Cardinal Challenge

The Cardinal Challenge is Cardinal Mooney’s Annual Fund Appeal. Initially founded in 1988 by the Alumni Association, the campaign has been broadened to include parents of the school. The majority of the funds generated by The Cardinal Challenge are raised during the alumni phonathon which is held in early November. Additional funds are the result of the mailing which parallels the phonathon. Proceeds are used to underwrite Alumni Scholarships, Financial Aid, the Cardinal Mooney Newsletter and a variety of projects sponsored by the Cardinal Mooney Alumni Association.

The Campaign for Excellence was initiated in 1994 and raised $1.5 million for campus improvements. The effort was the first capital campaign in the history of the school and was widely supported by alumni, parents and friends of the school who were invited to make pledges over a five year schedule. Improvements to the school that resulted from this effort included:

Honeywell Energy Management Program Implemented
Library expanded and converted into a Media Learning Center
New Compaq Pentium Computer Lab
15 Exterior doors replaced
New roof for South Wing and Auditorium
Additional Science Classroom
Additional Art Classroom
Courtyard Renovation
New Chapel
Auditorium upgraded
Student Center/Cafeteria Upgraded
Gymnasium:

New Roof and Insulation
Painted
New Lighting
Heating and Ventialtion improved and upgraded

 

 

In 2000, a committee was formed to raise funds for Cardinal Mooney’s Athletic and Educational Complex. Nearly $400,000 was generated by this effort and resulted in significant improvement to the school outdoor complex. Nine acres were added to the campus as a result of the transfer of the lands and buildings of the former Navy Reserve and Army Reseve. Rush Boulevard was closed and the athletic field was reoriented to lay in a east-west direction. A lighted all-weather track was added to the field and the field now has an extensive drainage tile system and a new irrigation system. Bleachers have been purchased and it is now possible for Cardinal Mooney to host home athletic contests. In addition, provisions have been made for the parochial league to use the facility. A lighted scoreboard has been installed. In addition, facilities are planned for tennis, baseball, softball and a separate practice field is available for football and soccer.
Finally, the former Army Reserve Center building has beeen transferred to the school.

Endowments

Inquiries concerning endowment opportunities at Cardinal Mooney High School have increased in recent years. As our alumni become older and have more disposable resources, they have become more interested in learning how they might contribute to our alma mater in a way that will result in a living and perpetual gift.

Endowment Gifts provide just such an opportunity. Endowment gifts of over $10,000 can generate a named scholarship while gifts of less than $10,000 will be added to the Cardinal Mooney Scholarship Endowment.

In fact several endowed scholarships have been established including scholarships in the name of:

Justin Baird
Robert Cavanaugh
Anthony Childs/Isiah Thomas
David Cipriano
Margaret Cushwa
Peter DeSantis
Dr. & Mrs. Andrew Detesco
Coletta Fortine
Ellen Haley
John J. & Helen Horney
Brett Kelly
John and Ann Kudlacz
Mary Kuester
Ralph Lowery
Ward & Helen Maloney
Ray Mancini
Pat McCarthy
Rocky Mileto
Pat Ortenzio
J. Scott Rendinell
Dorothy Stanislav
Ron Stoops, Sr.
Thomas Terpack

In addition, Family Scholarships have been set up by the:

Richard J. & Nancy A. Barrett Family
Jackson Family
Kilanowski Family
Mancini Family

As a result of this interest, we would like to respond to several of the questions frequently asked about endowment scholarship opportunities.

Q. What Amount Should Be Donated to Create An Endowment Scholarship?

A. Endowed scholarships are established with a tax deductible gift of $10,000. Your gift is vested in the Cardinal Mooney scholarship endowment and the proceeds are used annually for scholarships.

Q. Does the $10,000 Have To be Donated At One Time?

A. No. The endowment may be pledged over an agreed period of time. The scholarship is not awarded until the endowment reaches $10,000 level.

Q. How Are These Scholarships Named?

A. Scholarships may be named to memoralize a deceased family member or friend or to honor a living family member or friend. They can be named for a teacher, organization, or corporation. They can be used to commemorate a special birthday, achievement or anniversary.

Q. Can You Increase The Principal Amount After An Endowed Named Scholarship Is Established?

A. Yes. The principal can be increased at any time and the amount awarded will be increased as a result.

Q. If I Fail To Fulfill My $10,000 Commitment, What Happens To My Donations?

A. If you are unable to fulfill your commitment your donations will be added to the
permanent Cardinal Mooney scholarship endowment.

As the cost of operating Cardinal Mooney High School has risen, financial aid has become a major factor in enabling students to seek a Catholic high school education.

Today, 45% of our students receive some form of financial aid in the form of academic scholarships or grants based on economic need. The source of these funds is the generosity of our alumni, parents and friends. Your contributions indicate your support and confidence in Cardinal Mooney’s ability to provide academic opportunities for students today and throughout the 21st century. Please feel free to call our Development Office at (330) 788-5113 for details.