Alumnae & Giving Overview

Greetings Students, Alumnae, Parents, Parents of Alumnae, and Friends,  

As I sit by my office window, on this summer-like day in September, and watch the girls pass from one building to the next, I am overwhelmed with pride.  Proud, first, that I am an alumna of this remarkable institution; second, that I am able to continue the traditions of Catherine McAuley and make a difference in the lives of the young women that attend CMHS today. 

I am awed by the thought of the 5,700 plus St. Joseph Academy, Cathedral High School and Catherine McAuley High School alumnae who have walked past the same buildings that I pass each morning. At each McAuley event I attend or with each alumna I meet, I recognize the bond that we all share. It spans decades, yet the same enthusiasm and gratitude for what we all received at each of these schools remains for each of us. SJA, CHS and CMHS have given us a uniqueness that continues to sustain and enrich us. I am so proud to be part of such a remarkable group of women.

The Advancement Office is responsible for providing financial support, beyond the tuition revenue, for McAuley High School.  As Director, it is my responsibility to oversee the operations of this office.  Beyond my position, our staff consists of Nadine Sawtelle, Par '04, '11, Director of Special Events & Alumnae Relations; Mary Rollo, Advancement Service Manager, and Sr. Joyce Mahany, Volunteer.  This staff oversees all major fundraising activities, which include the following:

The Annual Fund which 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 school but it offers a time for all to gather and experience the energy of the "McAuley community."

The Annual Golf Tournament was also established in 1999 to raise money to support the athletic programs at CMHS.  There are many levels at which to participate in this event.  Even if you are not a golfer, this promises to be a fun and worthwhile event to get involved.

The Raffle Calendar has been a means to support to the school for many years.  A $25 purchase gives you an opportunity to win $500 on the first of each month and on Mercy Day.  The calendars are mailed in the fall.

The Good Cause Thrift Shop is located at 693 Congress Street, Portland.  It sells useable donated items; such as clothing, furniture, small electrical items, kitchen utensils, and many sundry things.  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 you can see there are numerous opportunities for our alumnae, parents and friends to stay connected with Catherine McAuley High School.  I encourage you to get involved and to frequently return to our beautiful campus.

I hope you enjoy this site and visit often. Please keep in touch with the Advancement Office and reconnect with each other and all members of the McAuley family. Most importantly, do not let St. Joseph's, Cathedral or McAuley fade from your memory.

Please update your information if you have recently moved or if you have not been receiving our mailings.

Kind regards,

Eileen
Eileen Veroneau Brown, CMHS '83
Director of Advancement
207-797-3802, ext. 2018
ebrown@mcauleyhs.org