News release
The Schmidt Foundation is generously providing up to $100,000 in matching funds to the St. Thomas More Society, the annual fund for Hays Catholic Schools. Gifts made to the STMS between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023, will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000 per gift. This gift is to encourage stewardship and philanthropy in our community and only new gifts are subject to the matching funds. A new gift is one that was not received in the past fiscal year or an increase in the amount given over the past fiscal year.
The St. Thomas More Society is tasked to collect $850,000 of operating funds for the Catholic Schools in fiscal year 22-23. To make a contribution, visit hayscatholicschools.org or call the Hays Catholic Schools Advancement Office at (785) 621-5421.
Thomas More Prep-Marian and Holy Family Elementary are continually blessed with the generosity of many around the world, including our dedicated alumni following. The Alumni Association of TMP-Marian is excited to announce the following challenge to its alumni. The graduating class year that has the most participation in the STMS in FY 22-23, will earn the Bob & Pat Schmidt Philanthropy Award. This award will be displayed in the Advancement/Alumni offices at TMP-Marian and the winning class year will be recognized in the December 2023 edition of The Monogram, a bi-annual publication of the Alumni Assocation.
“Bob and Pat were believers in giving back to those who helped them, and helped others to be successful. We hope this “Challenge Gift” will encourage others to do the same.” Gary Shorman, foundation president.
In 2012, Bob and Pat Schmidt were pacesetting contributors to the creation of the St. Thomas More Society which was created to ensure the continued growth and success of the Catholic Schools of the greater Hays area. Diversity and excellence in academics are a signature of our region and members of the STMS believe in furthering the success of Catholic education and are committed to financial security for the schools well into the future. This gift of matching funds has the possibility of infusing $200,000 of new funding into the schools operating budget - funds that ensure its students receive a superior education from the best educators in the industry.
Located in Hays, Kan., the Hays Catholic Schools, Thomas More Prep-Marian and Holy Family Elementary, is a Catholic school system serving grades PK-12. Students come from Hays, the surrounding region, and from countries around the world. Under the direction of the Diocese of Salina, the Hays Catholic Schools are supported by the Catholic churches of Hays, Catharine, Antonino, Schoenchen and Munjor. At Holy Family Elementary, we are Christ to one another. For over a century, Thomas More Prep-Marian has served young people in the traditions of spiritual growth, academic excellence, and leadership formation.