Thornton Academy Postscripts Alumni Magazine Fall 2014 | Page 18

1811 Society Volunteerism & Philanthropy of Pam Roberts ’76 When Pam Roberts ‘76 first discovered Herman Melville’s classic Moby Dick in her English class with Mr. Staples, she couldn’t have imagined her role as one of the readers in the nationally-prestigious annual event at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Each year, the museum hosts a 25-hour non-stop reading of Moby Dick. This is just one of the many ways Pam still feels connected to TA. Pam joined the 1811 Society in 2003, the inaugural year for the organization. The 1811 Society recognizes alumni and friends who have committed to Thornton Academy, in perpetuity, by placing the school in their estate plans. Left to right: Pam, daughter Miranda, son Zane, husband Scott, and son Pierce. “When my husband and I first were filling out our wills, it was sort of automatic to include our alma maters—it just seemed like the right thing to do,” she said. Pam’s twin sister and three older siblings are all TA alumni so “there was a lot of maroon and gold in our house…Thornton was a very special place.” volunteer - Pam understands the importance and need for external funding and resources for schools. She said, “I feel strongly about donating to programs like the arts that don’t have all costs covered by taxes or tuition dollars.” Pam attended Simmons College in Boston and pursued a career in graphic design, before raising two sons and a daughter. Through her extensive volunteerism - everything from serving as PTO President to library The annual and planned giving of the Roberts Family will help ensure Thornton Academy students receive the same meaningful education as she experienced. 1811 Society Membership 1811 Society Membership can take one or more forms, depending upon your estate planning needs: • bequests • charitable gift annuities • charitable remainder trusts • charitable lead trusts and more. There are many ways you can have a lasting impact on Thornton Academy. Benefits of 1811 Society membership include: an annual dinner, a complimentary admission pass to TA home athletic games and performing arts events, and invitations to select receptions at the Headmaster’s House. If you are interested in learning more about the 1811 Society, please contact Director of Development Erin Nelson at 207-602-4456 or [email protected]. 18 POSTSCRIPTS