Alumnae & Giving Overview

 

Greetings from Catherine McAuley High School,

As we enter a new season of the calendar year, we also enter a new season of sorts at Catherine McAuley High School. 

We began the academic year with an opening Mass celebrated by Bishop Richard Malone and shared by students, administration, faculty, staff and over fifty of our students’ grandparents.  In that very same week we closed with a Homecoming extravaganza that all will talk about for months.  These gatherings were a testimony to the true “McAuley experience,” which can always be felt, but is many times difficult to put into words.  I share this information with you because, through your past financial commitment, you have assisted in the formation, success and continued future of Catherine McAuley High School.  The opportunity that this Mercy-educated school offers to these young women is endless.  Katharine McCarthy, Esq., CMHS '96 said it best in her remarks at Commencement 2008:

“You are McAuley’s Class of 2008.  All 62 of you have been accepted to a four-year college.  You have received over $3 million in scholarships.  You’ve won academic awards – a National Merit Finalist, 36 members of the National Honor Society and more.  You are great athletes – winning a State Championship, a full athletic college scholarship and three karate black belts.  You’re artists –you’ve won drama competitions, and Portland Stage Company produced one of your plays.  You have worked hard and for your hard work, you have been recognized – nationally, regionally, locally.  Soak it up.”

To that end, we must ensure that this opportunity continues for all young women of today and tomorrow -- that wish to be the best that they can be and a realization that the McAuley community is the place for that to happen.  So I ask you to make Catherine McAuley High School and these women one of your philanthropic priorities and to make a commitment, at any level, to our Annual Fund. 

Again, thank you for your past support.  I look forward to partnering with you again this year to continue the “McAuley experience” for all who long for it.

In gratitude,

Eileen Veroneau Brown, ‘83

Director of Advancement

207-797-3802 ext. 2018
ebrown@mcauleyhs.org

 

Advancement Responsibilities

The Advancement Office is responsible for providing financial support, beyond the tuition revenue, for McAuley High School.  It is the Director's responsibility to oversee the operations of this office with staff support.  Beyond the Director, the Office of Advancement consists of Ericka Prefontaine Sanborn, Coordinator of Communications & Alumnae Relations, and Kristine Neff-Jendrasko, Administrative Assistant.  The staff oversees all major fundraising activities, which include the following:

The Annual Fund solicits gifts to supplement the operational budget.  Participation in this effort, at any level, assists the School in maintaining an affordable tuition.

The Annual Auction was established in 1999 by a parent.  All alumnae, parents, and friends are encouraged to serve on a committee for this event.  Planning for the spring auction begins in September.  All the hard work and hours of planning are culminated in a grand evening on the night of the auction.  This event not only raises substantial revenue for the School, but it offers a time for all to gather and experience the energy of the "McAuley community."

The Good Cause Thrift Shop is located at 16 Forest Avenue in Portland.  It sells useable donated items, such as clothing, furniture, small electrical items, kitchen utensils, and many other wares.  The Shop is staffed with five part-time employees and approximately seventy volunteers.  Proceeds from the sale of goods provide the students of CMHS with financial aid.  If you are interested in volunteering at the Shop or would like more information, please contact Sr. Mary Quinn, Manager, at 207-772-4903.

The Planned Giving Program typically provides gifts of a larger nature than that of the Annual Fund.  A "planned giving gift" often benefits the School sometime in the future.  These gifts are made through wills, insurance policies, charitable remainder trusts, annuities, retirement funds, and lead trusts.

As evidenced above, there are numerous opportunities for our alumnae, parents and friends to stay connected with Catherine McAuley High School. You are encouraged to get involved and return to our beautiful campus; your time, talent, and energy will have a profound impact on Catherine McAuley High School.