Now is the time! Hear from our community...
FUNDS FOR OUR SCHOLARS: SUPPORTING FINANCIAL AID
At Sandy Spring Friends School, we believe that every child deserves access to an exceptional education rooted in inquiry, integrity, and community. Your generosity during our Paddle Raise at the Friends Celebration helps ensure that finances never stand in the way of a student’s opportunity to thrive. Last year, over 50% of our students received financial aid—each grant opening doors to lifelong learning, leadership, and service. Tonight, we aim to raise $100,000+ to continue this vital support. Raise your paddle and invest in the future of SSFS students—because together, we create opportunity. Give boldly. Give generously.
On Saturday, May 3rd, the Advancement Office and the Friends Celebration Planning Committee were honored to host our annual Friends Celebration (formerly the PA Auction). Our vibrant SSFS community—faculty and staff, current families, alumni, alumni parents, trustees, and friends—came together in person and online to demonstrate resilience, hope, and an unwavering belief in the mission of Sandy Spring Friends School.
It was a record-breaking night!
Thanks to your incredible generosity and spirited participation, we raised an astounding $419,000 in net revenue to support Financial Aid at SSFS. Here’s how that breaks down:
- $300,000+ in donations
- $35,000+ in sponsorships
- $20,000+ in ticket sales (we sold out!)
- $65,000+ in online auction revenue
- $18,000+ in live auction revenue
To put this into perspective: last year’s event raised $196,000. That’s a 113% increase in just one year!
And: it's not over yet! Please continue to support the Fund Our Scholars program as our dollar-for-dollar match continues!
Moments like this don’t happen without the power of a dedicated and generous community. Whether you attended, volunteered, bid, donated, sponsored, or cheered us on from afar—thank you. You made this moment possible, and your support helps ensure that the gift of a Sandy Spring education remains accessible to more students and families.
2025 PA Auction
Please contact the Friends Celebration Clerk, Kelly Rush, at PA.Auctionclerk@ssfs.org with any questions about sponsoring, volunteering, donating to the auction, placing an ad, or more!