The St. Anthony Educational Trust has reached an extraordinary milestone that will benefit generations of future Bulldogs! What began as an ambitious vision to raise $5.5 million has become an overwhelming success, with the “Securing Our Future” campaign surpassing all expectations by securing over $10.3 million in pledges from 520 donors.
“This extraordinary achievement is a testament to the shared vision and commitment of all who believe in the transformative power of Catholic education,” says Paul Hartke, President of the Educational Trust and class of 1961 alumnus.
Established in 1995, the Trust ensures tuition remains affordable for all families while providing scholarships for those in need. The impact of this successful campaign is already evident – without the Trust’s contributions, tuition increases for the 2025-2026 school year would have been approximately 10-15%. Instead, the increase has been limited to just 3.9%.
The Trust’s financial position has strengthened significantly, with assets totaling over $8.1 million between the general fund and earmarked scholarships. These funds will continue to grow while providing annual distributions to support St. Anthony Schools, with 100% of proceeds going directly to educational needs.
Paul Koerner (1976 Alumnus), Campaign Chairman, led the fundraising efforts with remarkable dedication. And, Fr. Peter Harman, Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, expressed profound gratitude to the fundraising team and all contributors: “Every gift, no matter the size, has played a vital role in helping us reach this milestone. As I’ve often stated, ’It is not how much, but how many.’”
The widespread participation in this campaign reflects the deep commitment of the St. Anthony community to Catholic education. With contributions from alums, parishioners, and friends, the Trust is now positioned to help offset educational costs for years to come. In 2024, the Educational Trust contributed $212,000 toward the school’s annual budget of $4.92 million, representing 4% of total funding.
Looking ahead, the Trust has set an ambitious goal to grow its assets to more than $15 million over the next decade while contributing up to 5% annually to offset educational costs. None of this success would have been possible without the visionary generosity of the founding donors, Dr. John and Ingrid Kay, whose forward-thinking laid the groundwork for today’s achievements. Their legacy continues to inspire as the Trust builds upon their initial investment.
The Educational Trust is managed by a board of seven trustees and guided by a dedicated investment committee that carefully evaluates opportunities to ensure long-term growth and viability. For alumni interested in contributing to this legacy, the Educational Trust offers various giving options, from outright donations to planned giving.
Together, we are truly securing the future of St. Anthony Schools for generations to come.
To learn more about how you can support the mission of making Catholic education accessible to all who desire it, visit stanthonytrust.com or call (217) 347-7129.
