2012-2013 AnnuAl GivinG AppeAl

The St. Francis High School Annual Giving Appeal was initiated in 1990 so that alumni, parents, friends and alumni parents of St. Francis High School could demonstrate their mutual support for the continued growth of the institution.

Throughout our history, St. Francis High School has been blessed by many generous benefactors who have given in the true spirit of philanthropy. Based on the strength of this altruistic history, the goal for the 2012-2013 Annual Giving Appeal is $235,000. We ask that you keep alive this very special spirit by making a gift to the 2012-2013 Annual Giving Appeal. It is because of the generosity of individuals like yourself that the Tradition of Success that is St. Francis High School will be passed on to future generations of young men.

Our TrAdiTiOn…

Eighty five years ago the Very Reverend Justin Figas, OFM Conv., with the support of his loyal Justin Drivers, founded St. Francis High School fulfilling his vision to create an institution of higher learning based on Franciscan ideals that emphasized not only intellectual development but the development of habits

of the heart.

While much has changed at St. Francis High School since 1927, our holistic approach to education is still the foundation on which we build young men of keen intellect and outstanding character. Today, St. Francis High School continues to be a true leader in secondary education, producing Alumni that are leaders in their communities known by their faith, critical thinking, compassion and service to others.

SucceSS... The STOry cOnTinueS

JAcOb SmOlinSki ’13Throughout my grammar school years I attended Catholic schools. Yet, when it was time to make the

decision as to where I would go to high school, I was unsure if I would be able to continue my Catholic education due to the cost of tuition. My parents were willing to sacrifice and wanted to send me to the school of my dreams (St. Francis) but knew it would still be almost

impossible to make it work financially without help. Fortunately, St. Francis High School awarded me a merit scholarship and financial aid and I enrolled in the Class of 2013.

From the day I found out I would be able to attend St. Francis, I was determined not to take my opportunity for granted. I aspired to become a true renaissance man. Throughout my four years I have benefitted from the rigor and balance of a Franciscan education and been involved in numerous co-curricular interests including the track team, musicals and the Franciscan Youth Ministry. In fact, my participation in another co-curricular activity, WSTF TV, the St. Francis news broadcast, has inspired me to pursue television and film in college.

I know that when I graduate in May I will be prepared for college and my future due to the unique and outstanding education I received at St. Francis High School. I also know that if it were not for the generosity of others my dream would never have been realized. Thank you for allowing me this great opportunity and for supporting St. Francis High School in this special way.

did yOu knOw?

63% of our students receive financial assistance and/or scholarships totaling over $850,000 which ensures widespread access to a Franciscan education and a diverse student population.

99% of St. Francis High School graduates move on to post-secondary education.

The 128 graduates of the class of 2012 earned over 20 million dollars in college scholarships and grants to the more than 175 colleges to which they were accepted.

Imbued with the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, the class of 2012 volunteered for over 5500 hours of community service.

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Fr. Justin

Students carry out the mission of the school by serving the underprivileged and volunteering in soup kitchens in the inner city neighborhoods of Buffalo.

cArry On The TrAdiTiOn Of SucceSS AT ST. frAnciS hiGh SchOOl...help uS reAch Our GOAl.

SuppOrT The AnnuAl GivinG AppeAl!

1927 club ($10,000 + )A leadership gift at this level demonstrates your appreciation for the 85 year Tradition of Success that exists at St. Francis High School and your dedication to the school’s future.

fOunder’S club ($5,000 - $9,999)Your generous gift of $5,000 or more to this year’s Appeal will honor the memory of the founder of St. Francis High School, Fr. Justin Figas, OFM Conv. whose vision resulted in Western New York’s finest college preparatory school.

driverS’ club ($2,500 - $4,999)The loyal group of thirty-five Polish-American professional and businessmen, known as “The Justin Drivers”, led the way in making the dream of St. Francis High School a reality. Your gift of $2,500–$4,999 recognizes your continuing commitment to their pioneer efforts.

cOrnerSTOne club ($1,000 - $2,499)Your contribution of $1,000-$2,499 as a member of the Cornerstone Club provides the foundation for a successful Annual Giving Appeal and a successful St. Francis High School.

fr. rufinuS club ($500 - $999)By enrolling in the Fr. Rufinus Club, you honor the late Fr. Rufinus Niedzwiecki, OFM Conv. former Athletic Director and coach, whose dedication and inspiration made the difference in the lives of so many young men.

red rAider club ($250 - $499)Keep school spirit and tradition strong by becoming a member of the Red Raider Club.

frAnciScAn club ($100 - $249)Your donation will help keep alive the Franciscan charism which is such a hallmark of a St. Francis High School education.

pATrOn club (up TO $99)Show your continued support for St. Francis High School by becoming a member of the Patron Club.

dOllAr-A-yeAr club

Ideal for recent graduates, the Dollar-A-Year-Club presents an excellent opportunity for young alumni to support their alma mater by making a gift of $1 for every year since their graduation from St. Francis High School.

GifT OppOrTuniTieS dOnOr infOrmATiOn

Please use the enclosed envelope or go to www.stfrancishigh.org to make your gift.

Checks payable to: St. Francis High School.

Partial payments are gladly accepted.

All donors receive a personal acknowledgement.

All gifts received by June 30, 2013 will be recognized in the 2012-2013 Annual Report of Gifts.

To qualify for a 2012 tax deduction, gifts must be made before December 31, 2012.

Donations are fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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mATchinG GifTSMany companies match their employees charitable donations. This is a great opportunity to double your gift to St. Francis High School. Contact your Personnel Office to learn if this option is available to you.

STOckS & SecuriTieSGifts of stocks and securities are also welcome in support of the Appeal.

memOriAl/hOnOrAry GifTSYou may wish to designate your gift to the Appeal as a memorial to or in honor of a family member or close friend. Such gifts may be made in any amount and will be specifically noted in the school’s Annual Report of Gifts.

plAnned GivinGYou may also wish to plan a future gift to St. Francis High School through a bequest, a life insurance policy, a trust, a gift of personal estate property or some other method.

St. FranciSHigH ScHool

A TrAdiTiOn Of SucceSS

2012- 2013AnnuAl GivinG AppeAl For more information, please contact Paul

Bartell, Jr.’88 in the Office for Institutional Advancement at (716) 627-1200, Ext. 465.

bartellp@stfrancishigh.org