When Pheidippides raced back to Athens and died from exhaustion right after proclaiming "Nike, Nike," for the Greek victory over the Persians in the Battle of Marathon, he unknowingly became immortal. It is not likely that any of us will become immortal or die from exhaustion, even though we might from all the extra work we are having to do during this pandemic.
Through the support of many wonderful and generous people, we have just about met our goal of raising $10,000 to help offset unexpected COVID-19 expenses. We are currently at $9,260 with over 150 donations. I know we will reach and surpass our goal, and probably sooner than later. Once we reach our goal, we will continue the challenge until December 31st as planned.
While reaching our goal, I am hoping we increase the number of donors to 200. It appears that 80 of the donors so far are first time donors to St. Ann. That is a great sign when adding so many new donors. It is important to have more and more alumni participate in any fundraising effort as well.
Many of our alumni and friends who have contributed have also stepped up with offers to help spread the word about the 10 x 10 Colts Challenge. We do need everyone to ask 10 friends to contribute to the challenge. We also need our alumni to spread the word with their St. Ann classmates.
Yes, I know people are tired of challenges, campaigns, fundraising, and giving. Hey, that’s the nature of all non-profits. If we don’t ask, we don’t receive. If we don't receive, we don't exist. And, I’m not asking for myself. I’m asking for every student, future student, family, and staff member at St. Ann.At St. Ann, we have to constantly ask for help so we can provide our students and teachers with what they need and also in order to keep tuition as low as possible. Keeping tuition low is a HUGE passion of mine. Catholic education needs to be affordable to all. This is one of the many things I learned from the teachings of St. John Baptist de La Salle: "direct service to the poor." That means keeping tuition as low as possible.
St. Ann is not an elite school for elite students. It is a wonderful, inclusive Catholic school with incredible teachers for fantastic students.
To those of you who have contributed: Thanks.
To those who spread the word on our behalf: Blessings.
To those who pray for us: Amen!
At the end of the 10 x 10 Colts Challenge, like Pheidippides, we hope to proclaim “Nike, Nike”!God bless you and Merry Christmas,
Didier Aur, Principal - St. Ann Catholic School
P.S. According to Greek mythology, Nike was the goddess of victory.
