Walker Bell Challenge 2026

The Walker Bell Challenge is a week-long virtual fundraising event that serves as a powerful reminder of what the Thacher community can achieve when united by a shared goal. It’s not just a week of unlocking funding for the many amazing aspects that makes Thacher unique; it’s also an opportunity for parents, alums, parents of alums, grandparents, and current and former faculty to come together to celebrate the magic of Thacher.

The Walker Bell Challenge was born out of a need to innovate and pivot during the Covid-19 pandemic. We transitioned our in-person spring auction and benefit, which was formerly on campus during Big Gymkhana weekend, into a week-long virtual fundraising event for the entire Thacher community across the globe, and it has become a beloved tradition of its own in the years since.

The Walker Bell is a longstanding symbol of what brings the Thacher community together regularly for Community Dinner. The bell rings to signal that it is time for students, faculty and staff to walk to dinner, hence the Walker Bell.

We are so grateful for your ongoing support! At many schools, community members are invited to an annual fundraising dinner or event in addition to their yearly gift. The Walker Bell Challenge is exactly that—our premier community fundraising event, reimagined as a week-long virtual celebration. We reached out because your additional participation in the Walker Bell Challenge helps us build the momentum needed to meet our matching challenges and unlock additional funding for our students.

Anyone can become a Challenge Pool donor. The Challenge Pool creates momentum through participation by unlocking challenges that provide additional funds to financial aid once a goal is reached. For example, a Thacher alum makes a gift of any amount and unlocks a matching gift of $500 to support financial aid. If 450 alums give, we unlock $225,000! Challenge Pool donors are similar to sponsors for an in-person event. Challenge Pool support starts at $2,500. Interested in joining the Pool? Reach out to jsutter@thacher.org.

All gifts to the Annual Fund made between now and Friday, May 8th, 2026 at midnight will count towards the Walker Bell Challenge. We hope you will consider an additional gift to participate in the Walker Bell Challenge and help us unlock funds to financial aid.