The Caroline Grape ’18 Fund
The Caroline Grape ’18 Fund is an endowed financial aid fund created in memory of Caroline Grape ’18. Through this fund, we celebrate Caroline’s legacy at Rivers and her commitment to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to participate in the full Rivers experience, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Caroline believed deeply that everyone should feel welcomed at Rivers and have the same opportunities as their peers; we can think of no better way to honor her than to establish this fund to provide auxiliary financial aid to students with demonstrated need. The creation of the fund gives students who receive tuition assistance access to additional resources, allowing them to participate fully in the life of the school. This includes funding for trips, music lessons and instruments, athletic gear, laptops, textbooks, standardized test preparation, and more.
We hope that you will help us keep Caroline’s memory alive by donating to the Caroline Grape ’18 Fund today.
If you are interested in donating a gift of $10,000 or more please contact Meret Nahas, Chief Advancement Officer.
If you are interested in donating a gift of $10,000 or more please contact Meret Nahas, Chief Advancement Officer.
Friends of Rivers alumna Caroline Grape '18 share their memories of her and their hopes for a fund that honors her spirit and her desire to make a positive difference in the world by helping others.
Reunion Remembrance Event
On Saturday, June 3, 2023, members of the Class of 2018, current and former faculty members, and family gathered to remember Caroline in honor of her fifth reunion at Rivers. Classmates and friends reminisced and shared stories with the crowd, and the event wrapped up with a toast of orange juice and brownies, a favorite combination of Caroline’s. In addition, a group of friends announced that a tree, surrounded by purple flowers, will be planted this summer on campus in honor of Caroline. We plan to dedicate the tree, which will be located near the new Parsons Quadrangle, during Homecoming Weekend in October.
Caroline’s Coffeehouse
On May 5, 2023, Rivers held the first annual Caroline’s Coffeehouse, previously known as the Spring Coffeehouse. The Coffeehouse is a beloved performing arts tradition in the Rivers community; several times a year, students and faculty gather to listen and share in an accepting space with a truly supportive audience. Caroline had a special place in her heart for the Rivers Coffeehouses, which reflect her open, inclusive, and welcoming spirit. Dedicating the spring Coffeehouse to her memory is a perfect reflection of that spirit.
During the announcement of the program to the Upper School, Caroline's classmate and friend Julia Holton '18 shared the following: "Many of us, as students, fear being vulnerable and honest about ourselves in front of our peers. Caroline gracefully overcame this fear of performing in public through the supportive nature of the coffeehouse, which ultimately gave her the strength and bravery to battle cancer with confidence the following year. I hope you all are inspired to shine your own light in Caroline’s honor."
The first annual Caroline's Coffeehouse included moving performances on many musical instruments including the piano, guitar, and even the harmonica. Students and faculty performed solos, duets, and in groups. The Black Box theater was filled to capacity with members of the Rivers community, and the performers and audience contributed to the supportive and uplifting atmosphere.
Caroline’s Coffeehouse will continue to take place each spring as a way to celebrate Caroline’s memory and her spirit at Rivers. We can think of no better way to honor Caroline and celebrate her life meaningfully, and we are so thankful to be able to present this heartwarming event for years to come.
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