Dear Friends,
Our seventy-four Catholic schools in Western Washington are bustling with life and excitement once again as 22,000 students have returned to the classroom. We are filled with joy and hope knowing and many of those deserving students are receiving tuition assistance made possible by Fulcrum supporters including many of you.
I was recently introduced to an amazing young man, Andre Laze, who thrived in our Catholic schools. Enrolled first as a preschooler at Christ the King School, and now a recent graduate from Bishop Blanchet High School, Andre shares, “Catholic education has been an integral part of my life, shaping my values, beliefs, and aspirations.”
Andre’s father passed away when he was just a toddler, leaving his mother Entela to raise her son alone. Relying on her devout faith for inspiration and hope, she worked overtime as a nurse to make ends meet. But, with the cost of rent and daily expenses in Seattle, she feared Catholic school tuition was out of reach.
Entela’s prayers were answered when learning that support from Fulcrum and the school would make her dreams for a Catholic education a reality for her son. As a young student, Andre seized every opportunity and continually excelled. From piano playing at school masses, to class leadership, to CYO sports, his elementary days were filled with joy and growth, and his gentle heart and determination to thrive inspired everyone he encountered.
In his eighth-grade year, Andre and his mom had their lives shaken once again with the news of Entela’s serious cancer diagnosis. This time, they were surrounded by an incredible community of Catholic school teachers, families, and donors. Fulcrum, Bishop Blanchet, and many ‘guardian angels’ ensured the family could focus on her health and not worry about added financial burdens. Now, as he heads off to the Engineering School at the University of Washington this fall, he vows he “will proudly share his faith and give generously to future Catholic students facing hardship.”
At Fulcrum, I hear stories like Andre’s time and time again. The greatest barrier many feel to a Catholic education is the financial burden. We will continue to work tirelessly to increase the number of families we support each year. The need is greater than ever, and I humbly ask you to join me in giving to Fulcrum this fall.
Your generous gift will support promising students like Andre. I hope you’ll consider a donation to help us answer even more parents’ prayers. We believe that no child should be denied a Catholic education based on finances alone, and I deeply appreciate the sacrifice of your support. Your donation will assist in offering a child and their family the gift of a bright and shining future built on a strong foundation of values that will carry them on their life’s journey.
May God bless you and your loved ones!
Vivian K. Shannon
Executive Director, Fulcrum Foundation
