2025 Ridgeline Fundraising Update:

Ridgeline Montessori had an incredible fundraising year—surpassing our $98,000 goal with over $109,316 raised! In a challenging time for education statewide, our community showed up in full force to support programs important to Ridgeline: P.E., art, staff development, facilities, and advocacy. With record employer matches, first-time donors, and support from local businesses, we also celebrated our 25th anniversary in true Ridgeline style. Oh—and we’re getting a gaga ball pit, because the students asked and school leadership heard. Thank you, community—you made this magic happen!

As the school year comes to a close, we’re reflecting with full hearts on what has truly been an extraordinary year for Ridgeline Montessori. In a time when so many schools across Oregon are facing deep uncertainty and painful budget cuts, we are ending the year not with worry—but with deep gratitude and strength.

This year, thanks to your generosity, we didn’t just meet our ambitious fundraising goal of $98,000—we surpassed it. As of today, we’ve raised $109,316.46, and with a few gifts still expected. That is an incredible achievement. And we did it together.

As many of you know, Ridgeline receives only about 80% of the per-student funding compared to other neighborhood schools. We also receive no direct funding for facilities. That means the margin between “getting by” and thriving comes down to our community’s support—and this year, you showed up in powerful, inspiring ways.

Your donations directly fund the things that make Ridgeline so special: physical education, art, charter school advocacy, and improvements to our school facility. These are not extras—they are essential to the vibrant, whole-child learning experience we are proud to offer.

And we would be remiss not to recognize the many volunteers who gave so generously of their time and energy this year. From planning joyful events and organizing fundraisers to simply showing up with helping hands and open hearts—you created magic. You gave us opportunities to laugh, connect, and strengthen the bonds that make Ridgeline more than a school—it’s a true community. These moments matter deeply. They are where new friendships are formed, old connections are renewed, and our collective commitment to this special place is reaffirmed.

And what a special year it’s been. In celebration of Ridgeline’s 25th anniversary, we didn’t just reflect on our past—we felt our community come alive in new and beautiful ways. We welcomed more first-time donors than we’ve seen in recent memory, heard reflections from adult alumni, and received the highest number of employer matching gifts in school history. This year, we were also proud to receive sponsorship support from local, family-run businesses—a testament to the strength and reach of our greater Ridgeline community.

Every month, the Principal’s Advisory Committee (PAC) interviews students from each classroom to hear their thoughts, ideas, and hopes for our school. Then they report their findings to our school board. A consistent theme that emerges in these conversations is students' desire for updates and improvements to our playgrounds. We’re excited to share that school leadership has heard and prioritized our student’s wishes—and thanks to your generous support and our successful fundraising year, we will be adding a gaga ball pit to our outdoor play area! Never heard of gaga ball? Check out this link to learn more!

For those of you who love to geek out over numbers, you know who you are, here’s a handy table showing all the juicy fundraising details—goals vs. actuals and just how awesome we did this year!

We are profoundly aware of our good fortune—and we know exactly where it comes from. It comes from you. From a community that believes in child-centered education, in shared responsibility, and in investing in something bigger than ourselves–our future generation.

From the bottom of our hearts: thank you. Thank you for believing in Ridgeline. Thank you for being part of something enduring, hopeful, and deeply human.

With immense gratitude,
The Ridgeline Fundraising Committee