The Catholic Community Foundation’s signature fundraiser, the Crozier Gala, celebrated its silver anniversary April 20, but that didn’t mean the event was business as usual. Its board of directors did away with a formal “ask” two years ago and this year awarded “surprise” grants as a means of showcasing the good works the foundation does for local Catholic outreach.
The decisions proved fruitful. Combined funds from two corporate sponsors and six individual donors netted 18 one-time grants totaling more than $110,000. Recipients included six Catholic elementary schools who will receive science room equipment, a vehicle to aid off-site employment outreach for St. Joseph the Worker clients living in other shelters, expansion of the health and nutrition programs at St. Peter Indian Mission School in Bapchule and multi-year funding to recruit new foster families through appreciation events on National Adoption Day.
The sold-out Crozier Gala welcomed 700 guests with net proceeds supporting the Catholic Community Foundation’s capacity to fund sustainable programs through its annual competitive grants program. The 30-year-old organization also manages endowment funds for 150 agencies, mostly schools and parishes, and allows individuals to leave a legacy through its Perpetual Light Society.
