educational program. “We want to see every student who wants to attend ACPA be able to do so,” Fulford said. “As a preparatory school we want to prepare our students not just for college, but also for life after college. As it says in Matthew 16:26, For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul.”
ACPA is also holding an open house from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m Thursday the 26th of March. “I would like to invite everyone to come next Thursday and see the school,” Mauk said. “I want the community to see how far we have come. There are a lot of great things about ACPA that not everybody knows. For example we are inter-denominational and non-profit, so any donations are tax-deductible.”
ACPA is served by Board members Melanie Whatley, Paul Benson, Gene Fulford, Lona Mauk, Jane Joslin, Bob Boyd, Allen Boswell, Woody Meredith and James Masters. Donations can be made in person at ACPA’s campus, 1200 East Corsicana street, or online at http://www.athensprep.org/donate/.