November 1, 2022 Issue 1
Cornerstone Chronicle
Monthly Campaign Newsletter
The Riverside Cornerstone Campaign Community Launch Event
Members of the Riverside Presbyterian Church and Day School community gathered in RPC’S Bittinger Hall on Monday, October 24 for an evening of fellowship, refreshment, and updates on the Riverside Cornerstone Capital Campaign and the ensuing campus development that is funded from this campaign. Attendees heard from RPC Pastor Brian Lays, RPDS Head of School Ben Ketchum, Riverside Cornerstone Campaign Co-Chairs Jed Davis and Karla Newton, Campus Development Committee Chair Ben Campen, and RPDS Director of Advancement Doug Walker. The speakers shared their excitement about the campus plans, which include improved parking, enhanced campus security, a renovated Rice Sports Zone, a new Family Life Center, and increased endowments for church missions, student scholarships, and improved facilities. Every physical plant project and endowment will impact the Riverside Presbyterian community and accompanying outreach partners. Included in the evening’s program was the formal launch of the community phase of the Riverside Cornerstone Campaign. With a goal of $7.5 million for potential projects, members of the campaign’s Steering Committee and additional volunteers will aggressively seek an additional $2 million to fund these important campus plans.
Every member of the Riverside Presbyterian Church and School will be asked to provide a one-time gift or a multiyear commitment to support this exciting vision. As campaign Co-Chair Karla Newton shared with the attendees, “It is an easy decision to support the Riverside Cornerstone Campaign. We are fortunate to have such a transformational opportunity in front of us. Shaping hearts, minds and spirits is the most profound goal in life today. This is a pivotal moment to positively impact the future. We are grateful for the families who came before us and laid the foundation for Riverside. It is now our turn to make a difference for the future of the school, church, and the communities we touch. Please support any way you can including a one time or multi-year pledge. This is a wonderful chance you have to make an impact on lives.” As a faithful church member, parent of RPDS alumni, a former member of the school’s administration, and a former school trustee, Karla recognizes the value of the Riverside Presbyterian Church and School experience and is thrilled with the forward movement of ensuring an excellent, Christ- centered experience for all who engage with the Church and School.
Current Matching Gift Opportunities We are excited to announce two challenge gifts that will increase support to the Riverside Cornerstone Campaign.
Matching for New & Existing Donors An anonymous donor has issued a challenge to both new and existing donors—for every $2 that is received in gifts and pledges, this donor will provide an additional $1 matching gift, up to $500,000, through the completion of the campaign. To give further illustration, all new gifts or pledges from new donors or increased gifts and pledges from existing donors will combine for a potential match up to $500,000.
Matching for Current RPDS Parents Riverside Presbyterian Church and School members Ann and Martin Harrell have generously provided a challenge gift for current RPDS parents. From November 1 through December 31, for every increased percent of parent giving to the Riverside Cornerstone Campaign, Ann and Martin will donate an addition $1000, up to $75,000.
Through both challenge gifts, current RPDS parents can provide a double match with their donation. We are very grateful to our challenge gift donors who are offering these giving incentives to help us reach out campaign goal. To take advantage of these gift challenges, please go to the Riverside Cornerstone Campaign website at riversidecornerstonecampaign.org to make your gift or pledge of support today. If you have any questions about ways to give or available naming opportunities, please contact Doug Walker, RPDS Director of Advancement, at dwalker@rpds.com (email) or 904.520.7564 (direct phone).
Stay Connected with Cornerstone With the official launch of the Riverside Cornerstone Campaign in October, RPC and RPDS look forward to sharing exciting developments and news as we progress through this critical campaign. Each month we will share news through this monthly newsletter. Between newsletter issues, supporters of the Riverside Cornerstone Campaign can find news, photo galleries, and our fundraising tracker (pictured below) by visiting riversidecornerstonecampaign.org.
Thank You Steering Committee Thank you to the Riverside Cornerstone Campaign Steering Committee for their continued dedication to the future of Riverside Church and Day School, and their tremendous work in guiding this campaign. Jed Davis, Co-Chair Karla Newton, Co-Chair Jan Andrews (RPDS ’59) Julie Baker Chris Haley
Mark Harbison Ann Harrell Ben Ketchum Brian Lays
riversidecornerstonecampaign.org
Scotty Verlander (RPDS ’88) Doug Walker Deena Bateh Wallace (RPDS ’94) John Wallace