Our Time to Soar: Vroom Family Champions Community at ESD
February 23, 2026
The clearly defined priorities of the Our Time to Soar campaign led Anne Clayton and Bunky Vroom to establish the Vroom Family Community Endowment at The Episcopal School of Dallas. “The faculty, staff, and leadership of ESD already contribute so much towards igniting lives of purpose for all kids at ESD; we wanted to support those efforts,” they explain. The Vroom’s motivation is rooted in a deep appreciation for the daily commitment shown by everyone who works to create a nurturing and challenging environment.
As the name notes, the gift is specifically focused on strengthening Community and Belonging at ESD—a priority the Vrooms believe is crucial for preparing students for the world beyond graduation. Anne Clayton and Bunky established this endowment to support the school’s commitment to full participation, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent any student from engaging in the many enrichment opportunities that define the ESD experience. The Vrooms firmly believe: "The best growth comes from big, new, and varied experiences. Bold adventures and inclusivity should be readily available to each person in the ESD community." By providing this non-tuition support, the couple seeks to ensure that every student can access transformative experiences—regardless of their area of interest—that shape character, build confidence, and promote a true sense of belonging within the community.
Anne Clayton and Bunky endorse the permanence of an endowment fund for their contribution to the school. This is the couple’s second fund at The Episcopal School of Dallas. In 2023, the pair established The Vroom Family Endowment Fund, which recognizes teaching excellence and endows the Vroom Family Distinguished Teaching Award. They acknowledge that ESD, being relatively young compared to its peer institutions, needs to increase its endowment. “Now is the best time to move the needle for lasting impact,” they assert. This forward-thinking approach aligns perfectly with ESD’s ambition to be "one of the top schools in the country” and ignite lives of purpose.
To others considering establishing an endowment fund, Anne Clayton and Bunky encourage simplicity and focus. “Ask yourself, if you could improve one aspect of ESD, what would it be? Then, be the change and support that is needed in that one area.” They emphasize that collective action, even focused in individual areas, can lead to significant change. “Together, we can make the ESD experience even better and impactful to our children and grandchildren, and secure its lasting relevance for generations to come.”
