Ben Stacy Helps Bring Financial Literacy to Life

When Ben Stacy was asked by fellow parent and Board of Trustee member George Vredeveld if he would help him out with the Country Day Investment Club, it was an easy “yes” for Ben.

 “We wanted to bring an opportunity to learn more about financial literacy to the students in a hands-on way. Our goal was to build a foundation for the students, so they feel comfortable working in a career in finance or running their own business.”

With that goal in mind, Ben provided the support of his company, The Sprenkle Stacy Wealth Management Group of Merrill Lynch, to get the Investment Club started. The first objective of Investment Club was to learn how to allocate real dollars to a long-term investment strategy which they successfully achieved. From there, the students began learning about entrepreneurship and eventually created The Birdfeeder, a successful student-run business that sells snacks and drinks to Country Day students located next to the Dining Terrace.

“It makes the experience for the kids more real when you are using and growing real money,” says Ben. “The next goal for the students in the club is to figure out how to make an impact beyond the club walls. We’ve discussed using the profits to support philanthropic endeavors, and if that’s the case, we have to figure out who or what we are going to support. We don’t quite know yet, but we’ll help the students find the answers along the way.”

Supporting the students in Investment Club was very personal to Ben.

“One of the things I have realized is that I’m very passionate about mentoring, coaching, and teaching, so it was a natural connection for me [to get involved with the investment club],” says Ben. “I believe financial literacy is very important for kids, so this is one way that I can give back.”

Ben and Kelly, whose three children Ben `20, Zach`22 and Lizzy `23 graduated from Country Day, believes it’s important to continue supporting Country Day, even though they no longer have children attending the school.

“There’s this notion that Country Day is this fully funded school, but that’s not true,” says Ben. “Having three kids attend Country Day was a big financial commitment for our family. Fortunately, we benefited from generosity of other Country Day supporters through scholarships. We were given a great opportunity, and we want to do what we can to pay it forward and support other students and their families.”

Ben continues, “As you get older and wiser, you recognize the value of a good education. Country Day was transformational for our kids’ development. The quality of learning is top-notch. And I think having a well-rounded point of view earlier in life helps the development of good people, which is exactly what Country Day does. It’s a gift to continue to be part of this great community and help others.”