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In June of 1980, several parishioners concerned about the long-term financial well-being of St. Mary's Parish, created an independent organization, St. Mary's Parish Foundation. Charlie Vogel, Dick Vogel and Merlin Manatt discussed ways to accumulate funds which would be separate from the budgeted income from Sunday collections, under the control of a lay board of directors, but available to the parish in time of financial emergency or of extraordinary expenses.
These founders imagined St. Mary's Foundation as a resource for the parish-----a safety net in times of serious financial stress. At the same time, they imagined it as a place where parishioners could donate money to the church and be assured that their donation would not be swallowed up in the day to day operating budget, but be held in reserve to meet long term needs of the parish. Through donations by individuals, memorials for the deceased, and bequests in wills, the bank balance of the Foundation has grown gradually but steadily. The board of directors, although changing in membership over the years, has overseen this financial growth with great care.
The Foundation officers and directors thank everyone who has contributed in past years. At the same time we remind parishioners that St. Mary's Parish Foundation is an attractive option for making a gift with long-term impact. A gift to the Foundation is a pledge of support for the future of St. Mary's Parish.
If you have questions about the Foundation, please feel free to contact the Foundation President, Larry Jansen, at 236-4255.