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For more than a decade, Day of Giving has inspired thousands of Griffins to contribute millions of dollars to the Pomfret Fund. This year, 1,149 donors contributed a whopping $1,006,698 — a testament to the enduring strength and generosity of the Pomfret community.

"The Pomfret Fund represents an ongoing, renewable investment in the people who make Pomfret one of the best small independent schools in the country,” said Emily Morrison, director of annual giving and constituent programs. "Every gift makes an immediate and lasting difference, and we are so grateful for all of the support today.”

This year's theme — The Next Chapter — is a nod to the successful completion of last year’s comprehensive campaign, Amplify, which raised $82 million, an extraordinary ending to the largest fundraising campaign in Pomfret history. 

The theme also highlights the critical role philanthropy plays in the life story of Pomfret students. In the video above, Bella Wu ’26, who is headed to Princeton in the fall, says, "You’re not investing in a school, you’re investing in a life." 

The idea that Pomfret has entered a new phase in its own life was first raised by Head of School Heather Willis Daly during her inaugural address. "Now that we are here," she said, "we have the opportunity to write this next chapter for Pomfret School."

Griffins from all generations contributed to the success of Day of Giving 2026.

For the second year in a row, the Class of 1991 topped the class leaderboard with 42 donors. The Class of 1991 also raised the most money with $79,040. Parents of the Class of 2026 led current parents with 37 donations, while parents of the Class of 2028 came out on top for dollars with $178,037. Among the various Pomfret affiliations, alumni accounted for the largest share of giving, 66 percent, followed by parents, 18 percent. The balance came from students, faculty and staff, friends, and grandparents.

More than 70 volunteers also contributed to the success of the day.
 

See the Day of Giving Dashboard
 

 

Throughout the celebration, members of the Pomfret community offered challenges and matches that inspired record-levels of giving.

To kick things off, Todd and Katie Traina P ’26, Jason Ryan and Susan Averna P ’27, Brendon ’95 and Robin Giblin P ’24, ’28, and Edward and Alison LeFlore P ’28, ’29 donated $100,000 after the first 500 gifts had been received. After 1,000 gifts had been received, Sean and Heather Rhatigan P’25 ’29 added another $100,000 to the total.

In honor of their Reunion this year, Malik Ducard ’91, Juliana Harris ’91, Jay Luchs ’91, and Tom Sperry ’91 joined forces to give $50,000.

Molly Hanson ’00, Jo Anna Fellon ’02, and Laura Pierce ’03 matched the Classes of 2000–2009 with $40,000. Evan Jahn ’97 and Casey Tischer ’97 matched the Classes of 1995–1999 with $35,000. Gray ’11 and Miles Hamilton ’13 gave $30,000 as part of their Young Alumni Challenge (2010–2025). And Nick Whitman ’70 donated $25,000 as part of his challenge to the Classes of 1970–1979.
 

To see a complete list of challenges, visit the Day of Giving dashboard.
 

In the lead up to the big day, the Advancement Student Board hosted a candy bar and brought in a french fry truck, drawing hundreds of students and faculty to the Dining Hall and the Quad, adding energy and excitement to an already festive atmosphere. "Pomfret has given me a whole different life," said Ella Antione ’27. " A new life that I’ve come to love. Thank you!"
 

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