July 29, 2024
Knights of Columbus Councils
Diocese of Kansas City in Kansas
 
Worthy Grand Knights,
 
I am reaching out on behalf of the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF). I am pleased to be a Patrons Committee Member for the 22nd Annual Gaudeamus Gala that will be held on Saturday October 12, 2024 at the Overland Park Convention Center.
 
I was privileged to serve as a founding member of the Board of Directors of this Foundation. I have seen firsthand the results of those children that received a Catholic Education because of the generosity of people like you, the members, of the Knights of Columbus Councils in the Archdiocese. I was also privileged to serve the Kansas Knights of Columbus as their State Deputy, and know how many times you are asked to donate your time, talents, and treasures to so many great causes.
 
Please consider this one that I assure you will have a positive lifetime effect on many children and their families.
 
This year’s event will honor our beloved Archbishop Joseph Naumann, who is scheduled to retire this summer after almost two decades of leading the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Archbishop Naumann’s steadfast commitment to Catholic Education over his tenure as Archbishop is without question. Consequently, it is so fitting to bestow the CEF Lifetime Achievement Award to Archbishop Naumann.
 
As a fitting tribute to Archbishop Naumann for his commitment to Catholic Education, and particularly to those who otherwise would not have the opportunity to attend a CEF Catholic elementary or high school, will you please consider making a meaningful gift and attending and/or sponsoring a table for the CEF Gaudeamus benefit gala? Your support helps the Catholic Education Foundation provide scholarships to ensure low-income students receive a K-12 Catholic education. Nearly 97% of CEF graduates go on to attend college or career training. That is an incredible return on investment!
 
Last year’s gala provided more than 80% of the revenue for CEF’s traditional scholarship program. Thanks to this support, for the 2023-24 school year, CEF awarded a record-breaking $4.6 million in scholarships to 1,800 students in Northeast Kansas.
 
I invite you to join me in honoring and celebrating Archbishop Naumann at this year’s Gaudeamus and supporting students and families across the 21 counties of our Archdiocese. If you have any questions, please contact me at (913) 908-5051 or [email protected]
 
Sincerely,
Thomas R. Zarda
Past State Deputy
 
P.S. See the enclosed brochure for sponsorship benefits and visit cefgala.org to secure your sponsorship!
A Donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated!