CCF Impact Stories
Expressions of Joy, Gratitude and Faith
The stories provided here show how donors have fulfilled lifelong dreams and promises through charitable giving. Their inspiring stories demonstrate the power of faith-based philanthropy to bring comfort to those in need — and joy to those who give.
A Family Affair
“Everything we have is a gift from God, not of our own doing, and with that comes the responsibility of sharing our gifts with others.”
— Elaine Hathaway, Successor Advisor
Young Women Take Lessons in Evangelization to Front Doors in St. Paul
“We learned day-by-day what the earlier evangelizers did. It was more about being neighbors.”
—Ruth Lopez, Summer Evangelist with the Catholic Women’s Community
Endowing Faith Along with Dollars
“Parishes do these things together. This is a community that walks forward together.”
—Fr. Ryan Moravitz, Immaculate Heart Church, Crosslake
Family Business Leads to Family Giving
“God has blessed us with abundance and we are fully aware that we need to be good stewards.”
—Kent Roessler, CCF Donor
Investing Time and Treasure
“People want more control, but they’re still generous and committed. It’s a hopeful time.”
—Greg Melsen, CCF Board Member and Donor
Honoring Her Heart Forever
“God’s been looking out for me an awful long time. I’m surprised He hasn’t grown tired of it yet.”
—Severne Banack, CCF Donor
Kindling Faith at Summer Camp
“We’re planting the seed of faith, and we believe it will grow into a lifelong experience.”
— Natalie King, Executive Director, Catholic Youth Camp
It Takes a Village to Create Community
“We’re not a Catholic organization, but we have great Catholic friends.”
— Joani Essenburg, Co-Founder of Banyan Community
Couple Finds Happiness & Fulfillment in Philanthropy
“When we give, it’s only made our lives better.”
— Heidi Wingerd, CCF Donor
Laying the Groundwork for Future Generations
“The purpose of our parish is about the mission of Jesus, not money. Yet we need money to fulfill that mission.”
— Joe Nardi, Finance Council Chair St. John the Baptist Parish, Savage
Engaging The Next Generation
“Long term, we hope to instill that sense of being gifted by God and pass that on to our kids.”
— Dave Hemler, Donor Advisor and member of CCF’s Next Generation Initiative
Keeping Catholic Education Affordable
“Affordability is a concern for many of our families. We use the assistance we receive from CCF to help as many students as possible.”
—Tom Donlon, President/Principal, Bethlehem Academy
Bus Company Proceeds Now Drive Philanthropy
“Our business had been such a gift from God.”
— Tom Merrill, Donor Advised Fund
Looking Back, Paying it Forward
“I wanted to do something to memorialize our family and help foster the Catholic faith here in Faribault.”
— Barbara Mulcahy, CCF Charitable Remainder Unitrust
Faithfully Remembered: Now and Forever
“I can honor the faithful example of my parents beyond my lifetime and continue my support of charities close to my heart, now and forever.”
— Tom Busch, Florian and Dorothy Busch Endowment Fund
A Legacy of Leadership
“Going with CCF made sense because the Foundation supports our Catholic values. Someday Sam and I won’t be here to manage it, and having the fund be Catholic-centric is very important to us.”
— Mark Lano, The David Lano Foundation Fund
Four Generations of Inspired Giving
“Aren’t we lucky we can do this?”
— Dorothy Revord, CCF philanthropist
Honoring a Beloved Priest and Godfather
“What you do for yourself dies with you. What you do for others lives on.”
— Mary McKeown, CCF Donor
In 2015, Mary McKeown partnered with CCF to create a fund that will provide perpetual support to retired priests from the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
Simplified, Centralized and Profoundly Spiritual Giving
“Sheryl and I opened a Donor-Advised Fund with CCF to simplify our charitable giving.”
— Dan Moran, CFF Donor Advisor.