Project Background
A Generational Opportunity
Black Pine Circle school purchased two buildings (located on the same property) adjacent to the upper school campus in summer 2023. 2010 7th Street is the brick warehouse immediately to the north of the upper school yard. 844 University Avenue is the former garden store at the corner of 7th and University.
A Multi-Year Vision with Benefits in 2024-2025
The one thing BPC has always wanted is more space for our students. The first priority for additional investment is at 844 University. This will be “Phase One” of an expected multi-year effort to remake these spaces, expand and enhance the BPC campus, and stimulate thinking for subsequent phases and a bigger vision. Substantial initial planning and design discussions are underway.
The Aloha Appeal
Saying Farewell to a Friend and Hello to New Horizons
BPC has been fundamentally transformed by John’s leadership over the past 19 years. We are honoring his legacy with a special request of the entire BPC community called the Aloha Appeal. We chose the word Aloha because it means hello and goodbye and love and, of course, because John is leaving us for Hawaii. John was always eager to think about what comes next. How do we grow? How do we improve? How do we endure? These buildings and the promise they represent are one final gift he has left us. It is up to us to make full use of it.
Through the end of this school year, BPC will focus all of its fundraising energy on making the new building acquisitions available to students as soon as the 2024–2025 school year. Initial ideas include the addition of traditional classroom space, a fitness/wellness center, and band practice space.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Your Special Gift Helps Make this Possible
Our goal is to raise as much as possible this year, so we are asking everyone in the BPC community to make a special gift to help meet this target.
With tax-deductible financial support from the community who will ultimately benefit from additional space, we keep our school agile and responsive to both opportunity and unforeseen circumstances.
You can make a gift right here, or send a check, or drop one by either school office. BPC also accepts matching gifts from employers, which is a great way to increase the impact of your donation. Pledges to pay over time and gifts of securities are also welcome. Your gift will help us send John off in a manner befitting what he has meant to our school, and underline the values and ambition of a BPC eager to embrace what comes next.
To make a gift of securities, contact John Ormsby for details. Pledges to pay over time are also an option.
Contact
John Ormsby, Director of Development
jormsby (at) blackpinecircle.org
(510) 529-2746
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We are very grateful for all those who have made an AFC gift this year. If you have made a gift this year, we ask you to consider making a special supplemental gift to assist with this priority project. If you have not yet made your gift, we ask that you do so and consider a “stretch gift” this year.
The Aloha Appeal is an extension of this year's Annual Fund Campaign. It will conclude on June 30, 2024. The purpose is to inspire additional donations that will allow BPC to move forward with initial planning and renovations of 844 University.
We are just now assessing what needs to be done to make 844 safe and comfortable for students and compliant with relevant zoning and permitting regulations. Our goal is to have the space ready for some initial use as soon as fall 2024. Ideas include adding classroom space, band rehearsal space, and areas for indoor recreation.
Consistent with the board’s vision and the school’s Master Plan, we are evaluating whether and how these new spaces will allow us to thoughtfully expand the school census thereby generating additional revenue and expanding the social pool, among other advantages.
Combined, these two structures add over 6,000 square feet to BPC’s footprint. 2010 is currently being used for faculty and staff offices and as a gathering space. 844 is currently being used for storage and meetings.
You can make a gift right here, or send a check, or drop one by either school office. BPC also accepts matching gifts from employers, which is a great way to increase the impact of your donation. Pledges to pay over time and gifts of securities are also welcome. Your gift will help us send John off in a manner befitting what he has meant to our school, and underline the values and ambition of a BPC eager to embrace what comes next.
A great way to make an Aloha Appeal gift is to buy a ticket and contribute at the Spring Soiree on May 11. All proceeds from the Soiree will be directed for this purpose.