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San Francisco, CA It was announced today that Archbishop George H. Niederauer will present the 2006 Loaves & Fishes Award for Outstanding Service to the Community to the Alliance for Mission District Catholic Schools on Thursday, May 11, 2006 at the 9th Annual Loaves & Fishes Dinner, benefiting the programs of Catholic Charities CYO.
The Alliance consists of six Mission District Catholic elementary schools: Mission Dolores, Saint James, Saint Elizabeth, Saint Finn Barr, School of the Epiphany, and Saint Anthony Immaculate Conception. It was formed as a collaborative model in order to continue to offer the excellent quality education that the schools have provided for over 150 years for the children of the Mission District, and to ensure that quality for generations to come. The Alliance has established a strong tuition assistance base, and the schools’ pooled resources will help to provide the funding to retain and hire excellent teachers.
Alliance Executive Director Sr. Maureen Hilliard explains, “With the downturn in the economy and increased cost of living, the enrollment for the schools has been declining, along with our operating budgets. The schools will now have a better chance at survival by working together with a shared strategy. The Alliance is all about changing the way we think no longer viewing ourselves as competitors, but as collaborators for the sake of the education of our children.”
In selecting the Alliance as one of his first awardees since assuming his new appointment in San Francisco, Archbishop Niederauer stated, ”This strategically sound collaboration is not only necessary to keep the schools open, but ensures that the children of the Mission District will keep pace with other Bay Area schools, obtaining a solid foundation based on Catholic teachings and family values.”
Archbishop Niederauer added, “I am looking forward to participating in this event for the first time as well as recognizing the Alliance and the other honorees for such notable works. The evening will offer an opportunity to celebrate together some of the most important acts of charity, outstanding leadership and human service performed locally, regionally and globally.”
Clint Reilly, Catholic Charities CYO Board President noted, “The ground work and strategic partnering that the Alliance is creating is certain to serve as a model for other schools and organizations. The excitement in the schools and surrounding communities speaks strongly in support of this initiative which will truly change the lives of many generations of children.”
Sr. Maureen Hilliard added, “We are most honored to accept the Loaves & Fishes Award. Catholic Charities CYO does wonderful work in the San Francisco Bay Area, and we are pleased to support their efforts to help all of God’s children achieve their potential.”
The Alliance has launched initially with six schools participating: Mission Dolores, Saint James, Saint Anthony Immaculate Conception, Saint Elizabeth, School of the Epiphany, and Saint Finn Barr. The goal is to eventually involve additional of the Mission District Catholic schools broadening the collaboration and successes for all.
Also being honored at the event is the American Himalayan Foundation founder Richard Blum for Outstanding Philanthropic Works, and the Carl Gellert & Celia Berta Gellert Foundation for Outstanding Community Organization.
Created by Cardinal William Levada, Archbishop Emeritus of San Francisco, the Loaves & Fishes Award honors extraordinary charitable works in our communities and raises vital funds for the programs of Catholic Charities CYO. More than $5,000,000 has been raised in support of Catholic Charities CYO through the Loaves & Fishes Awards and Dinner. The Loaves & Fishes Dinner will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2006 at the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco.
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