“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).
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“When does school start?” “When do I get to see my classroom?” “When do I get to meet my new teacher?”
As a member of the Gaudeamus Committee, I had the privilege of spending some time at Resurrection Catholic School this past spring. Resurrection is supported by the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) and is located in Kansas City, KS. The principal and about nine middle school students were our gracious hosts for the day. They gave us a tour of the school and then joined us for lunch in one of the classrooms.
My parents instilled in me that education opens the doors of opportunity. Growing up, my family moved around, which allowed me the chance to attend both Catholic and public schools, depending on what was available. After experiencing both, I chose to attend a Catholic university because I truly valued the Catholic education experience.
Last month, the Catholic Education Foundation Futures Committee hosted its third Cocktails for a Cause event, setting new records for both attendance and money raised. Proceeds from the event will fund approximately seven Guardian Angel scholarships, which provide tuition assistance for students attending CEF-supported schools when their families face an unexpected financial crisis that impacts their ability to pay tuition (job loss, medical emergency, etc.).
The new executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation, Vince Anch, has grand plans for the future.
“My hope is that we build one of the premier nonprofit organizations in the Kansas City metropolitan area,” he said.
If past experience is any indication, Anch can make that happen.
“Vince has performed at a very high level over the course of his 30-year career in nonprofit leadership and fundraising,” said CEF board chair Terry Sexton. “He’s had deep experience leading both Catholic and secular nonprofits.