This Annual Report celebrates the mark all of - Chaminade High ...

“We are not insulated
from financially hard
times, but, thanks to all
of you, our strength in
numbers can face what-
ever the future brings.”
Dear Chaminade Family,
“Hey, you’re the Torch Fund guy, aren’t you?”
TORCH Chairman’s Letter
It happened more than I thought it would. Over the last two years alums, friends
and family of Chaminade recognized my name or my face. I loved it because
it opened the door for me to talk about all the great people behind the Torch
Fund.
If my daughter were present she would typically roll her eyes as if to say, “Here
we go again.” She has heard my “speech” of heartfelt love for Chaminade and all
those associated with it more than a few times.
My term as Torch Chairman has come to an end, but the mission has not!
We are in the midst of difficult financial times, and the future is uncertain. These
are the times the founders of the Torch Fund foresaw. What vision they had to
see that only through the yearly participation and commitment of so many over
so many years would the goal of an affordable Chaminade education be achieved.
We are not insulated from financially hard times, but, thanks to all of you, our
strength in numbers can face whatever the future brings.
While we continue the mission of Chaminade and continue to ask you to partner
with us, we ask that you keep in your prayers all those who are suffering during
these difficult times.
Notwithstanding the economy, 2008 was an extraordinary year for the Torch
Fund. The total of $2,618,477 surpassed our goal by $58,684. More significantly,
we had the most donors in Torch Fund history with 6,145 members of the
Chaminade family contributing. In particular, we have seen a remarkable participation
of 42% from the graduating class of 2008.
Thanks to you, Torch was able to contribute $1,150 towards the tuition of each
student. I am grateful to the parents of Chaminade students, for many have
contributed right back to the Torch Fund the discount they received. It is truly
rewarding to see those who can afford the full tuition help support those who
truly need assistance.
Once again, the Golf and Tennis Open generated a significant contribution to
Torch. Bill Basel ’58, Jack Lenz ’43 and Kevin Parente ’82, the stalwarts of the
Committee, were joined by Chris McKenna ’82 and Tom Healy ’91 in running
the outing on five different golf courses. More than $834,790 was grossed on that
single day!
Thank you to the entire Torch Committee and especially to Fr. James Williams
’87; Bro. Joseph Bellizzi ’78; Bro. Richard Hartz ’59; Bro. John McGrory ’84;
Chuck Mansfield ’62; Dr. James Sheehan, the Director of the Torch Fund; and
Craig Tigh ’72, my predecessor.
Good luck to Torch Chairman Ed Smith ’89 and the entire Torch Fund Committee
as we approach 2009.
Sincerely,
Lawrence Mahon ’78
Chairman, 2008 Torch Fund
5