By The Black Knight
The Torch Burning Bright campaign seeks to build a new library and academic center at Baltimore City College. The campaign is the most aggressive and ambitious fundraising campaign in the school's history. The phrase “Torch Burning Bright” comes from the school song, “Castle on the Hill” from the line, “May her torch burn ever bright." The torch is a metaphor for the enlightenment and knowledge that students earn at the school and pass on to future generations. Therefore, this campaign is also about passing on something to future generations -- a school that has a 21st century library equipped with the resources necessary for college preparation.
We launched the campaign in January 2015 with a goal of raising $2.0 million. So far we've raised $1.8 million. Our goal for this campaign on GiveCampus is to raise $100,000 by December 1st.
In support of these goals, we are challenging each City class to raise $2,500 and/or secure donations from 25 members of their class. Each class that meets this challenge will be recognized on the library's donor wall--and the classes that raise the most money and secure the most donations will be honored at the opening ceremony for the library!
Alumni, parents, and community members are encouraged to make gifts in honor of their loved ones that are attending or have attended City College. When making a gift you can "Honor" an individual or a graduation year.
For more information about the campaign visit citycollegelibrary.org.
Prefer to make a gift by mail? Don't worry, it will still count toward the challenge. Just make your check out to the Fund for Educational Excellence, designate "BCC Library" in the memo section of the check, and send it to 800 North Charles Street, Suite 400, Baltimore, MD 21201.
The Fund for Educational Excellence (“The Fund”) is the fiscal sponsor for Torch Burning Bright: The BCC Library Campaign. The Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to improve achievement for all students in Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools). It works side-by-side with City Schools providing invaluable support for many of the district’s most important reform initiatives. The organization’s mission is to secure the financial, human, and knowledge resources necessary to support policy and practice resulting in increased achievement for Baltimore City Public Schools students. All contributions are tax-deductible unless otherwise noted.
| Class Year | Donors | Dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 1952 | 1 | $50 |
| 1953 | 1 | $100 |
| 1955 | 2 | $150 |
| 1956 | 6 | $361 |
| 1957 | 11 | $1,135 |
| 1958 | 1 | $10 |
| 1959 | 21 | $2,555 |
| 1960 | 3 | $1,530 |
| 1962 | 8 | $535 |
| 1963 | 2 | $30 |
| 1964 | 27 | $2,785 |
| 1965 | 6 | $605 |
| 1966 | 3 | $215 |
| 1967 | 1 | $200 |
| 1968 | 1 | $100 |
| 1969 | 3 | $320 |
| 1970 | 1 | $30 |
| 1973 | 2 | $268 |
| 1974 | 2 | $166 |
| 1982 | 6 | $320 |
| 1983 | 1 | $35 |
| 1984 | 27 | $2,630 |
| 1985 | 6 | $510 |
| 1987 | 6 | $1,256 |
| 1988 | 4 | $710 |
| 1989 | 2 | $530 |
| 1990 | 3 | $350 |
| 1991 | 3 | $350 |
| 1992 | 3 | $70 |
| 1993 | 28 | $1,189 |
| 1994 | 2 | $65 |
| 1995 | 24 | $1,165 |
| 1997 | 1 | $30 |
| 1998 | 3 | $95 |
| 1999 | 15 | $786 |
| 2000 | 1 | $100 |
| 2001 | 25 | $1,110 |
| 2002 | 1 | $200 |
| 2003 | 21 | $447 |
| 2004 | 1 | $30 |
| 2006 | 4 | $250 |
| 2007 | 1 | $30 |
| 2008 | 3 | $120 |
| 2009 | 4 | $210 |
| 2010 | 3 | $205 |
| 2011 | 1 | $10 |
| 2012 | 1 | $10 |
| 2013 | 1 | $100 |
| 2017 | 1 | $30 |
| 2018 | 4 | $165 |
CSX Corporation matched $5,000 Only 18 left!
Use the link on the Advocates tab to generate at least 3 donations and you will receive an exclusive set of Greg Otto notecards with the Castle on the Hill on the front.
Use the link on the Advocates tab to generate at least 50 donations and your name will be permanently recognized on the giving wall in the new library.
Only 5 left!
Use the link on the Advocates tab to raise at least $500 and you'll receive a shout out at the library opening ceremony.
Use the link on the Advocates tab to raise at least $2,500 and your name will be permanently recognized on the giving wall in the new library.
Only 33 left!
Give at least $15 and you will receive a $5 coupon to PrintWorks to help pay for City College merchandise. This is a $5 value. Note: selecting this incentive will reduce the tax deduction available from your gift by $5.
None Left!
Give at least $10 and receive a City Knit Hat courtesy of Tina Jordan C/O 85 and Vivid Threads! Perfect gift for a City Knight and just in time for Homecoming.
None Left!
Give at least $10 and receive a City Ear Warmer courtesy of Tina Jordan C/O 85 and Vivid Threads! Perfect gift for a City Knight and just in time for Homecoming.
For your generous gift of $10 or more, we will purchase an e-book for the new library and place your name on the library website.
For your generous gift of $10 or more, we will purchase a traditional book for the new library and place your name on a sticker on the inside cover.
None Left!
Give at least $15 and you will receive a limited edition Torch Burning Bright campaign t-shirt. Note: selecting this incentive will reduce the tax deduction available from your gift by $10.
None Left!
Give at least $20 and receive a City Ear Warmer and Scarf Set courtesy of Tina Jordan C/O 85 and Vivid Threads! Perfect gift for a City Knight and just in time for Homecoming.
None Left!
Give at least $25 and receive a City Hat and Glove Set courtesy of Tina Jordan C/O 85 and Vivid Threads! Perfect gift for a City Knight and just in time for Homecoming.
Only 1 left!
Give at least $30 and you will receive a free ticket to the City-Poly game. Limit, one per person. Note: selecting this incentive will reduce the tax deduction available from your gift by $5.
None Left!
Give at least $35 and receive a City Throw Blanket and Hat Set courtesy of Tina Jordan C/O 85 and Vivid Threads! Perfect gift for a City Knight and just in time for Homecoming.
None Left!
Give at least $100 and you will receive an exclusive Baltimore City College bow tie from J. Logan Neckwear. Note: selecting this incentive will reduce the tax deduction available from your gift by $60.
For your generous gift of $500 or more, you will be recognized by name permanently on the giving wall in the new library.