PLEASE JOIN THE LUCAS MATCH AND HELP US RAISE THE REMAINING ALMOST $600,000 OF A $7 MILLION DOLLAR CHALLENGE GIFT! EVERY DOLLAR YOU GIVE IS EQUALLY MATCHED! WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN AND WILL MEET THIS CHALLENGE!
WHAT IS THE LUCAS MATCH?
David and Linda Lucas will match every dollar our community raises up to $7 million as long as it is for debt or endowment!
 
IS THERE A TIME LIMIT?
Yes, in order to be matched, all gifts need to be payable on or before June 30, 2023.
 
HOW DOES IT WORK?
For example, you choose to make a gift of $100,000 to the LUCAS MATCH. Your gift could be paid in equal amounts on June 30, 2020, June 30, 2021, and June 30, 2022, and it will be matched as the proceeds come in.
 
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
The LUCAS MATCH was prompted because of the school’s $18.9 million debt that remains from building the Upper School campus in 2007. Due to the recession of 2007-2009, some of the pledges that were made were not fulfilled. As a result, the school currently pays roughly $1.2 million in principal and interest payments each year that otherwise could go to programs, faculty salaries, and improving our school!

WHAT HAPPENS IF I CHOOSE TO PAY DOWN THE DEBT?
Donors who pay down the debt will be given an opportunity to choose an unnamed space on campus ranging from $25,000 for various classrooms up to $1.5 million to name the Upper School. There is a complete list of naming opportunities available for those who are interested.
 
WHAT HAPPENS IF I CHOOSE TO MAKE A GIFT FOR ENDOWMENT?
Donors who choose endowment can create a named fund starting at $25,000 with opportunities up to $1 million. This is an area of great potential growth and need, as Canterbury currently only has four named endowed funds. There is a complete list of endowment opportunities available for those who are interested.
TIMELINE

July 2017
David and Linda Lucas make their initial $5 million dollar commitment
 
January 2018
The Board of Trustees and a small group of community members are asked to commit their support to the LUCAS MATCH
 
March 2019
The first $5 million match is met with the Board of Trustees committing over $1 million, and the rest coming from committed parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, friends, and other donors
 
April 2019
Given the overwhelming response, David and Linda Lucas offer an additional $2 million match, again only for debt or endowment
 
November 2019
$300,000 has been generously donated toward the $2 million dollar challenge, leaving an additional $1.6 million dollars to be raised
 
December 2019
LUCAS MATCH is announced to the broader Canterbury community
 
June 2022
LUCAS MATCH has successfully raised $13.3 million with $700,000 in matching funds still available for debt reduction or endowment
For more information please contact George Pappas, Associate Head for Advancement and Strategic Initiatives, (239) 481-4323 x718, gpappas@canterburyfortmyers.org