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10/16/2007--------

Foundation Hosts Inaugural Event to Promote Stewardship as a Way of Life

The Foundation hosted its augural fundraising event on October 16 at the El Paso Convention Center to celebrate stewardship and launch the Catholic Legacy Fund. The Catholic Legacy Fund kick off featured testimonials from Mariano Lopez, a diocesan seminarian studying at Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, and Diego Rico, a senior at Cathedral High School - both examples of stewardship in action.

The event culminated with a presentation from the Foundation's keynote speaker - basketball legend Nolan Richardson - whose inspirational speech included this reflection

“When I get to the Kingdom, I know that God won't ask me how many games I won, but rather how many lives I changed,” Richardson said.

Touching lives through the gifts that God has given us is the measure of Stewardship and the hope for the future of our Diocese.

The Foundation raised $150,000 during the evening, which will support the Foundation and, in the spirit of stewardship, support the diocesan ministries, parishes and schools. The funds raised included $20,700 to establish the Yvonne Richardson Legacy Fund for St. Charles Seminary and nearly $25,000 through a live auction for specific needs of ministries and parishes.

During the inaugural event of the Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso, the Foundation recognized the designated funds and named funds established since the Foundation's inception in 2001. Gifts to the Catholic Legacy Fund are currently valued at $1.2 million. The vision of the Foundation is to build the endowment to $20 million by 2020 to support the ministries, parishes and schools of the Diocese of El Paso.

The Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso established the Catholic Legacy Fund to meet the long-term needs of diocesan parishes, ministries and schools. Donations of any amount are welcome. Donors may create a named fund with a minimum contribution of $10,000 over a five year period. Donors may designate their gifts to the ministry, parish or school of their choice.

The Catholic Legacy Fund accepts gifts and pledges of current assets and planned gifts. The Foundation is available to work with donors to design a giving plan that will best serve their charitable interests and personal and financial circumstances.