Beyond the usual excitement of auctions and raffles that highlighted the 9th Annual Benefit Feast dinner/auction at DeSales on January 26th was some very special news that will impact current and future families for years to come.

In his remarks to the guests and volunteers who crowded the elegantly-decorated Dodge Gymnasium, school president Doug Strothman announced the creation of a $1.0 million student financial aid fund, designated and fully-funded by the St. Francis DeSales High School Foundation. 

L to R: Joshua Blandford, Director of Advancement; Bill McCreary '74, School Board Chair; Steve James '82, Foundation Board Chair; Doug Strothman, President

"We must further our commitment to assisting those families who desire a Catholic education for their son," noted Strothman. "We anticipate that this million dollar fund will have a significant impact on the affordability of a personal and unique high school education at DeSales to students throughout the region".  

DeSales, like many schools, has seen the demand for financial assistance outpace the availability of funds. While that trend is likely to continue, earnings from the million dollar fund at DeSales will substantially bridge the gap, while future contributions to the fund will be sought to grow the principal and provide greater earnings in subsequent years.

The St. Francis DeSales High School Foundation, Inc., created in 2007, is a school-affiliated non-profit set up to accept gifts on the school's behalf. Monies raised over the past several years during the school's first capital campaign support the newly-created fund.

The DeSales Foundation also approved a $300,000 grant to the school that will be used immediately to update the weight room and physical education locker space. An additional $30,000 was raised at the event itself to be used for technology needs next year as the school shifts its "Teach-nology" program to include a one-to-one iPad initiative.

Click here to read the article from The Record newspaper. 

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