In three months, over forty individuals – including alumni, family and friends – contributed $40,600. With the addition of the matching gift, the Class of 1955 was able to donate $70,600 on January 8, and earned the distinction of contributing the largest class gift in Archbishop Carroll’s history.
“These guys are the foundation of Carroll,” says Mark Savercool, Vice President for Advancement. “As freshman they were the only kids (most 15 years old) in the school. They grew up on Harewood Road. They are the pioneers and co-owners of Carroll’s 65-year educational legacy, and they care deeply about the school providing today’s students a similar faith and friendship based, high school learning experience.”
Each year, the Pioneer Class contributes a class gift. But this year, the amazing display of generosity surpassed all expectations. Several classmates gave for the first time, others doubled what they had contributed in previous years, and there were even some who more than doubled past gifts. Eleven donors contributed $1,000 or more.
Matt Adinolfi ‘55, chair of the Class of 1955 60th Reunion Committee and a dedicated volunteer at Carroll, says, “I am so thrilled that we were able to do this. Now we can encourage other alumni and let them know, ‘We did it and you can too’.”
Pioneer Class members supported a wide variety of Carroll causes in exceeding the overall goal, including gifts to the Pioneer Class Scholarship Fund, Annual Fund, the Jim Fox Fund, Athletics, the Thanksgiving Food Drive, Hilda Beers Scholarship, and the school’s Tuition Assistance Program.
For Larry Smith and his classmates, this considerable undertaking was fueled by their desire to help current Carroll students get the same quality education they did. On behalf of the school, Smith expressed the utmost gratitude to his classmates. “Thank you. Thank you for this extraordinary show of generosity and spirit.”
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