It’s no secret that Catholic schools rely heavily on support from local parishioners, parents and community partners to achieve their multi-faceted educational and evangelical mission. While many philanthropists give for purely intrinsic reasons and expect no recognition in return, our community hopes to convey our gratitude in a meaningful, and tangible, way. As such, we are introducing two new giving societies this spring and plan to host our first-ever “Tolton Tribute” event on April 9th.
Why two societies? Each recognizes a different giving priority, both of which are equally important to our school’s viability – giving to our annual fund, and significant “lifetime” giving across any and all Tolton programs.
The Blazer Society recognizes those who contribute $1,000 or more in a given calendar year, specifically, to Tolton’s Trailblazer Fund. The Trailblazer (Annual) Fund supports general operations at Tolton Catholic; this type of “unrestricted” giving is especially significant, and worthy of recognition, as it enables the administrative team to address high-priority and unexpected expenses across our pillar areas (spirit, heart, mind, and body) throughout the year to benefit all Tolton students. Tolton’s annual appeal is released each summer and typically generates gifts throughout the end of each calendar year. Annual qualifiers will receive a Blazer Society window decal, and be recognized in Tolton’s print magazine and at the spring Tolton Tribute recognition event. (To proactively clarify, event sponsorships do not qualify toward this annual membership, as event proceeds are typically designated for specific purposes.) And obviously, individuals must re-qualify each calendar year, since recognition is evaluated annually.
The Tolton Catholic President’s Circle recognizes cumulative lifetime giving of $25,000 or more to the Tolton community. This includes both unrestricted gifts and “designated” gifts that benefit specific giving areas and programs. (So, for example, gifts to the annual fund or capital campaigns, plus any giving to fine arts, athletics, or faith formation activities are considered holistically.) Outright cash gifts, as well as donor-initiated corporate matching gifts and contributions through Donor Advised Funds, qualify toward these cumulative giving totals. Qualifiers will be recognized in Tolton’s print magazine and participate in a “pinning” at the spring Tolton Tribute recognition event. In light of the significant and/or sustained nature of their support, the names of President’s Circle members will also be displayed permanently on a plaque in the school building.
More information can be found on our website, or obtained from our Advancement Director, Jill McIntosh.
