Gifts And Giving
Philanthropy at St. Mary’s School
Catholic education has always succeeded through the generosity of donors. Schools were built, kept open, added to, remodeled - all because of the generosity of the people who have benefited from the school’s existence. St. Mary’s School is no exception.
Raising funds to build and maintain the building began back in 1877 when $8,000 was raised to build our first school building. 1952 a new school was built with $325,000 raised in a fund drive. The school raised $550,000 in 1957 to build a new high school. Our successful 130-year history could not have happened without the generosity of so many parents, alumni parents, grandparents, friends, and alumni.
In the next few years, we anticipate a major building project to upgrade our aging facility to meet both the present and future needs of Catholic education in Owatonna. This process has been in the works for nearly seven years! And it will only succeed through the generous contributions of parishioners, parents, and alumni.
Like many Catholic schools, we are always in need of financial support whether for scholarships or building needs. Your financial support allows us to continue to offer a Catholic, value-based educational environment that provides the best educational opportunities for our students. Our families and other supporters give generously to St. Mary’s School through the Annual Fund, Capital Campaign, Night of Knights Auction, and Planned Gifts.
Annual Fund
The Annual Fund helps the school meet its annual operating budget. While most of the school’s financial support comes through the stewardship programs at St. Joseph’s and Sacred Heart parishes, money raised through the Annual Fund allows the school some flexibility in offering different programs and staffing that might otherwise not be available. Gifts from parents, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents and others is a way to give back and partner with St. Mary’s to continue the tradition of excellence in the classroom.
Gifts to the Annual Fund support:
Teacher and staff salaries and training opportunities
Need-based scholarships and financial aid
Technology and other learning materials
All other aspects of our academic and co-curricular program.
To make a gift or for more information, contact Mike Randall, 507-446-2300 or michael.g.randall@comcast.net.
Planned Giving
Supporting St. Mary’s School through a planned gift allows donors to partner in shaping and developing the school’s future. As a donor, you receive more than the potential tax savings. Helping others enjoy a Catholic education will provide you with personal and emotional fulfillment that can’t be duplicated in any other way.
Recently, St. Mary’s was the recipient of a very generous gift in excess of $650,000 from the estate of Hilary and Beverly Neville. Although they had no children, the Nevilles were strong believers in Catholic education and their gift will make a tremendous impact on our upcoming building campaign. There are as many different ways to support St. Mary’s School as there are needs for your support. Planning a gift is more than just finding a need. There are many factors to consider and many ways to make a planned gift. Some of those include:
Wills and Bequests - Gifts of Appreciated Stock
Gifts of Retirement Assets - Charitable Remainder Trusts
Gifts of Life Insurance - Testamentary Trusts
Charitable Lead Trusts - Gifts of Real Estate
Charitable Gift Annuities - Deferred Charitable Gift Annuities
You can help to ensure that the legacy of St. Mary’s School remains vibrant, and that our students continue to benefit from the ideals of Catholic education and service to others that have been present at our school for so many years. Over time, gifts from wills and bequests will also expand the school’s endowment, build new buildings and provide scholarship assistance.
If you have already included St. Mary’s in your estate plans, please let us know. We would like to assist you in making certain your intentions will be carried out. For more information, call Mike Randall at 507-446-2300, e-mail him at michael.g.randall@comcast.net.
Magazine Drive
St. Mary’s participates in a yearly magazine drive in the fall with Junior High students offering Magazine subscriptions and renewals to friends, family and neighbors. St. Mary’s earns 40% profit on every item offered in the catalog and online. The student drive ends the last week in September but anybody can order online anytime throughout the year at QSP Readers Digest and 40% of every order will be returned to St. Mary’s. Hundred’s of the most popular magazines and Music CD’s are offered at typical subscription prices.
To order or renew any magazine through QSP and earn money for St. Mary’s, go to QSP.com and register to give St. Mary’s the proceeds by entering 425006429 as the “online code.”
For questions pertaining to the Magazine Drive or online magazine sales, contact Sue Wacek at 507 446-2300 or email her at swacek@stmarys-owatonna.org