Write Those Checks

Many development videos tend to be apologetic about asking for money. Veiled as “we need your support”, these videos often worry that by being forward, audiences will be put off. We are of the persuasion that forward is good, and bold is good. So now, without being apologetic, the Madeira girls got together to encourage all of their alumnae to “Write Those Checks”. The video strategy was simple: Explain the mission, demonstrate the cause, and ask for money, and in the process, make it a fun ride for the viewer. We based this one on a famous Broadway hit that you’re sure to recognise.

Full lyrics can be found below.

Client: The Madeira School
Location: McLean VA, USA
Date: February 2020
Category: Advancement / Development Videos

Lyrics

There once was a woman named Lucy– Madeira she had an idea for a new era.

A school for girls that won’t be finishing
but only just be starting
which would appear a Lofty goal but off we go,
a brand new course we would be charting.

We were the first to throw-the-little. white. gloves out 
Getting our hands dirty we pulled the polite. rugs. out
From under what was always-taught
the old-ways of thought, where women ought to follow but 
Never lead, never need to think. 

So Miss Madeira put in ink 
There’d be a school that shifted course to the light
inviting girls to learn their strength and their might we’ve set our sights
Now the world needs more Madeira girls    
who dare to challenge and care– to reach new heights

From day one we’ve been raising girls to change the world, 
A reputation we’ve been earning, look around, the heads are turning, 
We’re Madeira girls, driven, disciplined, status quo disturbing
We’re Madeira girls, and we’ve raised the bar.

It’s who we are, this is a school with a mission it’s avant-garde
Madeira raises strong and ambitious women they’re going far, 
Scientists and doctors, explorers artists lawyers inventors leaders this is where they start!

It’s now– that we need Madeira women
We’re Madeira girls we need Madeira women
There are still some funds we’ve left to raise,
so just donate,
Just donate. 

The funds we raise will ONE build a new space for academics,
asking for help we’re not apologetic
and TWO
endow the Co-Curriculum so allow us to articulate,
’cause this will be poetic.

There’s a game-changing building in the plans,
with modern space for STEAM, ‘cause as it stands
the world’s moving fast, the jobs, changing demands.
A place to reason and be creative, the classic Madeira brand.

And then there’s the Co-Curriculum. part of that brand.
Per year, costing over three hundred grand,
an introduction to careers, so here’s the endowment,
like a trust, pulling interest every year, economically robust
-it’s a must-
that’s how our endowment will never allow the program to go bust. 
(Spoken) Graduate with three internships? In Madeira, we trust. 

look at what’s already been done,
All the Difference, change is steady and it’s more than begun.
Renovated the dorms, they geothermally warm
and the quad’s been transformed and that’s not all.
You donated a brand new turf field,
the legendary oval really needed the earth healed.
The campaign’s coming to a close we’re near the end of the road,
we just have one more push to go!

The time’s come to write those checks (big or small!)
The time’s come to write those checks (cash or credit!)
We’re almost there, a tax write-off that– you can declare,
the time’s come to write those checks (you share when you care!)

The time’s come to write those checks (big or small!)
The time’s come to write those checks 

Your gifts, your support and your donations make you part of our success
Gifts big or small– help Madeira to progress.

And yes, this is the final stretch the 90%’s been given.

We’re Madeira girls, and we need Madeira women!