2019 provided a year of celebration as the Diocese of Phoenix reached the milestone of 50 years of service to its faithful. A variety of events were held to commemorate this historic event.
In alignment with our Mission, CEA presented a $50,000 gift through the Annual Crozier Gala to support the employees of the Diocese in need of financial assistance to maintain enrollment for their children. This followed the $100,000 contribution made to the Catholic Schools Office at the 11th Annual Night of Hope that raises funds for emergency situations that our families encounter throughout the year that jeopardizes continued enrollment in our schools. Supporting exceptional learners, CEA made the commitment to begin pursuing funds to be raised through the Disabled/Displaced Corporate Tax Credit and launched the project with a $15,000 gift to the Arizona Catholic Schools Disabilities Fund which supports all students receiving a Catholic education. Additional sponsorships to our schools were made for strengthened relationships and community involvement.
Our digital marketing efforts have exploded with hundreds of thousands of individuals and corporations learning about the CEA Mission. These new marketing avenues have shed a positive light on the excellent work happening in our schools throughout the Diocese of Phoenix and in the greater community. We are blessed with the outpouring of support we continue to receive for the work we do each and every day helping students receive the best education to meet their needs.
CEA was pleased to once again make the Phoenix Business Journal’s Book of Lists as a top Non-Profit Organizations, as well as the only STO to make the top 10! Through our work with the Phoenix Business Journal, we were able to lead the first co-branded partnership highlighting our Diocesan affiliates including Catholic Education Arizona, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Community Foundation, and the Foundation for Senior Living. By working together, thousands of PBJ readers were able to learn more about the ability to stack their tax credits and support causes dear to their hearts this year.
In support of the global day of giving, our “Giving Tuesday” promotion was launched with funds this year to be matched dollar-for-dollar to the CEA General Scholarship Fund that supports our schools that are unable to meet their need with funds designated for their schools alone. We were thrilled that a record number of tax credit contributions were made on this day!
December continued to be very busy for the CEA “elves.” To spread Christmas cheer and promote the tax credit during one of the peak times for contributing, CEA team members put on their Christmas apparel and surprised parents with donuts during student drop at 12 schools! Visiting our schools in the early morning gave us the opportunity to thank our parents, teachers and principals for their support, along with a quick Krispy Kreme rush to start their day!
As we look ahead, we are excited to be relocating at the end of January, expanding our staff, and working to change lives and transform culture. As always, we are forever grateful for your continued support and hope you’ll visit us at our new location in the New Year!
Happy New Year to You and Yours!
Deb Preach
Chief Development Officer
