Today’s guest on Creating Future Leaders is an influential member of the local community. Dave Pratt, CEO of Star Worldwide Networks, joins Nancy Padberg, the President and CEO of Catholic Education Arizona, to talk through his children’s experience in Catholic education and the value of taking the initiative to help underserved local students.
Catholic Education Promotes Community Involvement
Pratt did not become involved in Catholic education until later in life — with his wife being passionate about her own Catholic upbringing. They made the joint decision to send their own children to Catholic schools. Pratt explains, “It is not really all about being a Catholic when you get a Catholic education. Sure, of course, there is faith and spirit — and that is part of it. But the bigger part is the community and just getting a good education. And that’s what I really loved.”
Pratt touches on an important note. According to the National Catholic Education Association, approximately 18.7% of Catholic school students are not Catholic. These are students who still benefit from the dedication of the staff and others involved with these schools.
Pratt goes on to say, “It is not just about education. Sure, education is key, academics are so important. That is one of the reasons that the Pratt family chose a Catholic education. However, it is also about future generations and investing in your own communities. So a lot of your corporate donors, they care about Arizona.”
Giving Back Is Both Easy and Important
With the individual and corporate tax credits available in Arizona, anyone can choose to make a difference for young students who want to gain a Catholic education. Pratt delves into the misconception of the tax credit, explaining that no additional money is needed to contribute. He states, “Corporations, you can make donations, or you can do the one-to-one tax credits. Again, it is not asking for more money, it is just redirecting money that you are already paying to support the future of Arizona — the future generations.”
Nancy Padberg stresses just how simple a task it can be to direct your tax dollars, saying “It does not matter if you are a small or large business or what industry that you are in. Call us. We will walk you through the process. It is an absolutely easy one. Our team is fantastic. They are knowledgeable and can walk you through the form.”
“Being an example to other corporations is important,” claims Pratt. If you would like your business to set a positive example for those in your community, then Padberg urges you to, “Go to our website at www.ceaz.org or call us at 602-218-6542. There are many different ways we make it very easy to contribute.” Contact Catholic Education Arizona today!
