Informational Update Vol. 5

October 14, 2004

This is the fourth in an ongoing effort to inform parents and parishioners of the progress of our Major Gift Effort for the purchase and expansion of the Snoqualmie Campus.  

Project Summary

Pledges are currently being made toward the major gift effort of $800,000, which combines the purchase phase and Phase 1 expansion. Currently, we are applying all pledges to the first part of the project, the purchase of the campus.

All families should have received a new letter of intent (pledge sheet) within the past few weeks for the Focus on Our Future – Snoqualmie Purchase Project. Please complete the form and return to the school office as soon as possible. The parishes and school have less than 90 days to buy the Snoqualmie Campus at the current price and financing terms as explained in the previous newsletters.

If you would like more information or have further questions on the project, a member of the Focus on Our Future Committee would be happy to meet with you at any time to further discuss the details of the project. Please call Jennifer Ballsmith at 425-396-4251 with any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My family wants to make a gift/pledge to our project but cannot afford to make a large one. Is a small pledge over time still ok?

Families should prayerfully consider their gift to this project and give from their hearts. The school and parish realize that not all families can afford to give the same amount and

everyone will do what they can. We are blessed by the actions of all our families to support the Snoqualmie Purchase. Even a small gift over time can amount to a significant pledge to this project. We encourage all families to consider giving a cash down payment on their pledge, thus helping us achieve our goal of $300,000 in cash by December 31, 2004.

Below is an example of a pledge chart that shows how even a monthly payment of $67 for 36 months with a small down payment means that you are able to contribute $3000 towards the Snoqualmie Purchase!

Can you gift the cost of one dinner at a restaurant per month ($67) for all of our children? Can you do more? Just think of the possibilities when an entire school community participates……

2. Can I put my gift/pledge on my credit card?

Yes!! We accept credit cards for payment and can bill your down payment and your monthly payments to your credit card on a payment schedule that you set (every month/quarter/once a year). It is a great way to get airline miles.

3. Are gifts/pledges to this project tax deductible?  

All gifts and pledges are tax deductible and will be included on your year end tax statement that you receive from the school.

4. Will you take stock donations as a gift/pledge to the project?

Yes!! The Archdiocese can conduct stock transactions on behalf of St. Joseph School and Parish. Forms and instructions are available by calling Jennifer Ballsmith at 425-396-4251.

5. There has been lots of publicity for the Anthony Kearns concert to be held on October 24th. How does this concert benefit the Snoqualmie Purchase Project?

One hundred percent (100%) of the net proceeds from this concert go directly towards the down payment on the Snoqualmie Purchase. Anthony Kearns supports Catholic education and only performs a few benefit concerts each year in the U.S. for the benefit of Catholic schools. We are very fortunate that we were chosen for this special performance and we hope that all families will attend. This concert is open to the public so please tell your friends and neighbors, too.