Why Friends of 187 Was Created

Several years ago a group of parents got together to form Friends of 187, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money to help  P.S./I.S. 187 continue to offer its students a first-rate education.

The idea behind incorporating was to:

• Provide a means for direct, 100 percent tax-deductible donations to the school.
• Bring together the financial and creative resources of the neighborhood and alumni community.
• Create a way to fund high-cost, large-scale  programs on a continuing basis.

What Does Friends of 187 Do

Friends of 187 holds an annual fundraising Winter Gala. Additionally, during the year, the group hosts events designed to connect the neighborhood and alumni community to the school, as well as raise money to fulfill the group’s mission. Friends of 187 operates as a nonprofit, governed by federal, state, and local laws, and by a set of by-laws that dictate how the organization functions.

Where Does the Money Go

Decisions about funding are made in collaboration with the school principal, the School Leadership Team (SLT), and the Parents’ Association (PA).

In its first year, Friends raised more than $25,000 and last year nearly $40,000.  The money helped pay for an art teacher as part of the existing art program at 187 and matched a donation offer from Steven Schrader, an author and a 187 alumnus, to extend the Teachers and Writers program in the school.  Friends has been meeting with the administration and teachers to help support and enhance science and technology at the school.  This is a 3- to 5-year development plan to help keep our technology up to date for years to come.

How to Get Involved

Friends of 187 welcomes your help with its fundraising efforts.  There are three ways to get involved in the group:

• Volunteer. If you’re interested in volunteering for any or all of our fundraising events, contact a member of the Board or send an email to: friendsof187@gmail.com.
• Become a Board member. Board members commit themselves to raising at least $1,000 per year for three years either through direct donation or donations procured from friends, family, and non-school community members. If you’re interested in joining the Board, please contact the co-presidents of the board or send an email to: friendsof187@gmail.com.  New Board members are added each fall.
• Make a donation. You can support the school by purchasing tickets to Friends events and by making a financial contribution. To donate go to: http://friendsof187.org/paypal/

Executive Committee

Presidents: Lara Sheikh and Erin Hinchey

Secretary: Jeni Chapman

Treasurer: Molly Wasow

General Counsel: Brian Waller

Governance and Nominating Committee Chair: Sarah Holloway

Data Management Committee Chair: Donna Leary

Communications and Publications Committee Chairs: Erin Hinchey

Gala and Silent Auction Committee Chairs: Erin Hinchey and Jeni Chapman

Grant Making Committee Chairs:

SOS/Spring Appeal Committee Chair: Elana Deutsch

Grant Writing Committee Chairs: Sarah Holloway and Molly Wasow

Board Members