Pine Cobble Receives $1 Million Pledge
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The gift was provided by James and Susan Fairbanks Briggs, trustees of the foundation named for Susan's parents, Alan and Elaine Fairbanks. James Briggs attended Pine Cobble for nursery school through ninth grade, graduating in 1983. He served on the school's board of trustees beginning in 2003 and was the president from 2005 until his term completed in June. The Briggs' children, Sarah and Patrick, now attend the school.
"My parents consistently demonstrated humility, character, and kindness," said Sue Briggs in a statement. "We made this gift to Pine Cobble because we know that this school is a special place, one that instills these critical values in its students. Pine Cobble is also an important institution to this region."
The million-dollar pledge is the latest in a series of first-time gifts to the private school. It received $20,000 toward a new math initiative from the Milton and Dorothy Sarnoff Raymond Foundation; funding from a family toward the restoration of its Tiffany fountain; a record high Annual Fund campaign; a $150,000 gift from Robert and Lisa Lourie in honor of Linda J.L. Becker; and a $125,000 bequest from the Doris and Edgar Flinton Trust.
School officials said the Fairbanks Family Charitable Foundation pledge is a significant boost to Pine Cobble's ongoing capital and endowment campaigns, which are designed to ensure long-term financial stability, improve the school's science facilities, and add athletic and performance space.
"This remarkable pledge from the Fairbanks Family Charitable Foundation will be transformative," said Susannah Wells, interim head of school. "Children of all backgrounds and talents find a home here at Pine Cobble, and I consistently hear from alumni that the years they spent in our classrooms were some of the most important years of their lives. This remarkable gift ensures we can offer this profound educational experience to future generations."
A significant number of students receives financial aid, and the school works with families on an individual level to ensure that children can access a Pine Cobble education.
That, said Briggs, is the idea.
"Pine Cobble is such a special place where wonderful people foster lifelong values and love of learning in our children," she said. The foundation's focus reflects her parents strong belief of quality education, Briggs continued, and provides a way to give to educational institutions important to the family.
