Chapman and Bellemare Family Establish Endowment
Lauren '05 and Francois Bellemare P'39, Vicki and Bob Chapman P'05, GP'39
October 27, 2025
What inspired you to make a gift to The Episcopal School of Dallas?
Our family’s gift to The Episcopal School of Dallas was inspired by our appreciation for the school's commitment to academic excellence, character development, and attracting the best faculty and staff. We believe in supporting institutions that shape young minds and prepare them to make meaningful contributions to the world. This gift reflects our desire to invest in the future of ESD and ensure that its values and programs continue to thrive for generations to come.
What appealed to you about giving to endowment?
A gift to the endowment appealed to us because it ensures long-term financial stability for ESD. We wanted our gift to have a lasting impact, providing resources to attract and retain exceptional teachers and staff and support the school's mission for years to come. Investing in the endowment was a way to help secure ESD’s future and contribute to its continued excellence.
Thinking of the purpose of your endowment fund, why is this of importance to you?
The purpose of our endowment fund is important to us because we believe that exceptional teachers and staff are the foundation of an outstanding education. By helping to attract and retain top talent, we’re investing in the quality of learning experiences for current and future students at The Episcopal School of Dallas. Ensuring that ESD can continue to offer excellent education and resources aligns with our vision of making a meaningful, lasting contribution to the school community.
What advice would you offer to inspire others to consider establishing an endowment fund?
Our advice to those considering establishing an endowment fund is to think about the lasting impact they want to make. An endowment is a powerful way to support what you value most about a school—whether it's attracting exceptional teachers, enhancing academic programs, or ensuring financial stability for future generations. It’s an opportunity to create a legacy that extends well beyond a single gift and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students for years to come.
Our Time to Soar - a Campaign for The Episcopal School of Dallas is inspired by the strategic plan ESD 2030, which aims to add significantly to the school’s endowment, all as further investment in ESD’s people and programs. To date, the ESD community is responding in incredibly generous ways, and we are well along the path to a successful $50,000,000 campaign. For more information about the campaign, including a complete listing of campaign leadership and the video announcing the campaign, visit - www.esdallas.org/our-time-to-soar. Leadership giving opportunities remain, as do opportunities at all levels, to join in support.
