Memorial gifts to endowment funds managed by the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania are a meaningful way for family and friends to remember a loved one who has died. People are comforted in knowing that by making a gift to the Catholic Foundation for their favorite Catholic cause, their gift – and the memory of their loved one — lives forever.
People interested in establishing a memorial campaign for a family member or friend should contact the Catholic Foundation to discuss the particular fund they would like the gifts directed. Many people are including this step in their end-of-life planning months or years in advance, so it is already in place.
Memorial Gifts Through the Catholic Foundation
The Catholic Foundation will provide the correct wording for the family to keep in their planning files so they may give to the funeral director at the appropriate time. Information about memorial gifts should be included at the end of a published obituary in a local newspaper, on the funeral home website, in the funeral program at the services and Mass, on a placard placed at the guest book signing area, and in a post on social media (Facebook or LinkedIn). The wording is simple:
Memorial gifts may be made in ___________________’s honor, payable to the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania for the _____________________ Endowment Fund(s). Please mail to PO Box 1430, Allentown, PA 18105 or donate online at www.catholicfoundationep.org.
“Memorial gifts are a touching way to connect your loved one forever to a parish, grade school, high school or Catholic ministry that they may have dedicated their entire life to as a volunteer and supporter,” Pete Waldron, president of the Catholic Foundation or Eastern Pennsylvania, said. “A gift to an endowment keeps your loved one’s spirit alive and provides much needed future support for their favorite Catholic causes.”
Memorial gifts may be donated to existing endowments. Depending on the number and amount of the gifts received, donations can be used to create a new fund in memory of a loved one or friend. During the past few years, donors have supported a number of memorial gift campaigns for endowments managed by the Catholic Foundation.
Memorial Funds With the Catholic Foundation
William J. Straccia
St. Thomas More School Endowment Fund supporting the scholarships, academic programs, special programs, maintenance, and capital improvements to benefit St. Thomas More School in Allentown.
Tony Lapadula
Bishop Thompson Scholarship Endowment Fund supporting students at St. John Vianney Regional School in Allentown.
Nicholas P. Connell
Nicholas P. Connell Scholarship Endowment Fund supporting students at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Bethlehem with preference to students interested in the performing arts.
John McGeary
Mercy School for Special Learning General Endowment Fund supporting the overall operations, capital improvements, educational programs, equipment and scholarships at the Mercy School for Special Learning in Allentown.
Francis and Mary Waldron
Francis and Mary Waldron Family Endowment Fund supporting a graduation leadership award and extra-curricular activities at Allentown Central Catholic High School.
Sr. Janice Marie Johnson
Sr. Janice Marie Johnson R.S.M. Persons With Disabilities Ministry Endowment Fund supporting the ongoing efforts in the Diocese of Allentown to benefit persons with disabilities.
Thomas O. Kern
Thomas O. Kern Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund supporting students from Sacred Heart Parish in Allentown to attend a Catholic elementary school in Allentown and Allentown Central Catholic High School.
Edward & Rose Mary Kaska
Edward & Rose Mary Kaska Scholarship Endowment Fund supporting students at St. Ann School in Emmaus with preference given to students from first generation immigrant families.
Rose Marie & William Scharle
Rose Marie & William Scharle ACCHS Science Scholarship Endowment Fund supporting female students interested in STEM subjects and entering their junior and senior years at Allentown Central Catholic High School in Allentown.
For more information about starting a memorial campaign in memory of a family member or friend who has recently died, please contact the Catholic Foundation at [email protected].