About February Fantasy Fever

February Fantasy is the signature fundraising event for the entire Our Lady of the Elms community. This year's event will be held on the evening of Saturday, February 26, 2011. Each year, parents, alumnae and friends gather at the High School for an evening of socializing, dinner and fundraising festivities. This is an excellent opportunity to mingle with other families and friends of the Elms while contributing to an organization that remains near and dear to our hearts.

This year's February Fantasy theme is Fantasy Fever, incorporating all of your favorite disco and 70's theme aspects. Dust off your leisure suits, bell bottom pants and platform shoes, and get them ready for February Fantasy Fever!

In keeping with an 87 year tradition of academic excellence, Our Lady of the Elms High School is ranked 12th in the State, 1st in Summit County and 1st in the Cleveland Diocese*. Our Middle School girls consistently advance to the District and State Science Fair with excellent and superior results. Our Lady of the Elms Elementary ranks consistently in the 96th percentile and above for Language Arts and Reading on the IOWA Tests.

Our Lady of the Elms continues to flourish, and so do our needs. While nearly 80% of our operational budget is covered by tuition, the additional 20% necessary for operational costs must be covered through generous donations and fundraising events like February Fantasy. The operating budget pays for teachers' salaries, classroom supplies, extra-curricular activities, campus maintenance, and so much more. Contributions made to February Fantasy will ensure that the Elms is operating at a full 100 percent budget. Investments in the Elms are valuable knowing that the students being educated at the Elms today will become the future leaders of tomorrow.

* Per the 2010 Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) results

Frequently Asked Questions

Does February Fantasy support the Elementary School or the High School?
Both! February Fantasy supports the entire Elms community. February Fantasy provides critical operational support for Our Lady of the Elms school. Tuition revenue provides only 80 percent of the school's operating budget. Our Lady of the Elms relies on annual unrestricted giving, and other non-tuition revenue to help cover the gap that exists between tuition and the actual cost of educating each student. The Elms must "fill the gap" each year through multiple fundraising efforts, one of which is February Fantasy. Contributions help to ensure that the 20 percent gap is filled.

The funds raised by February Fantasy enable the Elms to offer an academically rigorous curriculum, retain exemplary teachers, and round out students' education through the arts and athletics. Additionally, February Fantasy provides financial aid for the Elementary and High School students.

Who usually attends February Fantasy?
February Fantasy draws the entire Elms community together. Current parents and grandparents, past parents and grandparents, alumnae, staff, faculty, community members and leaders, elected officials and other friends of the Elms can all be seen at February Fantasy.