Guide To &ENGAGEMENT PHILANTHROPY
Guide To &ENGAGEMENT
PHILANTHROPY
Meet The Team
Cara Acker Development Associate
Kristie Kender Parent Engagement and Events Manager
Virtue Byrd Director of Capital Campaigns and Alumni Relations
Sharon Taylor Chief Advancement Officer
Jen Staudenbaur Executive Director of Major Gifts
Christine Downie Director of Development
Dear St. Mary’s Community,
On behalf of all of us at St. Mary’s, we are thrilled to welcome you to the 2024-2025 school year. As the Chief Advancement Officer of St. Mary’s School, I have the incredible honor of serving our wonderful community. This is a special place, filled with committed faculty and staff, engaged families and most importantly, 720 young people, eager to learn and grow.
Our founder, Father Ernest D. Sillers, once said, “Mine is not a tiny vision.” Father Sillers was a dreamer and a true visionary, and his passion laid the foundation for the extraordinary institution that St. Mary’s has become. It is because of his dream of a school rooted in integrity, academics, and spirituality that we are a community today. His legacy inspires everything we do, and his vision is reflected in our ongoing commitment to prepare and inspire our students to become courageous, caring, global citizens and enlightened leaders of tomorrow.
This year is especially momentous as we broke ground in June on a major construction project, the largest we’ve undertaken to date. This project, set to be completed by the start of the 2025-26 school year, is a testament to our commitment to the future and will enhance our campus, providing even more opportunities for our students to thrive. The project has begun thanks to the incredible support from the families who have contributed to the Design the Future Capital Campaign. While we’ve made significant progress, there is still an opportunity for our entire community to help us reach our ambitious fundraising goal. We are now entering the public phase of the campaign, where we invite all families to learn more about this exciting project and the future of our school—a school like no other.
We encourage you to attend our upcoming Inside the Nest Sessions with our Head of School, Doug Patterson, to see the exciting developments as we build and design for the future. These sessions will offer a glimpse into the progress we are making and the bright future that lies ahead.
Please explore this Guide to Engagement and Philanthropy to find many ways to get involved, participate in events, support key initiatives, and much more. As our campus undergoes construction, our surroundings may look different this year, but it’s the strength of our community that truly makes St. Mary’s special. We are here to help, and we sincerely thank you for joining our school family and for believing in the transformative power of education and philanthropy.
Very soon, we will witness the new building rising on our campus, a powerful symbol to our shared vision. As you consider how philanthropy will play a role in your family’s legacy, we hope you will think about including Design the Future in your plan. This project and campaign is a moment in our school’s history and its completion will leave a lasting mark on St. Mary’s. Once again, thank you for being a part of our community. It will be an exciting year!
Please feel free to reach out to me or any of my colleagues with any questions or if you’d like to chat further. Thank you for your patience and grace as we build for the future!
With deep gratitude,
Sharon Taylor Chief Advancement Officer
COMMUNITY : Parent Engagement And Fellowship
One of St. Mary’s strengths is a continued sense of community among students, families, faculty and staff. We are an inclusive campus that supports and encourages family participation.
• Every St. Mary’s parent is a member of the Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF)
• We value building community through volunteering and planning meaningful events and activities on and off campus
• Being actively involved at school is a great way to make friends and become more ingrained into the St. Mary’s community
There are many opportunities to volunteer in a variety of ways. All strengths, time and talents are welcome!
Our PTF Board is a leadership group composed of parents that serves our school in various positions to ensure that we fulfill our mission of supporting the educational, fundraising, cultural, physical and spiritual needs of St. Mary’s In addition to the many school related events throughout the year, our PTF Board and the St. Mary’s Development Department are committed to providing events that foster community, engage our families, and demonstrate appreciation in support of our school.
2024-2025
KEY COMMUNITY EVENTS
Friday, September 27
Founder’s Day
St. Mary’s Field
Friday, January 31
Father-Daughter Dance
St. Mary’s Gym
Saturday, October 5
Pickleball Mixer
Newport Beach Pickleball Club
Saturday, March 8
St. Mary’s Gala VEA Newport Beach
Monday, November 4
St. Mary’s Golf Classic Aliso Viejo Country Club
Friday, April 25
Mother-Son Game Night
St. Mary’s Field SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, December 12 Winter Market Laguna Niguel Comm. Center
GET INVOLVED
We understand that every parent has a different schedule and availability. Whether you are available for an hour a week, a day, a month, or more, before school, during school or after school, we have a volunteer opportunity that will allow you to participate in a way that’s best for you. Volunteer Opportunities are communicated through the Falcon Connect Parent Portal.
Areas where we need volunteers include:
• Room Parent and Class Party Lead
• St. Mary’s Fund Committee
• Golf and Gala Committees
• Care and Compassion Committee
• Serving Lunch
• Track Meet
• Musical
• Jog-A-Thon
• Book Fair
• Art Class
• and more!
For more information on how to get involved, please contact: Kristie Kender Parent Engagement & Events Manager (949) 448-9027 x328 kristie.kender@smaa.org
PHILANTHROPY
For 30 years the St. Mary’s community has shown remarkable generosity and support. Our wonderful campus and the enriching programs we have today are a testament to the philanthropic spirit of the families who preceded us.
Annual contributions to the St. Mary’s Fund play a vital role in backing our strategic plan and enabling us to expand the programs that make St. Mary’s truly exceptional. For those who are interested in making an even greater impact, we offer opportunities
to support special initiatives like the Scholar Program and the Design The Future capital campaign, which aim to secure a strong and promising future for the next generation of Falcons.
Your continued support directly enhances the experiences of every student at St. Mary’s. Let’s work together to create a brighter tomorrow and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our beloved students.
DESIGN THE FUTURE CAMPAIGN SCHOLAR PROGRAM ST. MARY’S FUND
The St. Mary’s Fund is an important philanthropic priority for the school. Contributions to this Fund support our strategic plan, fueling our ability to advance our curriculum, provide professional development opportunities and introduce new experiences throughout our school.
At St. Mary’s School, we are unwavering in our commitment to providing an exceptional education that equips our students with the tools to make a positive impact in the world. To sustain and enhance this mission, we rely on the annual support of the St. Mary’s Fund. Each year, your contributions empower us to say YES to innovative ideas and programs, and enable us to attract and retain exemplary faculty who inspire our students every day. The funds raised are used within the year they are given, ensuring that your generosity has an immediate and meaningful impact on our school community..
The Impact: The St. Mary’s Fund’s contributions are used immediately to provide impact and support towards our Strategic Pillars including:
• A TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR OUR STUDENTS.
• AN INNOVATIVE CAMPUS THAT IS FLEXIBLE, SAFE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE.
• A BROAD EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM THAT DEVELOPS THE WHOLE CHILD.
• A PREMIERE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM.
• EXCEPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR OUR FACULTY AND STAFF.
• A CONTINUED SENSE OF COMMUNITY AMONG STUDENTS, FAMILIES, FACULTY, STAFF & BEYOND.
Every gift to the St. Mary’s Fund is meaningful. The St. Mary’s Fund’s contributions are used immediately to provide impact where it is needed most. We depend on contributions to the Fund from Trustees, parents, grandparents, parents of alumni, faculty and staff every year, and we seek 100% participation from our families in partnership with us to provide an exceptional educational experience for our students. How much each family contributes is a personal decision, and our hope is that every family is able to be as generous as possible. Gifts range from under $1,000 to over $25,000, and every gift, of any size, has a direct impact on every single St. Mary’s School student.
At St. Mary’s, our commitment to cultivating World-Sized Hearts and World-Class Minds is embodied through the St. Mary’s Scholar Program. This program provides full-tuition and comprehensive scholarships for six middle school students who might not otherwise have access to our unique learning environment. We believe that a key tenet of a St. Mary’s education is fostering a strong, inclusive community, and through the Scholar Program, we strive to attract students from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds. By doing so, we create a richer, more vibrant school environment where all students benefit from the perspectives and experiences of their peers.
Each year, we collaborate with the local Boys and Girls Club to identify and select students who embody the values of St. Mary’s and are poised to thrive within our community. This partnership extends beyond scholarship selection, enabling us to offer Boys and Girls Club students additional opportunities such as art and PE classes, sports camps, and essential school supplies, further enriching their educational experience and strengthening our community ties.
Donations to the St. Mary’s Scholar Program are vital to its continued success. Contributions enable us to provide these life-changing scholarships and ensure that our scholars have access to the full spectrum of opportunities at St. Mary’s, from transportation and course materials to athletic programs and international field studies. By supporting the Scholar Program, you help us create a more inclusive and diverse school community, where every student has the chance to thrive. Together, we can make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of our students and our community.
ST. MARY’S SCHOLAR PROGRAM
DESIGN THE FUTURE
St. Mary’s broke ground in June on the Design The Future project, which will build a cutting-edge, two-story, 28,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art building and outdoor park-like spaces. The new building will house a Design Center tailored to all students and a new space for its Early Education Program. It also features a vibrant community Coffee Café and an inviting, state-of-the-art lobby, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone at St.Mary’s.
The project also includes creating 40,000 square feet of park-like community spaces, contributing to an enriched campus environment. Construction will be completed by the start of the school year in September 2025.
We are in the final stretch of this transformative campaign—a multi-year initiative shaping our school’s future. As we approach the finish line,
we call on every community member to play a vital role in closing this chapter of the Design The Future campaign.
This project is more than just a series of enhancements; it’s an investment in the limitless potential of every student who walks through our doors. The new facilities will elevate the educational experience and foster an environment where creativity, innovation, and growth can truly thrive.
Your contribution to this initiative is crucial. By supporting Design The Future, you’re not just helping to build state-of-the-art facilities—you’re helping to build the foundation for our children’s success and securing the future of St. Mary’s. Together, we can ensure our students have the tools and spaces they need to dream big and achieve even more.
INSIDE THE NEST – A GLIMPSE OF THE FUTURE
Join Doug Patterson and the St. Mary’s leadership team to learn more about the Design The Future project and how it will change the school’s future.
Join us at one of these upcoming information sessions in the Black Box Theatre: Tuesday, October 15, 8:15–9:45AM Thursday, October 17, 8:15–9:45AM Tuesday, October 22, 8:15–9:45AM Thursday, October 24, 8:15–9:45AM
Design The Future Overview
Design Center
The Design Center represents a natural progression of St. Mary’s current IB curriculum and incorporates a design thinking mindset. The second floor will be state-of-the-art science, technology, and fine arts (STEAM) labs for all of our Falcons to foster collaboration, hands-on learning, and creative problem-solving.
Early Education Center
The first floor will house a new learning space for our youngest Falcons, nurturing creativity and intellectual growth with flexible classrooms and a Learning Hub for gathering and eating. The rooms will be configured so that teachers can accommodate the various needs of each student while maximizing the children’s time in imaginative play, wonder, and reflection.
Community Gathering Spaces
We will revamp our outdoor spaces creating green, park-like areas for gathering, learning, and quiet reflection, including a new Community Hub with a coffee cafe and student store. Community defines St. Mary’s, and this provides an area for families to connect in the seemingly simple moments when we come together.
Cash or Check
❤︎
WAYS TO GIVE
THANKS FOR GIVING!
There are many ways to support St. Mary’s. If you don’t see an option below that best fits with your family’s needs, we will be happy to discuss other alternatives with you.
Gifts of Securities
The majority of families choose to make their gift to St. Mary’s by check either as a single donation or as payments towards a pledge. Simply make your check payable to St. Mary’s and deliver or mail it to the Development Office.
Credit Card
Make your donation with a Visa, MasterCard or American Express card online at www.smaa.org/donate or visit the Development Office located in the IB Hub.
Pledges
Pledges are a popular way for families to demonstrate their commitment to support St. Mary’s early in the campaign, yet delay payment for a later date that works better for their family or maximizes a tax deduction. Pledges can be fulfilled by cash, check, credit card or securities in one installment or monthly installments before a specified pledge payment period. Pledges to the school can be made online at www.smaa.org/donate.
Matching Gifts
Many corporations demonstrate their support to St. Mary’s by matching their employees’ donations to our school. Matching gifts can double your contribution to St. Mary’s. Donors are recognized for the total of the combined amount of their gift plus their employer matching gift. Please contact your HR department to inquire about a matching program or the Development Office so we can research that information for you.
Restricted Gifts
These contributions are restricted by the donor for a particular project or program that has been identified by the school as an area of need.
Gifts of appreciated stock and/or securities represent a two-fold savings opportunity. Donors avoid paying capital gains taxes on the increased values of their stocks. In addition, donors receive a tax deduction for the full market value of the stock on the date of the gift.
Planned Giving
Planned gifts are made now and distributed in the future. Including St. Mary’s in an estate plan provides for the long-term fiscal health of St. Mary’s and gives donors the opportunity to receive immediate or deferred tax benefits while leaving a legacy. All parents and grandparents are encouraged to consider naming St. Mary’s in their will and making the school aware of their gift.
Corporate and Foundation Giving
St. Mary’s strives to attain grants and funding from foundations and corporate giving entities for school needs. Because these grants are quite competitive, it is extremely helpful to have a contact within the funding organization. Please let us know if you or your extended family has contacts with philanthropic agencies.
Other Ways to Financially Support St. Mary’s School
• Gifts of tangible personal property
• Attend fundraising events
• Event Sponsorship/Underwriting
• Register your Ralph’s grocery card to have a percentage given to St. Mary’s (#80397)
YOUR GENEROUS GIFT MATTERS
• Donate or pledge to St. Mary’s at www.smaa.org/donate
• Bring your donation to the Development Office located in the IB Hub
• Mail your donation to: St. Mary’s Development Office 7 Pursuit Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
As a 501 (c)(3) corporation, gifts to St. Mary’s are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law, tax identification number 33-0771131.
For further information regarding these opportunities, please contact Christine Downie, Director of Development at (949) 448-9027 x324 or christine.downie@smaa.org.
