Gifts reflected in this report were received between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Every effort has been made to accurately and appropriately recognize the generosity of our benefactors. If, however, you identify an error or omission, please accept our apology and notify the St. Francis High School Institutional Advancement Office at (716) 627-1200 ext. 423 so we may properly acknowledge the gift in the next edition of The Tau. Thank you for your ongoing support of St. Francis High School.
Friar Matthew Foley, OFM Conv. President
Mr. Michael Messore ‘91
Principal
Mr. Timothy Monahan
Assistant Principal
Mr. Paul Bartell Jr. ‘88
Vice President of Development Alumni Relations
Mrs. Sue Schaffstall
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Mrs. Kate Taggart
Assistant to the President & Events Coordinator
Br. Tim Blanchard, OFM Conv.
Social & Digital Media Manager
Mrs. Patricia Kaczmarczyk
Administrative Assistant
Ms. Danielle Pietrocarlo
Website Content Editor
2023-2024 Annual Report-Fiscal year
July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024
VOL. 2 NO. 2
Published once a year by the Office of Institutional Advancement
St. Francis High School 4129 Lake Shore Road Hamburg, NY 14075
Dear St. Francis Family,
Thank you!
I am pleased to present you with the 2023-2024 Annual Impact Report. Your generosity makes a difference in our community and the lives of our young men. We are happy to share that, thanks to the philanthropic spirit of you and so many others, we held the most successful Justinian Dinner Auction in history and experienced a significant increase in support for the St. Francis Fund, resulting in our second highest total ever! Your support of our mission is really an investment in our students. Our world needs Franciscan-hearted men, and I’m so grateful you believe that as much as I do.
Once again, we have included stories from some of those who have loyally supported the mission of SFHS over the past fiscal year. You will hear from alums Adam, Keith, and Dennis, who each explain why their respective experiences are essential to them and why it is important to give back now so that their younger St. Francis brothers can share in this life-changing opportunity. Lori, an alumni parent, shares her experience with the loss of her beloved son JJ’ 13, who passed too soon but whose memory is honored with an endowed scholarship fund and an annual athletic award.
I once heard this report referred to as “just a list of names”, but I firmly believe it is so much more. Every single person recognized within this document has been prayed for by name by our students, faculty, staff, and the friars. Everyone has a story of why St. Francis is important to them and their families.
You will often hear me say, “Our guys are the best around.” I say this because I truly believe they are the best! For almost a century, we have been forming men instilled with the values of Excellence, Respect, Humility, and Fraternity., As we prepare for the next 100 years, we are confident that St. Francis High School provides a Franciscan Foundation of Excellence and will continue to do so through the grace of God, the intercession of Saint Francis, and your continued generosity.
Peace and good, Friar Matt
Most people cannot afford to establish an endowed fund but choose to make a gift appropriate to their means and support the people, programs and places at St. Francis High School that are closest to their passions, interests and hearts. Gifts of ALL sizes are appreciated and needed and we are truly grateful for the ongoing support of our alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends.
The St. Francis Fund is the fiscal life force of the high school. Unrestricted gifts secured through this yearly endeavor benefit virtually every person, program, and place at St. Francis. In addition to providing significant financial assistance to our students, contributions to the Fund allow the school to sustain the outstanding quality of a St. Francis education by using them where they are needed most. Thank you to the following for generously supporting the 2023-2024 St. Francis Fund.
Establishing a planned gift is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation for the mission of St. Francis High School while often helping you attain your financial, estate-planning and overall philanthropic goals. In addition, as a member of the San Damiano Legacy Society, you help secure our school’s future and perpetuate your generosity.
The most popular form of a deferred gift is through a bequest in a will or revocable trust where a predetermined dollar amount or percentage of an estate or residual estate is gifted to St Francis High School upon the passing of the donor. The gift may be unrestricted in its use or may be for a specific purpose identified by the donor Approximately 90% of all planned gifts are bequests
In this case, a donor would make a substantial gift to St Francis High School and an agreed upon income would be paid to the donor for an agreed upon period which could be until the end of their life. Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts, Charitable Remainder Unitrusts and Charitable Gift Annuities are examples
Here a donor retains certain rights to the asset(s) generating the gift to St. Francis High School. Examples include Charitable Lead Trusts, Qualified Charitable Distribution (IRA Charitable Rollover) and Retained Life Estates.
