Scotch College

Major benefactors head leadership gifts

Richard and Jeanne Pratt - in my view Australia's greatest philanthropists - have pledged $1 million to name the 500-seat Geoffrey McComas Theatre as part of The James Forbes Academy.

Inspired by this exemplary act of generosity, and the extraordinary project itself, another member of the Scotch Family has promised $500,000 for the choral and string ensemble studio.

The Pratts' gift is so astounding that it deserves special explanation. Ten years ago, Richard Pratt visited Scotch. He later addressed the Foundation President's Dinner and announced a very handsome donation of $50,000. Last year, Leadership Gifts Chairman Sandy Murdoch and I invited Richard's support for the Academy and he promptly agreed to a further gift of $50,000. As planning for the project developed, I became more and more convinced that Richard might consider a leadership gift. He and Jeanne are now giving $1 million to Scotch - a school with which they have no family connection. I believe they are doing so for five reasons:

• They can - and you've got to admire that!
  
• They admire Scotch and its enormous contribution to this State and the nation over nearly 150 years;
  
• They admire Gordon Donaldson, his pursuit of excellence and philosophy of leadership;
  
• They admire the arts and the plans for The James Forbes Academy (as do other distinguished "outsiders" such as John Bell and Pamela Rabe); and
  
• They are great friends, mentors and students of my father's and admire what he has achieved in an outstanding career of 55 years in broadcasting and communication.

In confirming the gift, Richard wrote to Council Chairman Michael Robinson: "I am ... passionate about education. Any school that teaches young Australian leaders to improve their speaking ability, live with more confidence and represent their company and country with honour, deserves support. I was personally delighted to ... do something good for the community."

That is putting it mildly! If there's been a more genuinely altruistic donation in the history of Australian educational fundraising, Peter Crook and I would be delighted to hear of it. For their astonishing and magnificent gift, our deepest thanks to the Pratts; and for inspiring the gift, thanks to my father.

In his letter of thanks, Michael Robinson wrote to Richard: "Words cannot express how much joy you have given us ... We are all very excited about the project and the enormous contribution which it will make the development of the arts within the Scotch community. I know that this is one of your lifelong passions, and I can assure you that the support you have given will encourage the development of that passion in succeeding generations of Scotch Collegians".

Soon after the announcement of the Pratts' benefaction, another member of the Scotch Family pledged $500,000 to name the choral and string ensemble studio. We are profoundly grateful for this wonderful show of confidence and support, which in turn has prompted a number of others to make or consider pledges ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 - a perfect example of what I call 'The Circle of Giving'. For loyalty and generosity, there's simply no family in this country like the Scotch Family.

Campbell McComas, Campaign Chairman