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Development Update
The new year is off to a wonderful start, thanks to you!
Our ministries continue to reach out in the Franciscan tradition that
gives hope where there is despair. This report provides highlights on
our recent fundraising efforts and gives examples of how donations are
put to good use. If you would like additional information, just contact
me at (412) 821-2200 x217 or kerlin@ millvalefranciscans.org.
Warmest Regards,
Michon Kerlin, director of development
Keeping the Spirit of Health in Our Neighborhoods!
In November 2003, our Health and Wellness Ministry introduced the Spirit
of Health, a 30-foot motor home specially converted to serve as a mobile
health unit to extend healthcare services to people in their own neighborhoods.
Presently, the Spirit of Health provided health screenings for cholesterol,
bone density and body mass, referrals, flu shots and health education
to individuals and groups in Millvale, Carnegie, South Side Hilltop and
Lawrenceville. We also serve an ever-increasing number of home bound individuals
with flu immunizations and blood pressure monitoring. We focus on the
under-serviced population, the middle group of Americans who are more
likely to forgo their own annual checkups and medical treatments to focus
on the needs of their families.
Our strategic planning includes intensifying programs offered by the Spirit
of Health by additional visits to our current sites while exploring the
possibility of new sites. At our wellness site in Millvale we are also
looking at ways in which we can better address the needs of our clientele.
The Sisters of St. Francis of Millvale Golf Tournament is the major source
of funding for the Spirit of Health. Our first two tournaments raised
almost $100,000 to keep the Spirit of Health in these neighborhoods. Since
our first annual golf outing, the Spirit of Health has served more than
1,000 people.
Our third annual golf tournament will be held August 6, 2007 at Treesdale
Country Club. Under the leadership of Chairperson Sister Rosita Wellinger,
we’re hoping for an even more successful tournament this year. With
your help, we’ll keep the “Spirit of Health” in our
neighborhoods. For more information on the tournament, including sponsorship
opportunities, just give me a call!
Grants Awarded to our Ministries:
Change a Heart: Franciscan Volunteer Program
$20,000 -Anonymous**
$200 - Capuchin Sharing Fund
$3,000 -Augustine Stewardship Fund
$1,500 -Adele & Thomas Keaney Foundation
Mount Alvernia High School
$7,500 -Anonymous**
$450 - North Hills Community Outreach
Franciscan Health Wellness Ministries
$10,000 - Diocese of Pittsburgh
** not published in accordance with foundations requirements
- The Sisters of St. Francis Second Annual Golf Tournament raised more
than $52,000 for the Spirit of Health and other ministries supported
by the Sisters of St. Francis. Click here for a list of our corporate sponsors.
- One hundred twenty-five alumnae donated $10,780 toward our special
$70 for 70 years to raise $70,000 campaign. Although we have not yet
reached our goal, we are grateful for the tremendous response to our
first-ever solicitation for Mount Alvernia High School.
- More than 300 donors have donated almost $30,000 to date toward the
wheelchair accessible ramp we are planning to add to the Motherhouse.
Our Annual Appeal will run through June 30, so there is still time to
donate to our new ramp, which is projected to cost $50,000.
- Betsy Ann Chocolates Christmas Candy Sale raised more than $3,700
for Mount Alvernia High School, Mount Alvernia Day Care and Learning
Center and Montessori Pre-School.
- Late Night Catechism donated $1,872 to the Sisters of St. Francis
from their recent shows at Pittsburgh’s City Theatre.
Upcoming Fundraisers
March 16 & 17: Mt. Alvernia Day Care, Learning Center and Montessori
Preschool Flea Market
March 24: Sixth Annual Hearts & Hands Gala
Mount Alvernia High School students knit for the cure!
Colleen Stock, a junior at Mount Alvernia High School wants to reach out
to breast cancer victims, but instead of racing for the cure, she is knitting
for one. Colleen designed a light pink shawl that, when folded, resembles
the breast cancer ribbon. Thanks to a grant from the North Hills Community
Outreach Youth Philanthropy Program, Colleen and her friends will spend
their study halls creating shawls to bring comfort to those suffering
from breast cancer.
The girls will use the knitting project to learn more about breast cancer
through direct contact with people who have suffered or are suffering
from the disease. The girls will also use the project to help foster a
connection between the Sisters of St. Francis and the high school, and
break down the age barrier between these two worlds. All sisters are invited
to use their knitting (and crocheting) skills to help create the shawls.
The shawls are created as a simple act of kindness. It is another example
of our students commitment to make this world a better place.
Opportunities for Giving
Charitable gifts can offer a wonderful way to leave a legacy to those
you care about. A gift by will is one of the easiest and most effective
ways to ensure your family and friends are fully provided for by your
estate while supporting the important work of the Sisters of St. Francis.
Annual gifts, memorial gifts and honorariums are the funding vehicles
most often used by our donors. However, insurance policies, charitable
gift annuities and gifts of stock are other ways our donors help make
sure our ministries continue to thrive.
All gifts ensure that the mission and ministry of our sisters will continue.
Remember, 100 percent of the funds received are used as the donor designates!
If you are interested in finding out about ways to make a gift, please
give me a call!
Back to Gift Opportunities
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