In an Abundance of Caution, Foundation Cancels the Event Due to Concerns Over the Coronavirus

Foundation Asks Patrons to Remain Committed to the Support of Thousands of Students Who Rely on Event Proceeds for Tuition Assistance

(LOUISVILLE, Ky.) – The Catholic Education Foundation of the Archdiocese of Louisville (the “Foundation”) today announced that it will cancel the previously scheduled 30th annual Salute to Catholic School Alumni Dinner (the “Salute”) that was to be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 due to the global pandemic of the coronavirus (COVID-19). 

Foundation President Richard A. Lechleiter remarked, “While we are deeply disappointed to cancel what is widely considered the largest fundraising dinner event in the Commonwealth, it’s clearly the right thing to do for our patrons and our community. Since its beginning, the Salute is the single largest source of funding for our tuition assistance program for the needy families in this community who can’t afford the full cost of a Catholic education for their children.”

“At this critical time, we are asking our patrons to show the community how important Catholic education is to them by continuing their financial support of the event even though it has been cancelled. We are indeed grateful to our many supporters who value Catholic education and the countless benefits that it has provided to students, families and the broader community for generations.”

The Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D. D., Archbishop of Louisville and the annual Honorary Co-Chair of the event, noted, “During these unprecedented times, let us all join together in prayer for those individuals and families who have been affected by the coronavirus, that God will provide for their strength and recovery.” 

Next year’s Salute dinner event has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville.