Beyond Boundries Case for Support

BEYOND BOUNDARIES: THE CAMPAIGN FOR SANDUSKY CENTRAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL

OUR INVITATION At Sandusky Central Catholic School, we stand at the threshold of a transformational moment, a rare opportunity to reimagine our campus, elevate our mission, and impact the lives of generations to come.

For over a century, SCCS has been a guiding light, nurturing students to grow in faith, knowledge, and service. Our graduates leave as compassionate leaders, innovative thinkers, and community builders.

They are doctors, entrepreneurs, educators, scientists, engineers, service members, and lifelong learners who reflect the heart of an SCCS education.

Now, we are called to go beyond, to create a unified, inspiring campus that equips our students to dream bigger and achieve more. Through the Beyond Boundaries Campaign, we will bring this bold vision to life with a focused campaign plan.

With the Beyond Boundaries Campaign, we aim to build upon the rich legacy of our school and provide our students with even more opportunities for growth and success. This capital campaign will empower us to enhance our facilities, expand both our campus and academic programs, and invest in our exceptional faculty.

This moment requires bold action and faith.

Christ is not an afterthought or add-on to Catholic education philosophy; He is the center and fulcrum of the entire school, the light enlightening every boy and girl who comes into a Catholic school. God calls us to dream bigger, to expand our faith and actions, and to embrace the extraordinary opportunities He places before us.

Together, we can transform SCCS into a campus that not only meets today’s needs but inspires tomorrow’s possibilities. Imagine the lives waiting to be impacted, the leaders, innovators, and changemakers our school will empower.

Join us in this extraordinary journey. Together, we will go Beyond Boundaries, shaping the future of SCCS and transforming lives for generations to come.

Proud to be a Panther,

Ryan Wikel, ‘99 President

MISSION AND CULTURE MISSION A faith community committed to following Jesus; Living the Gospel by Strengthening the Body, Challenging the Mind, Enriching the Spirit; Forming virtuous leaders for the Church and community.

CULTURE As a Catholic school, faith and values are the foundation of everything we do.

This emphasis on faith creates a culture of spiritual growth and a deep sense of purpose and meaning making us different by design.

SCCS promotes a culture of respect for the inherent dignity of every person.

We teach students to value and appreciate the uniqueness of each individual through respectful dialogue, empathy, and acceptance.

Understanding that parents are the primary educators of their children, SCCS actively engages parents so that they can contribute to their child’s holistic development and strengthen the greater community.

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OUR STORY A Legacy of Faith, Excellence, and Community Sandusky Central Catholic School (SCCS) is built on a rich history of faith, dedication, and community.

Our story begins over 160 years ago with the opening of St. Mary’s School in 1857, which initially served students up to sixth grade. Little did they know, this humble beginning would lead to a legacy of excellence that continues to create leaders rooted in service.

In 1902, Father Joseph Widman established St. Mary’s High School, enrolling just 25 students in its first year. The high school building was completed in 1910 at the cost of $113,400, and soon became a cornerstone of our community. As the school grew, so did the campus - expanding to meet the needs of students and their families.

Through the decades, SCCS continued to grow and evolve, always prioritizing education, faith, and the development of the whole child. In 1951, a new gymnasium was built, followed by a 12-classroom grade school in 1957. The addition of a four-classroom science building in 1972 and a $1.7 million expansion in 1981 added 14 classrooms and a Multi-Purpose Room, further enhancing the learning environment.

The roots of athletic pride were planted in 1924 when Father John Lubuzinski founded St. Mary’s first sports teams, football and basketball. Our beloved Panther mascot was introduced in 1936, and the school adopted blue and gold as its team colors in 1928, later updating to navy and Vegas gold in 2003.

In 1950, St. Mary’s joined the Sandusky Bay Conference, where it remained a competitive force for over six decades, earning numerous championships along the way.

The dawn of a new era came in 2002 when St. Mary’s, Holy Angels, and Sts. Peter and Paul schools merged to form Sandusky Central Catholic School (SCCS). The high school retained its historic name, St. Mary Central Catholic High School, while the campus expanded and unified. By 2009, all K-8 students were relocated to the St. Mary campus, and in 2013, pre-K students from Holy Angels joined them, completing the transition to a single, unified campus for all grade levels. In 2014, Dick and Judy Kinzel made a transformative gift to the school, creating The Kinzel Center, a state-of-the-art center to host athletics, graduation, along with music and art programs that elevated SCCS to new heights.

Today, Sandusky Central Catholic School serves students from preschool through 12th grade. Our St. Mary Central Catholic High School students continue to excel academically, athletically, and in service to their community, embodying the Gospel values that have always been the foundation of our mission.

From the classrooms to the playing fields, our students are driven by a sense of purpose, prepared to make a difference in the world.

As we look to the future, our mission is clear: to build on the legacy of faith, academic excellence, and community that has defined us for over a century. With the Beyond Boundaries campaign, we’re taking the next steps in transforming our campus, expanding opportunities for our students, and ensuring that our school remains a beacon of faith and education for generations to come. Together, we will continue to build on the foundation laid by those who came before us, transforming lives, strengthening our community, and living out the mission that has always guided us.

This is our time. This is our future.

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OUR GOAL

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OUR GOAL Beyond Boundaries: The Campaign for SCCS Together, we’re not just imagining the future of Sandusky Central Catholic School we’re building it.

Beyond Boundaries is a bold, transformative campaign designed to fuel the next era of excellence at SCCS. By investing in our mission, we will empower the educators who shape young minds, support the students who will lead tomorrow, and create an innovative, welcoming campus environment that inspires learning and community.

Our Vision: Build for the Future - A new Innovation Commons building featuring a science hub, a welcome center for families, and a flexible dining and gathering space for students.

Empower Exceptional Educators - A dedicated endowment to attract, retain, and support the very best teachers who are committed to our Catholic mission.

Sustain the Panther Fund - Ensuring we meet everyday needs while securing the long-term health and vitality of our school.

This is our moment.

A moment to build boldly. To invest with purpose. To lead with faith.

Go Beyond Boundaries with us.

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BUILD FOR THE FUTURE

INNOVATION COMMONS

$9,000,000

The Innovation Commons is an exciting 17,000+ square-foot addition to the Sandusky Central Catholic School campus that is designed to inspire curiosity, connection, and community.

This dynamic new facility will serve as a central hub for learning and engagement, featuring: A Welcome Center that offers a warm, professional space for greeting families, alumni, and guests, reflecting the hospitality and heart of SCCS. A cutting-edge Science Hub that fosters hands-on discovery, creativity, and innovation.

A flexible Dining and Gathering Space where students can eat, collaborate, study, and celebrate, built to adapt to the needs of our growing community.

More than just a building, the Innovation Commons represents our bold commitment to preparing students for the future, supporting educators, and strengthening the Panther community.

EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATORS ENDOWMENT FUND

$6,000,000

This fund reflects our deep commitment to the extraordinary educators who shape our students’ futures. Catholic school teachers often sacrifice financial security to follow their calling. By bridging the pay gap, it rewards their dedication and excellence, ensuring SCCS attracts and retains the very best.

With a goal of $6,000,000 in planned gifts, this fund would provide $300,000 annually to uplift teacher wages, securing the future of our mission and honoring the immeasurable value these educators bring to our students.

THE PANTHER FUND

$600,000 The Panther Fund is SCCS’s annual campaign, supporting our operating budget and enriching every student’s experience daily.

These donations to the annual appeal, offer a meaningful way to impact academics, athletics, campus ministry, and more. This supports the school’s annual fund with $200,000 annually over 3 years.

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SANDUSKY CENTRAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL

IMMEDIATE CALL TO ACTION INNOVATION COMMONS

$ 9,000,000

ENDOWMENT

$ 6,000,000

PANTHER FUND

$ 600,000

TOTAL

$ 15,600,000

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SANDUSKY CENTRAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL

WHEN GIVING BECOMES LEADING Beyond Boundaries: The Campaign for Sandusky Central Catholic School offers numerous opportunities for donors at all levels to make a meaningful impact on the exciting revitalization and future of our school. You can participate in the campaign by making a commitment that allows flexibility and time to fulfill your pledge. While we hope that most commitments will be completed within 36 months to bring improvements to our students as soon as possible, we understand that circumstances vary.

If you require more time, we are happy to work with you to arrange a timeline that suits your needs.

When considering how to support Beyond Boundaries: The Campaign for Sandusky Central Catholic School, there are a variety of giving options, each offering unique advantages. All gifts are tax-deductible within the limits specified by the IRS. We encourage you to consult with your attorney or financial advisor when planning your commitment.

GIFTS OF CASH These qualify for a charitable deduction in the year given and are limited to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income annually. Any amount exceeding this limit is eligible for a five-year carryover.

GIFTS OF APPRECIATED SECURITIES Securities held for more than one year may be donated using their full market value as a tax deduction, while avoiding capital gains taxes that would apply if the asset were sold.

GIFTS OF PROPERTY Donations of personal property—including real estate, jewelry, artwork, and more, can provide significant benefits to both the school and the donor. These types of gifts typically require the assistance of appraisers and tax advisors.

GIFTS OF LIFE INSURANCE A life insurance policy can be a powerful way to make a sizable impact at relatively low cost. Again, consultation with a financial advisor is recommended.

BEQUESTS AND LIFE INCOME PLANS These options allow you to participate in the campaign at levels you might not otherwise consider. Vehicles such as wills, charitable trusts, and other estate planning tools can provide long-term support for SCCS while meeting your financial and philanthropic goals. Our team is happy to work alongside your financial advisors to help identify the best approach for your situation.

The most important part of any gift to Beyond Boundaries is that it brings joy - joy in giving back, joy in shaping the future of Sandusky Central Catholic School, and joy in supporting a mission and values you believe in!

For more information about Beyond Boundaries: The Campaign for Sandusky Central Catholic School, contact:

Ryan Wikel

Laura Criscione

President

Director of Transformational Gifts

419.626.1892 ext. 222

419.626.1892 ext. 314

rwikel@sanduskycc.org

lcriscione@sanduskycc.org

CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP TEAM Honorary Chairs

Campaign Chairs

Jerry & Shannon Guerra Ron & Tracy Guerra

Mark & Emily Martucci

Dick & Debra Brady Dan & Liz Fresch Jude Guerra Thom & Adriana Guerra Rick & Gayle Jeffrey

Duff & Gina Milkie Ben & Brittany Moncher James & Heather Stouffer Carl & Jessica Will Andrew & Natalie Zucker

SCCS EDUCATION FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SCCS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board President Dan Moncher

Board President Ben Moncher

Vice-President Bryan Kasper

Vice-President Rick Jeffrey

Gayle Jeffrey James Ruthsatz Kevin Baxter Ann Groff Thom Guerra Pete Kowalski DIRECTOR EMERITUS Thomas Aylward

Jeanne Lawrence Judy Monaghan Caroline Smith Carol Scherger James Sortino Matthew Stahl

Jamie Evans Bill Burch Ryan Dillard Tom Lucas Christine Mack Tara Newton Fr. Monte Hoyles Ryan Wikel Fr. Chris Turner