Associates provide steady stream of gifts through payroll

"I love the residents," said Benedictine Madonna Towers associate Lucy Julius. "I really care about them."

Not only does Julius' care show in her work as a wellness coach in nursing and memory care for the past 20 years, it shows in the way she consistently supports the residents through payroll giving. Julius is one of many associates who donate through their paychecks, choosing a specific amount to be deducted from each paycheck and given to the foundation to support the greatest needs of the community.

"I was raised that you shared something of what you have, either time or money," Julius said.

Julius appreciates that the foundation helps the residents she loves by upgrading the facility and providing other comforts. Associate gifts are currently being designated to purchase five new pianos across three campuses.

Giving through payroll deduction is an easy way to donate for Julius.

"We all have good intentions, but things come up," she said. "Payroll deduction works because it [the money] is not there to spend on other things."

For Julius, giving not only benefits the community, but is good for her as well.

"I believe that if you give, you get back," she said. "In some way your needs are met, too."

Hydration station available thanks to associate gifts

Easy access to cold drinking water and ice is now available for staff and visiting family members in nursing care at Madonna Towers. A hydration station was recently installed in the Coffee Klatch area thanks to gifts from various associate fundraisers and payroll deduction. Thank you!

Gifts to chapel fund provide concert on 100-year-old organ

The robust sounds of organ music reverberated through the St. Benedict Chapel at Madonna Towers on July 14 for residents, family and staff. Gifts to the chapel fund provided the organ concert and reception, which celebrated the Feast of St. Benedict.

Sebastian Modarelli, music director and organist at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Rochester, Minnesota, played the 100-year-old organ. The instrument was a gift to Madonna Towers in 2002 from Rochester's Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and originated in a Norwegian Lutheran church in Washburn, Wisconsin.

You can listen to a few moments of the concert in this Facebook video.

New ambry built for Towers chapel in memory of Robert Haggerty

A custom made ambry has been donated to the St. Benedict Chapel at Madonna Towers by resident Patty Haggerty in memory of her husband, Robert (Bob), who passed away in August 2021. The ambry was designed and built by local cabinet maker Nigon Woodworks, Inc., especially for the chapel.

Father Joseph Hennen, who says Sunday mass in the Madonna Towers chapel, explains the importance of this gift:

"The ambry holds the holy oil which is used in the anointing of the sick, elderly, and dying in the Sacrament of the Anointing, one of the seven sacraments recognized by the Catholic Church. Holy Oil is the principal sign for a Catholic that life, even when weak, is always sacred. The Ambry is a permanent structure in the chapel that reminds all Catholics of this reality and of God’s continued grace in the life of the one anointed."

Broers baby news!

Foundation Director Jordan Broers and his wife, Sara, welcomed their first child, a girl named Lily, on June 24! Jordan is enjoying paternity leave and will be returning to work July 24. If you have any foundation questions in the meantime, please contact Foundation Coordinator, Dawn Mitchell

What is estate planning? And why should I do it?

Learn more about estate planning in this estate planning overview on our legacy giving website. A clear plan can be such a comfort to yourself and your loved ones. Take some time to review your plan or get a plan started today!