Keeping In Touch With Our Alumni and Friends
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In Memoriam: Ralph L. Bernard
In November 2009, the STVM community lost one of our dedicated and long-time supporters, Mr. Ralph Bernard, Sr., Honorary VM08, after a brief illness. Mr. Bernard’s legacy is perhaps best known through the endowed Ralph L. and Florence A. Bernard Memorial Scholarship. Everyone who knew Mr. Bernard appreciated his gentle spirit and devotion to his late wife Florence O’Neil Bernard V33, to his family, and to Catholic education. Mr. Bernard was a fan of Linda Ellis’ popular poem “The Dash”. He lived his life to the fullest and was proud of how he spent his dash. He was keenly aware of the benefits and challenges of Catholic education and was dedicated to providing ongoing support for Catholic education.
Through many generous donations to Endowment and to Showcase during his lifetime, Mr. Bernard brought attention to raising money for scholarships and tuition assistance which not only assisted students in need, but also eased the burden on the school’s operating budget. Joanne Zaratsian, Director of Major Gifts, who collaborated closely with Mr. Bernard on the annual Showcase Funda- Scholar oral auction item, noted, “Mr. Bernard LOVED helping us raise awareness to the scholarship program through the auction process. Just the look on his face said it all!
Mr. Bernard always left the Showcase evening elated with the overwhelming results from his match.” The legacy of Mr. Bernard and his focus on Catholic education will continue through the Ralph L. and Florence A. Bernard Memorial Scholarship which was recently strengthened through a very generous donation from his estate. The STVM Endowment Board will memorialize Mr. and Mrs. Bernard through a permanent polished granite stone, in our new Walk of Champions located near the Cosgrove Center, honoring their life and generosity.
Ralph Bernard's Generous Gifts are a Lasting Legacy
Matching Gift raises $115,000 for Irish Opportunity Scholarships
For the last three years, Mr. Ralph Bernard has pledged a matching gift toward Irish Opportunity Scholarships, which benefit students who otherwise might not be able to attend St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. Due to failing health, Mr. Bernard was unable to attend Showcase 2009. Sadly, he passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2009.
Mr. Bernard pledged a $25,000 matching gift in loving honor and memory of his late wife, Florence O’Neil Bernard V33. The Fund-a-Scholar Ralph Bernard Match kicked-off the evening’s bidding festivities as oral auction item #1.
Nick and Eileen Antonino led the bidding with a generous donation of $25,000. Paul and Marianne Bertsch followed with a bid of $11,000, while Bernie Antonino, as well as Dick and Bev Waltz raised their paddles at the $10,000 level. Many other dedicated alumni and friends donated in support of our STVM students including Bill Henkel at the $3,400 level and Fr. Berardi, Mrs. Jerry Kelly, Teresa and Mark Pastor, Mrs. Jean Staudt, Ralph and Joan Trecaso, Don and Darlene Utrup, George Newkome and Mary Jane Saunders, Anthony and Carol Tricomi, and Bob and Joanne Wiseman at the $1,000 level.
A total of $115,000 was raised that evening for Irish Opportunity Scholarships. “Each year, we are truly blessed by the generosity that is shown to our students through this auction item,” noted Joanne Zaratsian, Director of Major Gifts. “We are forever grateful for all that our dear friend, Mr. Bernard, has done to make a Catholic education a reality for so many of our students.”
Marlene Poje Dunford Practices What She Preaches
V50 graduate makes lasting commitment to STVM
As the founder/project manager of LEAVE A LEGACY®, a national organization that educates and encourages the public, from all walks of life, to make legacy gifts, it should come as no surprise that Marlene Poje Dunford V50 is also leaving her own legacy at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. Last summer, she and her husband, Dan, who passed away in November at the age of 80, decided it was time to rewrite their will. In doing so, Marlene made specific requests to charities, including one to STVM. She is particularly interested in funding the scholarship program, which helps STVM attract the area’s best and brightest students.
She actually began her career in development and fundraising at STVM, where she served as the school’s first Development Director from August of 1981 to April of 1984. In fact, it was Dan who came up with the name Alumni Connection, for the school’s alumni magazine. After 20 years of professional fundraising, Marlene retired and established the LEAVE A LEGACY® organization in Summit, Portage and Medina counties. Over the years, her involvement with the school has continued through LEAVE A LEGACY®, of which STVM is a partner, and in the planning of her class reunions every five years. The V50 reunion committee is already planning for their 60th reunion this year. In 1994, Marlene was also honored with the Father Thomas F. Mahar Outstanding Alumni Award.
Marlene’s two sisters and brothers-in law are also graduates, as are her four daughters. She has a grandson who will soon be part of next year’s incoming freshman class. Marlene hopes by sharing this information, our other alumni will think about mentioning STVM in their wills. It doesn’t have to be a lot. Just a small amount from each of our alumni will help the future of the school. “Marlene truly practices what she preaches. By designating her alma mater in her will, she is leaving a legacy for future generations. We are incredibly grateful for her generosity and loyal support,” said Joanne Zaratsian, Director of Major Gifts.
Alumni and Friends Can Ensure STVM's Future
St. Vincent-St. Mary High School has established a Planned Giving program to help secure the long-term future of the school. The four most common planned giving opportunities include the following:
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Outright Gift of Cash or Personal Property
This gift is a donation of cash, securities, or real estate. The donor receives an income tax deduction for the value of the gift, plus no capital gains tax due on appreciated property. You can tailor your gift to the school's needs.
Outright Gift of Stock
Gifts of appreciated stocks may allow you to avoid tax on capital gains and entitle you to claim a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the stock.
Gifts of Life Insurance
If you own a life insurance policy that is no longer needed, it may be the perfect vehicle for a gift. To receive a charitable deduction for this type of donation, name St. Vincent-St. Mary High School as both the owner and the beneficiary of the policy. If the policy has cash value, you can take a charitable deduction approximately equal to the cash value at the time of the gift. In addition, if annual premiums are still to be made and you continue to pay them, those premiums will become tax deductible each year. Please check with your insurance agent for details on which forms to complete.
Bequest In Will
This is the most popular and easiest way to remember St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. When preparing your will, you name STVM as a beneficiary of your estate. Usually this is through a cash donation or real estate. There is usually an estate tax deduction for the value of your bequest. Please check with your attorney for more information.
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To receive additional information about giving through your estate, please return this form to:
Development Department
St. Vincent-St. Mary High School
15 North Maple Street
Akron, Ohio 44303
Or call: (330) 253-9113 ext. 112
