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Foundations in Education Newsletter - Winter 2022 |
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Foundations in Education, Inc is committed to strengthen and transform the mission of Catholic education in the Diocese of Bridgeport by supporting innovation in academic and extra-curriculum programs, fostering opportunities for the professional development of school leaders in innovation and leadership and providing tuition assistance to families in need. |
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Dear Friends,
There is so much great activity at our schools, it is no wonder that our students greet each day happy to go to school! The past couple of years have been “trying” at best yet our students and teachers have shown themselves to be resilient. Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic School students have continued to progress in learning and do not suffer from the learning loss many in the general population suffer due to pandemic disruptions in education. Foundations in Education strives to support our schools so they can continue to best serve their students.
You are familiar with the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund and Leaders of Tomorrow programs, which provide nearly $2.5 million in tuition assistance to families, so their children can attend Catholic Schools. These programs have helped thousands of students and families across the Diocese of Bridgeport afford a quality Catholic education. You are also familiar with our Innovation and Leadership Grants program, which provides grants to teachers so they may incorporate innovative programming in their classroom. But did you know about our Angel Investor Program?
The Angel Investor Program is a relatively new program with Foundations in Education. Angel Investors are donors who choose to sponsor a specific school. To become an Angel Investor, the donor makes a minimum gift commitment of $50,000 a year over 3-5 years. Typically the Angel Investor designates 70% of their contribution in tuition aid and 30% for Principal’s discretion. In this way the principal can direct the resources where they are needed most. The Angel Investor may also work with the principal to serve on the advisory board or to engage with the school in another meaningful way. If you are interested in learning more about the Angel Investor program or any of our programs and services, please give me a call at 203-416-1642.
We are gearing up for our Leaders of Tomorrow Breakfast on April 7, when we celebrate our student leaders and the donors who make this program possible. We are also engaged in planning a spectacular Spring Gala on May 5, that features one of our early Bishop Scholarship Recipients, Luka Silva a student at Fairfield University and a new auctioneer Bobby D! Please join us on May 5 in celebration of Catholic Education. Hope to see you then!
May God bless you and keep you,
Holly Doherty-Lemoine, CFRE, Executive Director
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New Board Members
We recently welcomed three new members to the Foundations in Education Board of Trustees: Tom McDevitt, Geoffrey Raker and Paula Summa. The Board is delighted that these talented individuals share our dedication to helping more children get access to the benefits of a Catholic education.
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Spring Gala - May 5, 2022 |
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Foundations in Education’s gala returns to Woodway Country Club in Darien, CT on May 5, 2022. The annual spring gala is our premier fundraising event. The proceeds support the programs and services of Foundations in Education, including Bishop’s Scholarship Fund and Innovation and Leadership Grants. We raised over $875,000 in 2021 and seek to raise even more in 2022!
Please save the date and plan to join us!
- 5:30 p.m. Invitation-Only Honoree & Sponsor Reception with Bishop Frank Caggiano
- 6:00 p.m. Registration and Cocktails
- 7:00 p.m. Invocation, Dinner, Program and Live Auction
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2022 Honorees
Each year, Foundations in Education has the privilege of acknowledging individuals and an organization who are true partners in our mission. Our honorees have impacted thousands of children and their collective contributions are felt across Fairfield County.
We are excited to announce this year's honorees—recognizing generosity in support of Catholic education, excellence in education administration and corporate partner. The 2022 honorees are Barbara and Peter Ripp, Dr. Steven Cheeseman and Mutual of America.
We will honor the recipients at the 6th annual gala on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at Woodway Country Club in Darien, Connecticut.
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Auction Items
Our Gala Committee, Chaired by Barbara and Bob Scinto are hard at work. They will be joined this year by professional auctioneer, Mr. Bobby D. Ehlert.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have some one-of-a-kind auction items this year, and most notable are the following:
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Private reception with Bishop Frank Caggiano at your home |
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All-expense-paid trip for 6 to Lido Key, FL which includes lodging at a magnificent 12,000 square-foot, 6-bedroom home right on the coast |
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Lake George getaway for 14 which includes a guest cottage, direct waterfront access and dock space for up to a 30-foot boat |
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Round of golf with 2-time Super Bowl Champion and former New York Giant quarterback Eli Manning at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, NY |
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Educators recently awarded Innovation and Leadership Grants |
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Foundations in Education is pleased to announce twenty-three grant awards totaling $142,000 to benefit Catholic schools in the Diocese of Bridgeport.
The grant program promotes excellence in Catholic education by supporting teachers’ creative projects and professional development. Grants funded through this program are intended for transformative initiatives that benefit multiple grade levels and have a long-term impact on student learning.
Foundations in Education celebrated the 2022 Innovators and Leaders at our 5th Annual Grant Awards Reception held at Sacred Heart University’s Discovery Museum in Bridgeport on Thursday, February 3, 2022.
“Being an educator is never easy but the last two years have been an adventure and you have risen beyond the challenge,” reflected Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano to the Catholic school educators awarded 2022 grants in innovation and leadership.
The awards ceremony granted honorees the opportunity to share their creative vision with Foundations’ Board of Trustees, Grant Committee members and Donors assembled for the occasion.
The event was sponsored by Milestone C, a Connecticut-based education company whose mission is to shape future STEM leaders.
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Now Accepting 2022-2023 Applications |
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The mission of the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund is to help families afford a Catholic education at Diocesan elementary schools in Fairfield County. Tuition assistance applications opened February 1, 2022.
Last year, the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund received 2,257 applications for tuition assistance and awarded 1,197 students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 nearly $2,500,000. Awards ranged from $300-$3,500 per student.
The nineteen elementary schools welcomed 1,510 new students this year and continue to attract families looking for an exceptional in-person education.
We encourage all families who need financial assistance to apply to the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund. Consideration may be given to families with multiple elementary school-aged children.
There’s no better time to experience the difference a Catholic School can make for a child!
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2021-2022 Bishop's Scholarship Fund Statistics |
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4,292
K-8 students attend Diocesan Catholic elementary schools
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2,257
K-8 students applied
for tuition assistance
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1,197
students awarded
$2,489,753
in tuition assistance
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$5,607,219
overall calculated need
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49%
raised by single parents
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52%
qualify for free/reduced lunch
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$58,724
Average Gross Income
$42,173
Median Gross Income
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39% Hispanic
31% White
16% African American
6% Multiracial
3% Not Reported
2% Asian
1% Native American
2% Other
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