Bring Back the Seminary Bells!

$50,000

Donated

100% of $50,000 goal

110

Donors

This campaign ended on July 30, 2018, but you can still make a gift to San Francisco Theological Seminary by clicking here!

About

Meet Carl Modo
Carl Modo is the seminary's bell ringer. He has been the seminary's bell ringer since he learned to ring the bells at his grandfather's knee, and comes from a long line of seminary bell ringers. Sadly, due to budget cuts, the seminary has had to let Carl go. Unfortunately, all Carl knows how to do is ring the bells at San Francisco Theological Seminary, yet he must venture into the world and find work elsewhere. As you'll learn in the entirely student-produced viral video, Carl's, um, special talents don't quite work in the outside world! The seminary needs to get Carl back, and the only way we can do that is with your help!

But seriously, folks...

Our bells were generously donated by Captain and Mrs. Robert Dollar in 1922, originally placed on top of Montgomery Hall. In 1952, they were moved to Geneva Hall's new bell tower, where they have proclaimed the hour ever since.

Last year, the antiquated computer system that automates the hourly bell ringing stopped functioning and we found it was badly in need of replacement. In our small town, the seminary's iconic bells have lifted the spirits and brought peace to our neighbors and friends.

With your help, we can replace the system and get our bells ringing across the Ross Valley again!

A quote from the dedication bulletin, September 1923: [the bells were to] “…shed a spiritual benediction upon our neighboring valleys…with the passing of time, they will become a unifying influence in our community, strengthening the sense of home and locality, and blending with our tenderest recollections…”

San Francisco Theological Seminary is a qualified 501(c)(3} non-profit organization, and our federal I.D. number is 94-1156302. All contributions are tax-deductible as allowable by law.

Incentives

• Shout-out on social media • Thank you email from Carl • Regular campaign updates

Donate $1

• MP3 ringtone of seminary bells for your phone • Shout-out on social media • Thank you email from Carl • Regular campaign updates

Donate $25

• Choice of signed 11x 17 “RING” poster or high-quality 11x17 photograph of SFTS campus, suitable for framing • MP3 ringtone of seminary bells for your phone • Shout-out on social media • Thank you email from Carl • Regular campaign updates

Donate $50

• Choice of 11x 17 “RING” poster or high-quality 11x17 photograph of SFTS campus, suitable for framing • Engraved bell keepsake ornament • MP3 ringtone of seminary bells for your phone • Shout-out on social media • Thank you email from Carl • Regular campaign updates

Donate $100

• Choose between: Carl the Bell Ringer souvenir bobblehead, signed 11x 17 “RING” poster, suitable for framing, or high-quality 11x17 photograph of SFTS campus, suitable for framing• Engraved bell keepsake ornament• MP3 ringtone of seminary bells for your phone• Shout-out on social media • Thank you email from Carl• Regular campaign updates

Donate $250

• Carl the Bell Ringer souvenir bobblehead • Choice of beautifully framed 11x 17 “RING” poster or 24x12 canvas wrap photograph of SFTS campus • Single ticket to reception and re-dedication of the seminary bells in the fall • Engraved bell keepsake ornament • MP3 ringtone of seminary bells for your phone • Shout-out on social media • Thank you email from Carl • Regular campaign updates

Donate $500

• Name listed on honor roll plaque at the bell tower • Choice of two items: Carl the Bell Ringer souvenir bobblehead, 11x14 framed RING Poster, OR 24x12 canvas wrap photograph of SFTS campus • Engraved bell keepsake ornament• Two tickets to reception and re-dedication of the seminary bells in the fall• MP3 ringtone of seminary bells for your phone• Shout-out on social media• Thank you email from Carl• Regular campaign updates

Donate $1,000

• Ability to schedule the bells to ring on a certain date and time to honor a birthday, anniversary, or other special event (date & time to be mutually agreed upon by SFTS and donor) • Name listed on honor roll plaque at the bell tower • Choice of two items: 11 x 14 framed RING Poster, 24x12 canvas wrap photograph of SFTS campus, Carl the Bell Ringer souvenir bobblehead, or snow globe with Geneva Hall memorialized inside • Engraved bell keepsake ornament • Two tickets to reception and re-dedication of the seminary bells in the fall • MP3 ringtone of seminary bells for your phone • Shout-out on social media • Thank you email from Carl • Regular campaign updates

Donate $2,500

• Ability to schedule the bells to ring on a certain date and time to honor a birthday, anniversary, or other special event (date & time to be mutually agreed upon by SFTS and donor) • Name listed on honor roll plaque at the bell tower • Choice of three items: 11 x 14 framed RING Poster, 24x12 canvas wrap photograph of SFTS campus, Carl the Bell Ringer souvenir bobblehead, Snow globe with Geneva Hall memorialized inside • Engraved bell keepsake ornament • MP3 ringtone of seminary bells for your phone • Four tickets to reception and re-dedication of the seminary bells in the fall, with special recognition at the event • Shout-out on social media • Thank you email from Carl • Regular campaign updates

Donate $5,000

$10,000++ • Name listed on signature plaque at the bell tower • Ability to schedule the bells to ring on a certain date and time to honor a birthday, anniversary, or other special event (date & time to be mutually agreed upon by SFTS and donor) • 11 x 14 framed RING Poster • 24x12 canvas wrap photograph of SFTS campus • Carl the Bell Ringer souvenir bobblehead • Snow globe with Geneva Hall memorialized inside • Six tickets to reception and re-dedication of the seminary bells in the fall, with special recognition at the event • Engraved bell keepsake ornament • MP3 ringtone of seminary bells for your phone • Thank you email from Carl • Regular campaign updates • Shout-out on social media

Donate $10,000

Updates

Download your SFTS Bells ringtone today!

Now that our bells are on the way to being back up and running (thanks to you!), please feel free to download your Westminster Chimes ringtone!

Click here to download instructions for receiving and installing the ringtone

Thanks again for your support!

2879 days ago by Marissa Miller

WE DID IT!!

We hit our goal with less than two weeks to spare!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO DONATED
& SPREAD THE WORD!

Bob Verdin from the Verdin Bell & Clock Company is scheduled to visit on August 8 to assess what needs to be done.

Mark your calendars for the Bell Re-Dedication Ceremony:
Thursday, October 11 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Geneva Terrace, 105 Seminary Road

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

2880 days ago by Marissa Miller

Geneva Hall Snow Globes Have Arrived!

We are loving the new Geneva Hall snow globes that just came in! Donors at the $2500 level or higher will receive one! If you want to increase your donation to reach this level to receive one of these rare items, just donate the difference and we'll get one in the mail today.

2921 days ago by Marissa Miller

Shop for a cause at EmBELLish Marin! It's time for Bells & Bubbles on First Friday San Anselmo!

It's the kickoff of First Friday San Anselmo, and we couldn't be more thrilled that Heidi of Embellish Marin (560 San Anselmo Ave) has offered to donate a portion of all sales tomorrow evening (6/1) from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM! We'll have bubbly rosé, a photographer on hand for winged glamour shots (angels love bells!), and makeup demonstrations from Sisters Share Makeup! The best part? You get to shop for fun baubles and goodies, and that will get us that much closer to having the bells ringing again!

2928 days ago by Marissa Miller

Carl the Bell Ringer bobblehead on his way!

Wow - what a wonderful display of support from our neighbors, alumni, and friends!! Carl Modo and all of us at SFTS are blown away by the love and generosity! We are so close to our goal, so it's time to rally your friends!

For any donation over $250, you will receive your very own commemorative Carl the Bell Ringer bobblehead! Now there's a conversation piece for your home or office!

If you've already donated, but want to qualify for the bobblehead or any of our other amazing gifts, don't fret - just donate the difference and we'll make sure to upgrade your status!

Thanks again for your support - the bells are on their way to ringing once again!

2934 days ago by Marissa Miller

Photos from the Launch Party!

What a gorgeous group of people we had on our labyrinth to kick off the fundraising! Be sure and share with your neighbors if you see them in the photo gallery!

Click for photo gallery:

Click here for Bring Back the Bells Event Photo Gallery!

2943 days ago by Marissa Miller

Thanks for a fabulous launch!

Wow! What a wonderful night last night on the terrace at Geneva Hall at the base of our iconic bell tower. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful community surrounding us! We have kicked off our crowdfunding campaign in high style, and are already 24% to our goal!!

Don't forget - if you raise $1000 or more, your name will be listed for all time on a beautiful bronze plaque right there at the bell tower.

Photos from last night's event will be posted by Wednesday at sfts.edu, so check back then!

Thank you again to everyone who showed up and please do spread the word! Let's get those bells back and ringing!!

Don't miss our Give Back Night at Creekside Pizza & Taproom (635 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo), Tuesday, May 15 from 5 to 8 PM...10% of every dining check will be donated directly to our bells fund!

2948 days ago by Marissa Miller

Fantastic Incentives for Donating!

If you donate between $50 and $250, you will receive a beautifully printed, suitable for framing 11x17 RING poster, featuring Carl Modo, the seminary bell ringer. You may also choose a professionally printed 11x17 image of the SFTS campus (see framed version below):