Brook Hill School in Tyler, Texas, is a place where students are prepared to lead lives of passion, purpose, and impact. Having successfully completed a capital campaign with Winkler Group counsel in 2005 that transformed its campus, the school was ready once again to think boldly about its future.

With visionary leadership from its founder, Steve Dement, and head of school, Rod Fletcher, Brook Hill had a compelling story to tell. Enrollment was strong, and the school had a clear vision for expanding academic, athletic, and residential facilities. Yet even with a loyal community, leadership wondered whether they could secure the transformative gifts needed to bring their plans to life.

Brook Hill partnered with the Winkler Group to lead its second-ever capital campaign—Boldly Brook Hill—designed to take the school’s mission to the next level.

The Campaign: Turning Insight into Investment

Our feasibility study surfaced a critical insight: while supporters were ready to give, many needed to understand the school’s long-term vision before making their largest commitments.

Through intentional cultivation and strategic messaging, we helped Brook Hill share its bold plans for campus growth and academic excellence. Our campaign strategy focused on: engaging lead donors early through personal conversations and challenge gifts, expanding the campaign’s priorities to better align with donor passions, and building a strong case for investment in both immediate needs and the long-term endowment.

One prospective lead donor initially discussed a $1 million gift during the feasibility study. By broadening the campaign’s vision, we helped the school secure a $4 million commitment from that same donor—four times the original pledge.

We also designed a strategy to leverage the influence of one of the most prominent families in the region. This approach led to a cascade of giving, with extended family members collectively contributing $5 million to the campaign.