Category: General

The Big Payback 2022

The Big Payback 2022

By Ronald Gooch in General on April 30, 2022

FANNIE BATTLE DAY HOME FOR CHILDREN IS PARTICIPATING IN THE BIG PAYBACK! The annual giving day The Big Payback is returning on Wednesday, May 4th! The fun starts at 6:00 PM and continues until 6:00 PM on Thursday, May 5th. Fannie Battle is excited to participate and join in on the fundraising event that unites Middle Tennessee each year.

The Big Payback, hosted by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, is a community-wide giving day which shines a spotlight on LOCAL giving and motivates Middle Tennessee to “give back” to nonprofits in a big way. This 24-hour online giving event helps organizations – like Fannie Battle! – raise funds and bring awareness to pressing needs in our community. It’s also the prime time of year to give, because every gift you make could be boosted by cash prizes.

It’s clear to see the impact of The Big Payback. From 2014 through 2021, Middle Tennesseans have come together to raise more than $25 million from a total of 180,583 donations for more than 1,000 nonprofits, schools, and religious institutions. In 2022, we are setting our sights on reaching $10,000 raised during the giving day. AND AN EXTRA SPECIAL THANKS to our friends at Jackson National Life Insurance Company  for their generous support and continued dedication to our mission; for every donations made they will match your contributions up to $10,000. We hope you’ll join us and support Fannie Battle on May 4th – 5th! For more information, contact us or visit www.TheBigPayback.org.

Thank YOU for your support!

Investing in Fannie Battle Teachers – Cathey & Wilford Fuqua

Investing in Fannie Battle Teachers – Cathey & Wilford Fuqua

By Ronald Gooch in General on April 15, 2022

Investing in Fannie Battle Teachers – Cathey & Wilford Fuqua – Blog

Leadership, ultimately is not about how long something lasts however the impact that it makes day after day, year after year, generation after generation. At Fannie Battle for 131 years, we have made it our mission to serve the families and children in the Nashville area by offering high-quality, affordable childcare. To make that possible, we constantly search for partners who believe in and support our mission.

For generations, the spirit of Miss Fannie Battle has exemplified what this mission looks like when put into action, not only in spirit but with very gracious actions of our partners, many of whom have been involved for decades and often several generations. Partners like Cathey and Wilford Fuqua, who embody how important exemplary leadership is to organizations like ours.

For decades, the Fuquas, have been dedicated to ensuring that families in the Nashville community are properly served at all levels. Cathey, a former Fannie Battle Board President, who also has a background in non-profit development, has been there for Fannie Battle. Whether it be supporting our fundraising efforts or in service as a volunteer, Fannie Battle has played an important role in their community involvement.

For many organizations like Fannie Battle, we are constantly looking for ways to strengthen our commitment to serve children and families. This year our brainstorming was aided by a generous gift from the Fuquas. Cathey & Wilford visited us last fall to catch up after several years away due to the pandemic. During their visit, they recognized that early childhood education teachers are often overlooked despite the critical role they play in the lives of children and families and decided to do what they can to change this situation. Their goal is to encourage others to give by offering a match for gifts made to our Spring – Candle of Hope Annual Campaign.  Gifts will be matched up to a total of $15,000! Our mission to empower our families and allow our children to reach their highest potential can be strengthened with this commitment and our capacity to provide better wages and benefits for our educators is increased.

This gift is a testament to the importance of leading by example, we hope that the Fuquas generosity leads others to partner and support our efforts! Be sure to check your mailbox or make a donation online today!

Thank you for your commitment to the Fannie Battle Day Home for Children!

Partner Highlight: Jackson National Life Insurance Company

Partner Highlight: Jackson National Life Insurance Company

By Ronald Gooch in General on January 6, 2022

Partner Highlight: Jackson National Life Insurance Company

At the forefront of all partnerships is the mission — the reason behind commitment. It can fuel the rejuvenation of a community and represent hope for a family, single mom, young child or even the elderly who may be looking for a second chance.

For 130 years Fannie Battle Day Home for Children has served families and children in the Nashville area by offering very safe, high-quality childcare and continuing to cultivate partnerships that support this mission. These are partnerships that run deeper than merely meeting donation quotas or simply repeating past commitments. Fannie Battle’s partnership with Jackson throughout 2021 is one of these deep, enduring, strong partnerships.

The past year has been yet another test for businesses, nonprofit organizations and especially the childcare industry. Fannie Battle’s struggles are like everyone else’s, but we were able to rise above them thanks to amazing partnerships like the one we have with Jackson. Their financial contribution as an annual corporate Caterpillar level sponsor helped sustain us in a year in which we had to go virtual with YUM East, one of our largest fundraisers, and sacrifice in-person contact with many of our supporters. Jackson’s funding allowed us to direct dollars where they were needed most for our operations and enhance other fundraising activities, like Big Payback. However, our partnership with Jackson transcends the monetary. For instance, Jackson’s own Chardae Hawley-Giddens, the company’s agile product director, has been a welcome addition to serve on our board of directors and has infused diversity, energy and expertise to help us grow and enhance our operations. In addition, numerous Jackson representatives have demonstrated a genuine interest in our organization’s needs and a willingness to help us achieve our goals.

For a small nonprofit like ours, Jackson’s open communication and clear desire to help us thrive has been indispensable in supporting our mission to provide vital services to families in need. This year, as in years past, we had the amazing opportunity to give gifts during this holiday season to the children at our facility! Jackson helped us pioneer an efficient new process for this beloved tradition that surprised and blessed our children and will benefit kids here for many years to come. For this we are thankful.

“The Jackson Enterprise Technology department partnered with our Corporate Philanthropy team to provide gifts for 85 children this year,” Hawley-Giddens said.  “I’m grateful that we have this opportunity to help spread joy to families this holiday season during an especially difficult time for many.”

Grant proposals, sponsorship and volunteer involvement all come with a high level of commitment and communication. Our experience this year has been very seamless and clear regarding expectations and outcomes. Our team at Fannie Battle is extremely grateful for how committed everyone at Jackson — including Corporate Philanthropy Manager Niya Moon —have been to our success. Cheers to continued collaboration between Jackson and Fannie Battle in 2022 and beyond!

Fannie Battle Day Home Welcomes Four Board Members and New Board Leadership for 2021

Fannie Battle Day Home Welcomes Four Board Members and New Board Leadership for 2021

By melissa in General on February 19, 2021

Fannie Battle Day Home Welcomes Four Board Members and New Board Leadership for 2021

New leadership will work to continue Fannie Battle Day Home’s mission, integrity, and financial stability

 

Nashville, TN – Fannie Battle Day Home (Fannie Battle) today announced four new board members and leadership who will work to continue Fannie Battle’s mission of providing accessible and affordable high-quality childcare while empowering families to reach their fullest potential.

“It is my privilege to work for an organization that can attract such an outstanding group of highly respected volunteers for the Board of Directors,” said Kristie Ryan, Executive Director. “I welcome our new members and am eager to start another successful year.”

The new board members began their three-year terms with Fannie Battle effective January 1, 2020 and may serve a maximum of two terms. The four new members are:

  • Elizabeth Beavers, Community Volunteer; Previous board chair
  • Chardae Hawley, Product Director of Jackson
  • Michael Law, Director, Development of HCA Physician Development/Mergers & Acquisitions; Previous board member
  • Pam Vasilevskis, Managing Partner, Client Focused Media – Nashville

“I sought to serve on Fannie Battle’s board because I believe education is the great equalizer. Fannie Battle creates the space for children of all backgrounds to gain a strong educational foundation,” said Chardae Hawley. “Additionally, I believe diversity is a powerful tool and having students from different ethnic, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds learning together provides an immeasurable experience in both development and understanding.”

“As a former working mom of three boys for over 15 years, I know some of the struggles parents face juggling jobs and family life and the financial strain childcare can put on a family’s finances. Fannie Battle offers wonderful support that empowers families,” said Pam Vasilevskis. “I will be honored to serve and further Fannie Battle’s mission.”

Additionally, Fannie Battle board members have elected Sandy Wade, HCA Healthcare, as President-Elect; Joshua Counts Cumby, Adams & Reese, LLP, as Secretary; and Michael Law, HCA, as Treasurer.

“I am honored to support an impactful organization that not only carries a century-long tradition of excellence in childcare and provides even more to Fannie Battle families today, but to serve alongside such passionate and talented leaders,” Solvig Gentile, Board President commented. “Together we strive to continue and grow the legacy of Fannie Battle in 2021 and well beyond”.

#  #  #

Media Contact: Kristie Ryan, Executive Director, 615-228-6745 or kryan@fanniebattle.org

Fannie Battle Day Home for Children is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit dedication to providing accessible and affordable high-quality childcare while empowering families to reach their fullest potential. Fannie Battle Day Home, the second oldest childcare center in Tennessee, began in 1891 when founder, Miss Fannie Battle, noticed children were left to roam the streets while their parent(s) went to work. Today we remain committed to serving working Nashville families and developing new avenues to serve our rapidly growing community. To learn more about Fannie Battle Day Home, visit our website: fanniebattle.org

1st ever Classroom Caroling Competition

By melissa in General on December 14, 2020

Our Classroom Caroling Competition is HERE!

Welcome to Fannie Battle’s first ever Classroom Caroling Competition! From December 7th-24th our classrooms are competing to win best Caroling group through donations. It’s all in fun and everyone is a winner here.

CATERPILLARS (Infants)

Our Caterpillars classroom sings Jingle Bells. Cast your vote for them at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/FBcaterpillars

 

SUNBEAMS (Toddlers)

Our Sunbeams classroom sings Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Cast your vote for them at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/FB-Sunbeams

TADPOLES (EEP & Nashville Classical Teacher Class)

Our Tadpoles classroom sings Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Cast your vote for them at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/FB-Tadpoles

 

BUMBLE BEES (Twos)

Our Bumble Bees classroom sings Santa Shark. Cast your vote for them at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fb-bumblebees

 

BUTTERFLIES (Twos)

Our Butterflies classroom sings The Lights on the Tree. Cast your vote for them at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/FB-butterflies

 

FERNANDO FROGS (Preschool)

Our Fernando Frogs classroom sings Frosty the Snowman. Cast your vote for them at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/FB-FernandoFrogs

 

FANNIE FROGS (Preschool)

Our Fannie Frogs classroom sings The Reindeer Pokey. Cast your vote for them at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/FB-FannieFrogs

 

SCHOOL-AGE

Our School-Age classroom sings Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Cast your vote for them at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/FB-SchoolAge

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

from all of us at Fannie Battle Day Home

 

‘Tis the season to be jolly

‘Tis the season to be jolly

By melissa in General on November 18, 2020

JOIN US FOR OUR 104TH CAROLING FOR KIDS FUNDRAISER

Caroling for Kids has long been a vital part of our fundraising efforts. It is through our volunteer caroling groups, who raised over $32,000 in 2019, as well as individuals donors and corporate sponsors, that we are able to keep tuition rates low for working families. This even has been a treasured Nashville tradition since 1916 and we’re determined to keep the tradition rolling: 2020 has gone online.

There are 3 WAYS you can join in the fun and make a giant impact this holiday season:


 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information, visit fanniebattle.org/caroling

 

We’re back!

By melissa in General on June 10, 2020

On Monday, June 1st, we re-opened the center and had a total of 20 children arrive on the first day! As the week progressed, more children began to return. It is definitely different around here: parents drop off and pick up children outside at the front door, all temperatures are taken, hands are immediately washed, staff is equipped with masks, but we were all so excited to see our children and families and get back to learning and playing.

As more businesses open and numbers remain relatively low, we expect to see more friends re-join us.

 

 

 

 

A few center updates:

  • Our volunteer program has been temporarily suspended as we continue to minimize the potential exposures. We are working on creating virtual opportunities, as well as limited in-person experiences. If you’d like more info, please fill out our volunteer form.
  • We are temporarily not accepting in-person donations of used items. Should you wish to donate an item in-kind visit our Amazon Wishlist.

Stay healthy and safe!

A statement from all of us at Fannie Battle

A statement from all of us at Fannie Battle

By melissa in General on June 5, 2020

 

We understand that it’s a difficult and overwhelming time for children as they are trying to process what is happening and it can be difficult for adults to respond. We  would like to share with you some valuable resources that can hopefully help with these discussions.  

 

The 60-minute special “Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism. A CNN/Sesame Street Town Hall for Kids and Families” will air on Saturday, June 6, at 10 a.m. ET.

 

At-Home Learning: PBS SoCal and KCET, in partnership with LAUSD and in collaboration with California PBS stations, are offering broadcast programming with digital resources that adhere to California’s state curriculum. Download this week’s schedule. George Floyd’s final words struck deep in Lonnae O’Neal’s mother’s heart.Floyd’s call out for his mother made the senior writer at …

 

A school counselor and a children’s book author offer advice for talking to children about racism and George Floyd. By Marie Tae McDermott By Marie Tae McDermott Credit…Christian Robinson, an …

 

Welcome Kristie P. Ryan, CFRE as our new Executive Director

Welcome Kristie P. Ryan, CFRE as our new Executive Director

By melissa in General on April 13, 2020

Fannie Battle Day Home’s board of directors announced that they have appointed Kristie P. Ryan, CFRE, as Executive Director. She will take helm of the model childcare organization dedicated to providing accessible and affordable high-quality early education.

“The board is very excited to welcome Kristie to our Fannie Battle family and feel that her experience, leadership, and passion are ideal to lead us into the next chapter of our organization,” Solvig Gentile, board president, said.

Ryan has served nearly 30 years in non-profit development and management, garnering a depth of knowledge across her profession. Her experience ranges from community-based social service agencies, local and national health-related organizations, and her sorority’s foundation. She follows the Day Home’s previous Executive Director, Melanie Shinbaum, who left the organization in November for a new professional challenge as Chief Executive Officer of St. Luke’s Community House.

“I am so honored to have been selected as the Executive Director of Fannie Battle Day Home,” said Ryan. “Fannie Battle’s long and revered reputation in the Nashville community is a tribute to everyone who has played a role in its history to ensure that families have access to high-quality, affordable care.”

Ryan was awarded the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential in 1999 and has continuously maintained the designation since. Additionally, she received a non-profit management certificate from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy.  She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), where she has served in various roles including Nashville Chapter President.  She greatly values her own involvement as a volunteer with various Nashville area organizations having previously served with Nurses for Newborns, Boy Scouts – Troop 86, Faith Family Medical Clinic, Hillcrest UMC, and Brentwood High School, to name a few. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Middle Tennessee State University.

FBDH Staff Happenings

FBDH Staff Happenings

By melissa in General on April 2, 2020

It has now been over two weeks since we saw you and your children; we want you to know that we miss you and look forward to your return. We thought we would share some updates on what everyone here at Fannie Battle has been up to while we have been away:

  • Staff: Although we were not able to have our staff in-service day on March 27th, our teachers have been busy completing training requirements through online training opportunities Ms. Tara and Ms. Stacie have been in constant communication with teachers to help with these training, as well as get their feedback.
  • Program & Business: Ms. Stacie has continued working through all of the day-to-day business matters that occur even through closure.
  • Development & Grants: Ms. Melissa has been working with the development committee to create and implement an altered fundraising plan to help generate additional income, as well as Ms. Katherine who is staying-up-to-date on newly released grant opportunities for us to request funds for lost income during this time.
  • Board Leadership: Our board of directors and committees continue to meet via Zoom to ensure smooth operation and plan for days ahead.

    Please feel free to reach out to Stacie at any time for questions, comments, concerns. Best wishes; stay safe and be healthy.