Annual Report
Letter from the President
Dear Friends of F.I.R.E.,
During a Sunday homily, my parish priest asked our faith community to “trust in God” just as a child trusts a parent. We entered into the school year trusting that the Holy Spirit would guide us as we reached out to past and potential supporters for financial support during economic times that brought challenges to many friends and families. You have answered our call and together we continue to fulfill the mission of F.I.R.E., enabling many lives to be impacted by inclusive Catholic education.
The 2008-2009 fiscal year brought changes to our organization in leadership, school growth, office personnel and board membership. We trust in God that with each departure of a devoted board member, staff member, board leader or parent group family we will be blessed by new individuals who are eager to step forward and serve our foundation with passion and dedication.
Kurt Wiedeman served as President of F.I.R.E.’s Board of Directors. Our organization experienced wonderful growth under his leadership and benefited from Kurt’s guidance during strategic planning, transitioning from volunteer staff to paid office staff and development of the F.I.R.E. office at the chancery. Other board members to resign after many years of service were Katheigh Degen, Liz Hawks, Tracey Costanzo, Vince O’Flaherty and Fr. Jerry Waris. We also experienced the loss of a dear friend to F.I.R.E., Paul Whitmer. Paul volunteered many hours for F.I.R.E. and served as Board President for several years. These special volunteers and others who served on our board will always be appreciated by parents, educators and children who have benefited from their generous gifts of time and talent.
“Trust in God.” We have developed our board once again. Others have stepped forward to carry on the legacy of others. Twenty strong, and dedicated to assist the army of volunteers who work to make our events successful, the members of the board work to contact donors, spread the story of F.I.R.E. and continue to welcome new friends to our mission. We reached our budget goal for the 2009-2010 school year! Our educators, principals and priests are dedicated to their philosophy of educating all God’s children.
Recounting Father’s homily, he compared our trust in God to a child reaching up for the hand of a parent knowing that it would be there to lead them. During this new year, “trust in God” and reach out when in need and know that others will answer the call and extend a helping hand. Also, “trust in God” and always be willing to reach out in response to a call for guidance and support. We have reached out to all of you and have trusted in your love for inclusive education to lead us into another year of Catholic education for all children. God bless all of you and please know that your support makes a tremendous difference in the lives of many!
Sincerely,
Maura Nulton
President, F.I.R.E.
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