To the Editor:
A recent letter (“The Money Train,” Reston Connection, April 27-May 3, 2016) expressing concerns regarding Reston’s Lake Anne Nursery and Kindergarten’s (“LANK”) current annual giving campaign has deeply saddened me as a parent of the school and as a native Restonian.
I am not unbiased. My husband attended LANK over thirty years ago. Many of my nephews have attended LANK. Currently, I have given them the greatest trust a parent can give, my own two sons. I have deep affection and appreciation for a school that has helped shaped my family. The devotion of the teachers and staff to the children in their charge and the warmth in which they do it is second to none.
No organization enjoys fundraising. It is, however, a necessary part of any not for profit organization. In order to make sure that tuition is kept relatively affordable so that it is not out of reach for many in the community, LANK often has to solicit donations from the members of the community who can afford the extra support. Some of the activities (foreign languages, music, movement, for example) as well as maintaining a safe playground, paying the wonderful teachers, and keeping the lights on cannot always be covered by tuition alone. LANK has told its community that any donation is appreciated, from one cent and up, which is why no giving levels are seen on the train. It is merely a thank you to the members of LANK’s community who have answered a call of need from a school they care about.
My family’s name is not on the train. Because of other commitments we have not been able to make a donation this year. I am, nonetheless, incredibly thankful to the families who have given this year. That is what I told my son when he asked about the train and the names, “LANK is thanking everyone who has donated to your school. Not everyone can give every year, but it is very important to say thank you when someone does something nice.” This is the message that is being sent to LANK’s children: Thank you.
Morgan Bate
Herndon