CUMULATIVE GIVING - SFCS FOUNDATION LEGACY SOCIETY PATRON LEVEL
John and Katy Billion Since the 1990’s, John and Katy (Dougherty) Billion have had students in the Sioux Falls Catholic Schools. Their ‘roles’ as SFCS parents ended last year with the graduation of their ‘baby’ – Sam ‘17. Unlike some empty nester parents, the Billions continue to stay connected with the SFCS community. “We will still be involved. We’ll still be going to football games and concerts and plays. We believe in the system,” says John. Their connection to the Sioux Falls Catholic Schools actually goes back to their fathers who were both Cathedral graduates (Jack Billion ’57 and Don Dougherty ’48). Both John and Katy are graduates — John in 1984 and Katy in 1983. After they married and started having children of their own, they enrolled them at St. Mary’s and their own adventures as parents began. “We wanted to be involved with the school that our kids were attending. We wanted to support our kids, get to know their friends and their friends’ parents,” says Katy. The Billions helped in the classrooms, worked at the Fall Festival and Donut Days, served as room parents and more. They also made it a point to bring their children to lots of activities on the O’Gorman campus, from football and basketball games to concerts and plays. As their kids got older and started at O’Gorman, the Billions moved into new ways of volunteering. John announced soccer games, served on the Dakota Bowl Committee and also worked with the ‘pit crew’ before the musicals. Katy organized all of the catering for the musical casts and crews with her friend, Teresa Schoenfelder. She also served as nurse and chaperone for many years for the concert choir and interp teams, even including road trips! Katy and John hosted a number of cast parties after the musicals, welcoming hundreds of students and their parents into their home. “Everything she does is because her heart is so pure. She loves bringing joy and appreciation to others,” says director of theatre Teresa Fester, who is incredibly grateful to have had the Billions as some of her best and most dedicated volunteers. In addition to the countless hours John and Katy have spent volunteering, they have supported many of the fundraisers and initiatives for the SFCS. They’ve been Sustainer Members of the SFCS Foundation, supported the music and theatre programs by purchasing booster passes or becoming patrons for the playbill. They’ve attended, supported and volunteered at many Dakota Bowls, Golf Classics, Extravaganzas, Foundation events; they have supported the athletic department, the SFCS Teacher Salary Initiative, used the SFCS Gift Card program and so, so much more. Being super involved was just natural. “We had a lot of fun,” says John. “Now we’re just going to be taking a different approach.” The Billions say engaging in all of this at SFCS was the best way not only for them to know their kids – and who their kids were hanging around with — but an incredible way to meet and get to know lifelong friends. “It is amazing to experience the support and camaraderie the community holds,” says Katy. “Those who don’t volunteer are missing out!” John and Katy, we truly thank you for your gifts of time, talent and treasure to support our students and teachers.
Members of the PATRON LEVEL are honored for their cumulative gifts to the SFCS since 1987 of $25,000 - $49,999. Jeffry and Sherri Alvey Anonymous (6) Wilson and Rose-Marie Asfora Greg and Cindy Assman
Richard and Barbara Auld U Avera McKennan Fitness Center Jack and Elizabeth Babb Don and Kate Barnes
George Louis and Maggie Barnett U James Becker John Becker Val Beckman - Trust U
Jeanne Bendewald Jay and Susan Bentz Steve and Catherine Billion Brian and Janet Bird