CATHOLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES RECORD-SETTING RESULTS      

FROM NINTH ANNUAL SALUTE TO “THE GAME” LUNCHEON

$330,000 Net from the Event Shatters Last Year’s Record $260,000

LOUISVILLE, KY (September 28, 2016) – The Catholic Education Foundation of Louisville today announced record results from its annual Salute to THE GAME luncheon that was held at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville. This unique event celebrates the nationally recognized rivalry and thrill of the annual Saint Xavier – Trinity high school football game to be held this year at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium on Friday, September 30 at 8:00 p.m.

The Foundation announced that this year’s Salute Luncheon attracted 1,100 guests and raised a record net of $330,000, rocketing past last year’s record result of $260,000.  Since its inception, the Salute luncheon has raised nearly $1.5 million.  All of the net proceeds from this event will benefit the Foundation in its work to support Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Louisville and make Catholic schools accessible by everyone.

Foundation President Richard A. Lechleiter commented, “In only its ninth year, this hallmark event continues to set new highs in fundraising, fan excitement and community participation! We are deeply indebted to all of our friends in the Saint Xavier and Trinity communities for allowing the Foundation to benefit from this storied rivalry. In addition, we look forward with great excitement to providing record levels of financial support to our students, families, schools and parish communities across the Archdiocese in the year ahead.”

The Foundation and its funding partners recently announced that tuition assistance awards for families who cannot afford the full cost of Catholic elementary school in central Kentucky jumped 16% to an all-time high $5.8 million, impacting a record 2,650 students.  Mr. Lechleiter noted, “At the Catholic Education Foundation, ‘The Answer is YES!’”

The major benefactors of this year’s Salute luncheon, each of whom donated $25,000 to the event, were:  John and Sarah Lechleiter; the Steve and Kathy Ford Family; the Daniel C. Ulmer Family; Wimsett and Company; Paul and Maureen Lechleiter; and the Richard and Janice Lechleiter Family.

About the Catholic Education Foundation:

For over 200 years, Catholic schools have contributed significantly to the social, spiritual and economic fabric of our entire community. The Catholic Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the growth and vitality of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Louisville. Since 1999, the Foundation has awarded $26 million in support of Catholic education. Visit the Foundation at www.ceflou.org.