Uplift: The Fulcrum Campaign for Catholic Education raised an astounding $87 million for Catholic schools, students, and educators.
The campaign began in 2015 with the goal of raising $66 million. The campaign’s silent phase from 2015-2020 raised $47 million. The public phase from 2020-2022 raised an additional $40 million.
Tony Audino, chair of the board, and Vivian Shannon, executive director, officially brought the campaign to a close at the 20th Anniversary Celebration of Light at T-Mobile Park.
“It’s a true honor and joy to share this special moment with you, as we sunset the campaign we’ve been working on for seven years,” Tony said to Celebration of Light attendees. “This comprehensive campaign will fuel the future. It will uplift the families and schools we serve, laying the groundwork for the future of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Seattle.”
Uplift was a comprehensive campaign, meaning every dollar donated to Fulcrum was counted toward the fundraising goal. The meteoric success of the campaign would not have been possible without the full-hearted support of Fulcrum’s donors, the leadership of the campaign chairs, and the behind-the-scenes work of Julie Coleman, managing director of Uplift, and Conne McGlynn Bruce, advancement director.
“We have faced many hardships over the past few years,” said Vivian. “There have been many moments where pulling away would have been easy. But despite the difficulties and the distance, the Fulcrum community reached out and said yes over and over again. Your generosity is an inspiration and will make all the difference as we lay the groundwork for future generations in Catholic education.”
The campaign will fund essential programs like tuition assistance and leadership training. It has also funded the creation of new programs like Building Leadership Capacity, the Early Childhood Education Grant Program, and the Becraft Scholars Program.
“Thank you for remaining faithful, for giving beyond yourselves, for stretching to support the greater Catholic school community and the educational needs of the children and families Fulcrum serves,” said Tony.
A special thank you to:
Campaign Chairs:
Joe and Jenn Sprague
Shawn and Kathie Hoban
Tom and Margaret Hoban
Campaign Steering Committee:
Tony and Michelle Audino
George Hofbauer
Shelley Hovind
Annemarie Kelly
Steve Knight
Mike and Mary Lee
Justin Luger
Kathleen McKay
Gavin O’Brien
Charlie Pollnow
Sheila Ryan
Reverend Steve Sallis
Beth Toomey
Scott Ventoza
Honorary Chairs:
Dick and Sharon† Abrams
Peg Haggerty
David and Shelley Hovind
Jeanne Marie Lee†
John and Donna† Luger
Chuck and Yvonne Pigott
Reverend Stephen C. Rowan
Very Reverend Michael G. Ryan
Joe and Jenn Sprague
†Deceased