The Foundation currently houses 90 endowments supporting education, social services, evangelization, and other ministries. Created by individuals, parishes, schools and agencies, many are named in memory or honor of a loved one. Creating an endowment fund is a powerful way to honor or remember a person’s life and legacy, because it is a long-term investment that will change the lives of generations to come. Following is a brief on a few recently created funds:

The Daniel and Margaret Reid Scholarship Endowment Fund was established this May. Margaret and Daniel shared a deep and abiding faith, which is especially revealed in the lives of their five children – Margaret, Elaine, Daniel, Michael, and Kevin, their seven grandchildren and great grandchild. In thanksgiving for the gift of Catholic Education they received, and in memory of their parents’ legacy of love, their children established this fund, which will provide scholarships to less fortunate children to afford them a chance to attend a Catholic elementary school in Brooklyn or Queens.

Recently, Tom Lawler (and his children: Brendan, Katelyn and Jennifer), established the Kathie and Christopher Extraordinary Needs Fund for Senior Priests in memory of his wife Kathie and their son Christopher, who died as a result of the flight 587 crash in Belle Harbor, Queens on November 12, 2001. Kathie came to work for the Diocese on the “Alive in Hope” Campaign in 1996 at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston. While working at the Center, she became interested in the physical, emotional, and social care of the Senior Priests.

“Kathie always had a concern for the priests of this Diocese. She bought that genuine concern into our home and made it a priority for us all”, Tom said. “Through the services and social opportunities afforded through Kathie and Chris’ Fund, the compassion, the gratitude and appreciation for our Senior Priests lives on, as does the memory of our Kathie and Chris, treasured wife and mom, son and brother.”

The Frank DeRosa Fund for The Tablet, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Brooklyn, was established this February. Mr. DeRosa began his service to the Diocese as a reporter for The Tablet, worked for ten years at the newspaper and now serves as director of the Diocesan Public Information Office. He has also served as the Associate Publisher of The Tablet for the past 12 years. The Fund, established in recognition of Mr. DeRosa's contribution to the Church, will provide annual support towards the newspaper’s operations and special projects. Donations continue to be made in honor of Mr. DeRosa.

R to L: Thomas Flood, Mr. and Mrs. Frank DeRosa, Maurice DuBois, Peter and Karen Labbat