By Georgia Cosgrove, Board Member, Executive Committee
For 51 years now, GABC has enjoyed amazing support from the Guilford community and beyond. This has come in the form of contributions and bequests from individuals, family foundations and community organizations, proceeds from fundraising events, and net revenue from Hole in the Wall thrift store sales. In recent years, Hole in the Wall revenue has covered roughly half of our operating budget, making GABC much less dependent on other fundraising than any of our fellow ABC Community School Programs (CSPs). In 2025-26, however, we are facing some new budget challenges that will likely flip that balance.
For several years we have outsourced bookkeeping and accounting services, graphic design for publications, landscaping, and beginning in 2024, property maintenance management. We have also seen increases in our costs for tutors, wages for house coverage support staff, and providing meals for the scholars. Staffing costs for the Hole in the Wall have grown with minimum wage increases and higher volume of donations, consignments, and sales. We are deeply grateful for the amazing army of volunteers who offset even further challenges to the bottom line!
Perhaps the most significant change is that the 2025-26 budget includes funding for a part-time Program Coordinator to perform many of the administrative functions formerly handled by board members. Societal changes since COVID have made it increasingly difficult to fill the very time-consuming leadership roles on our board as administrative demands on the program for reporting and compliance with National ABC have increased. Several other CSPs have faced similar challenges and added administrative staff to address them. We are fortunate that Judy Wright was able to hit the ground running when she assumed the position on July 1 since she filled several key roles on the board, including Co-President. She will also be the point person for communications with parents, National ABC, vendors, Guilford High School personnel, and anyone else needing to communicate with the organization.
So…we need your help more than ever. We will send out our Annual Appeal mailing in December but you can donate anytime through our website, guilfordabc.org, or send your gift to Guilford A Better Chance, P.O. Box 140, Guilford CT 06437.
Your support honors our scholars’ hard work and accomplishments. Every gift is important. Your participation sends a clear message that our community cares about the success of our Guilford ABC Scholars. On behalf of our scholars and their families, THANK YOU!
Guilford ABC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions not exchanged for goods or services are fully tax-deductible.
Guilford ABC 