Advancement Director’s Message

DEAR REVERED NDP COMMUNITY,

Thank you for your incredible generosity during the 2019-20 school year. Every donation has made a profound impact on our Catholic mission, campus and student experiences. Here are some of the ways you advanced our fundraising priorities:

SAINTS FUND AND EVENTS SUPPORTING THE SAINTS FUND

We were excited to exceed our fundraising objectives for the annual fund in both dollars and participation this past year. Much effort was put forth to educate our families on the importance of participation and the benefits of a healthy annual fund. But even more important was an anonymous challenge gift which was awarded once 35% of parents were contributing to the Saints Fund. Remember, no gift to the Saints Fund is too small.

Our annual events, Culinary Festival and Golf Tournament, certainly added to NDP’s financial strength. In addition, two years ago our Dads’ Club asked to get in on the “fun” in fundraising and organized a Meat-Up event and a Casino Night. This past year the combined successes of these events raised over $17,000 for the Saints Fund. We are truly grateful to our Dads’ Club leadership team.

Our largest fundraiser of the year, the 2020 Reflection Auction was unfortunately canceled as the threat of COVID-19 impacted scheduled galas across the nation. Not only did this impede our event revenue goals, more importantly, it was heartbreaking for the Class of 2020 who were unable to enjoy this special senior tradition. Fortunately, quick hands and brains transformed the event into a week-long online auction. It was heartwarming to see how our community came together to raise $75,000 that week, which ended with a beautiful virtual shout-out to our 2020 seniors. We will continue

to re-imagine fundraising events well into the next school year.

CATHOLIC EDUCATION ARIZONA

The challenges brought on by COVID-19 also redefined our funding needs. In the upcoming year we must address tuition assistance funds for an increasing number of families who need additional support as a result of the economic downturn. One of the simplest ways to support our tuition assistance fund is by participating in the Arizona State Tax Credit program through Catholic Education Arizona. A no-cost program to you, redirecting

your tax liability to CEA allows us to provide funding for those wanting a Notre Dame Prep education. You simply make your donation by visiting catholiceducationarizona.org.

ST. CATHERINE OF BOLOGNA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Amidst all the challenges resulting from COVID-19, it was decided to continue with our plans to build the Performing Arts Center in support of the arts programs at NDP. In November of 2019, we hosted a groundbreaking ceremony with Bishop Olmsted present. Also in attendance that morning were Congressman David Schweikert and Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane.

We were blessed by an anonymous foundation with a matching gift to inspire all members of our community to donate to this much-needed space on campus. We remain grateful for our lead donors (see page 46) for their generosity.

SAFETY FOR OUR CAMPUS AND INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY

The health crisis plaguing our country required us to invest in equipment we never thought would be necessary, such as temperature kiosks and other personal protective items so that we could bring our Saints Back Safely after the COVID quarantine was lifted.

Based on our experiences in online learning for the remainder of the 201920 school year, NDP determined investment in classroom technology was a critical expenditure. The technology supports fully online and hybrid learning, bringing remote and on-campus students together in a single classroom environment. This allows us to continue providing exceptional instruction to our students in preparing them for the next phase of their education.

THE BEMIS FIELD ARCH

Notre Dame Prep is excited about the newest addition to Bemis Field - the Bemis Arch. Dedicated to the memory of Jim Lehman, Sr., the arch reads, “God’s blessing on all who come here.” This arch will be the entrance for our athletes to enter Bemis Field for years to come and I am certain will be the site of many future school traditions.

On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students at Notre Dame Prep, I would like to thank all of our

loyal supporters for their kind generosity and faith in Catholic

education.

God bless you all,

Lyric Naquin Vice President of

Advancement