Supporters Like You

“Early education is the foundation for building life-long professional, personal, and skills growth,” says Changing Lives with Legacy donor Judy.

Judy knows the value of a Catholic education because she’s lived it. She attended a Catholic grade school from 5th through 8th grade. She later graduated from a Catholic nursing program at Marian College, earning her Juris Doctor degree from Marquette University School of Law. Though financial challenges prevented her from attending Catholic high school, the strength of her Catholic education stayed with her throughout her life, and today, she’s paying it forward.

For years, Judy contributed to Catholic Education Arizona through the Arizona Individual Tax Credit. But she felt called to do more.

“I receive a tax credit for my contribution, and it is a blessing for both the families and the donors. I choose to make a donation in addition because I want to make a true donation. I consider it a payback for all the benefits I have received as a result of my Catholic education.“

Judy now gives a monthly donation beyond the tax credit to help underserved families access affordable Catholic education.

“I want to be part of the program that assists families who need help providing this quality, faith-based education,” she says. “Catholic education provides children with both academic excellence and the Catholic values that guide a meaningful life. All children should be able to access this, regardless of their financial situation.”

“These children are our future,” she remarks. We owe them a quality education to support them throughout their lives. But sadly, not all families have access to a Catholic education. A donation, small or large, will provide the assistance they need.”

Share Your Story

Are you a supporter of Changing Lives with Legacy? We want to hear your story and know why you believe Catholic Education Arizona is valuable. To tell us your story, contact legacy@ceaz.org or call (602) 218-6542.

Raised on a dairy farm in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin with twelve siblings, Florence learned early what it meant to live a life grounded in faith, family, and hard work. Growing up in a devout Catholic household, Florence watched her previous eight siblings attend Catholic school, but she was the first one who didn’t get the same opportunity.

“I always felt a longing for what they experienced,” Florence shares. “That’s why I’m passionate about helping others access what I couldn’t.”

Now a faithful monthly donor to Changing Lives with Legacy, Florence is using her giving to ensure students today don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow in both academics and faith.

Serving Her Community

After a 40-year career as a nephrology nurse, Florence has embraced her newfound free time as an opportunity for service and spiritual growth.

She is active in her Church of the Ascension parish, where she provides her time, treasure, and talents to the Matthew Community, currently helping underserved persons in the metropolitan area through AZ Brain Food, MANA House, and Andre House. She also assists the parish Arts & Environment committee. Additional prayer time is devoted to Ascension’s weekly Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Seven Sisters Apostolate, where women commit to praying for their priest for one hour each on their designated day of the week. In the Fountain Hills community, Florence volunteers with the River Of Time Museum and Arizona Care Hospice.

“That’s what we’re here for,” Florence says, reflecting on her life of prayer and service.

Florence first heard about Catholic Education Arizona when a speaker visited her parish and explained the Arizona Tax Credit. Her response? “That’s a no-brainer! I want to give what I can.”

After being a loyal tax credit contributor for 13 years, Florence learned that she could give beyond her tax credit with a traditional donation to Changing Lives with Legacy.

“There are lots of children out there who need the help,” she says. “And it’s one way to grow our numbers in the Church if we can help the children learn more about their faith at an early age.”

Florence sees education as a powerful way to build the Church and bring hope to families. “Many of these parents or guardians might not have had a college education or have a well-paying job. To be able to help them provide better education for their children—hope for the future, and faith-based—it can only be helping our world.”

Florence’s story reminds us that monthly giving is a powerful way to change lives and help underserved, disabled, and foster children take the next step toward their future.

Share Your Story

Are you a supporter of Changing Lives with Legacy? We want to hear your story and know why you believe Catholic Education Arizona is valuable. To tell us your story, contact legacy@ceaz.org or call (602) 218-6542.

Their generosity helps other families access the blessings of a faith-filled Catholic education.

Juliann’s family has experienced firsthand the transformative power of scholarships. “Our daughter, Lily, is a first-time recipient of a scholarship. We were so grateful and appreciative when we received that letter in the mail,” Juliann said. “We planned on having her attend Notre Dame Preparatory High School because we are a God-fearing family, and we want her to have friends, their families, teachers, and coaches that share our beliefs and morals.”

For Lily, the opportunity to attend a Catholic school means more than academics. “This opportunity was important to me because it is a rigorous school and will hopefully help set me up for success in my future,” she said.

Juliann added, “Every little bit helps, and we couldn’t be more thankful to the donors, Catholic Education Arizona, and God for all His goodwill. We wanted to take a moment to write this testimonial as a small way to express our gratitude to those who have made this education possible for us.

AZ Tax Credit AND a Traditional Donation

Juliann’s family are not just recipients; they are donors as well. “We also donate in hopes that we can similarly help other families,” Juliann said. By contributing to both divisions—Arizona Tax Credit and Changing Lives with Legacy—they are making an extraordinary impact.

Honor Society Donor Club

Their donation to Changing Lives with Legacy earns them a spot in the Honor Society Donor Club! The Honor Society recognizes our donors who have given at one of the three levels of generosity.

• $1,000 Dean’s List
• $2,500 Salutatorian
• $5,000 Valedictorian

Will You Join Them?

Your support can change lives and support students just like Lily. To make a traditional donation today or join the Honor Society, visit our donation portal.

Are you a donor to Changing Lives with Legacy? We’d love to hear your story and learn why affordable access to Catholic education is important to you. Share your journey with us by contacting legacy@ceaz.org.

Together, we can ensure that every child can receive the gift of a Catholic education.

Kathleen was blessed with 16 years of Catholic education, which shaped her faith and values. However, her husband, Cesar, did not have the same opportunity. When it came time to choose an education for their own children, financial barriers prevented them from enrolling in Catholic schools. “We both wanted our kids to attend Catholic schools, but we could not afford it,” they shared.

Understanding firsthand the challenges that many families face, Cesar and Kathleen committed to helping other children access the education they wished they could have provided for their own. “Because our own kids were underserved of a Catholic education, we decided to help change the course for future kids,” they explained.

Their journey with Catholic Education Arizona began a few years ago, and their generosity has continued to grow over time. As Honor Society members, their traditional donations have helped underserved students receive a faith-filled, quality education.

Their support is not only an act of generosity but a profound belief in the power of Catholic education to shape future generations. “The future of the Church and our society depends on the kids who pass through a Catholic school education,” they shared.

Beyond giving through the Arizona tax credit, Cesar and Kathleen felt called to contribute more. Their faith inspires their generosity, and they see their ability to give as a blessing. “We pray for more, so we can give more,” they said. “We believe that the Diocese of Phoenix is doing a beautiful job, and we want to support it.”

To those considering supporting Catholic Education Arizona’s Changing Lives with Legacy division, Cesar and Kathleen offer profound but straightforward advice:

1. Read the Scriptures daily.
2. Go to confession regularly.
3. Listen to where the Holy Spirit is leading you.

Cesar and Kathleen’s story is rooted in faith-driven giving. Their dedication ensures that underserved, disabled, and foster children will have access to Catholic education.

Share Your Story

Are you an Arizona Corporate or Individual Tax Credit Contributor or a Changing Lives with Legacy Donor? We want to hear your story and know why you believe Catholic Education Arizona is valuable. To tell us your story, contact legacy@ceaz.org or call (602) 218-6542.

Ryan’s Experience Inspired Him to Donate to Changing Lives with Legacy

As a student, teacher, and leader, Ryan has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact Catholic schools have on families and communities, particularly those facing the highest need. “Historically, Catholic schools in America have been access points for underserved families who desire to create as much opportunity as possible for their children,” Ryan explains. “It is vital that Catholic schools cling to their original mission to serve ALL students, especially those with the highest need.”

Seeing the Impact Firsthand

Ryan is not only a Catholic school alumnus but also taught at St. John Vianney Catholic School and Bourgade Catholic High School, working firsthand with Catholic Education Arizona scholarship recipients. “My vocation as a husband and teacher, my group of friends, and, most importantly, my relationship with Jesus are all because of my time in Catholic schools,” he says.

“I have seen the incredible impact these scholarships have on schools, families, and students,” Ryan adds. “From revitalizing communities like St. John Vianney school— which grew from a small neighborhood school that consistently struggled with enrollment and finances—to one of the largest and most vibrant ministries in the Diocese of Phoenix.””Helping families access Catholic education changes communities and creates our future leaders. “There are families who share their transformation, many who now pray together, parents who are now married in the Church, children who have received sacraments, and students who have persisted to some of the most competitive colleges and careers””

Supporting Underserved Students Through Monthly Giving

In 2012, Ryan’s commitment to this mission led him to support Catholic Education Arizona with his Arizona Individual Tax Credit. “With all that good, need still exists,” Ryan adds, “There are still families who cannot choose the education they desire for their children.” Last year, Ryan took the next step in his philanthropic journey and began supporting underserved students with monthly donations to Changing Lives with Legacy.

“My experience in Catholic schools has shown the deep need in some families and communities even after tax credit funds have been distributed,” Ryan says. “A donation to Changing Lives with Legacy gets us one step closer to providing families with the same graces, blessings, and opportunities I have seen throughout my career,” he shares.

“Having met the Changing Lives with Legacy team through Miranda, I felt confident I was entrusting a donation to good stewards who would serve these families and communities faithfully,” he says.

Share Your Story

Are you an Arizona Corporate or Individual Tax Credit Contributor or a Changing Lives with Legacy Donor? We want to hear your story and know why you believe Catholic Education Arizona is valuable. To tell us your story, contact legacy@ceaz.org or call (602) 218-6542

How a Catholic Education Impacted One Family

Neither Patrick nor Julie was raised Catholic, yet they chose to send their children to St. Thomas the Apostle School and Xavier College Preparatory, recognizing the importance and value of a quality education. Their children have thrived in the academic and extracurricular environments, with one high schooler at Xavier College Preparatory and two others attending St. Thomas the Apostle.

Their 8th-grade son’s experience, in particular, shaped their commitment to giving back. After the school helped identify and support his dyslexia, Patrick and Julie saw firsthand the difference a strong, compassionate educational system can make.

A Heart to Serve the Community

Patrick, an accomplished broadcast executive and current president of St. Thomas the Apostle Dad’s Club, is no stranger to serving his community. He retired from a successful 30-year career, most recently as President of the Meredith Local Media Group, and now co-owns a talent recruitment company. He is deeply committed to helping organizations and individuals reach their full potential, and this philosophy extends to his charitable efforts. 

Generosity From a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)

Patrick and his wife have a donor-advised fund and believe that a gift to Catholic Education Arizona aligns with their charitable giving goals.

With a donor-advised fund (DAF, you can make one larger gift to a donor-advised fund and then recommend grants to Changing Lives with Legacy and other nonprofits.

Through their donor-advised fund, Patrick and Julie are making a significant impact on the lives of underserved students. Their support ensures that more Arizona families can access the same quality education that has positively impacted their own families. By giving from their donor-advised fund, they are helping to build a brighter future for Arizona’s students.

Share Your Story

Are you an Arizona Corporate or Individual Tax Credit Contributor or a Changing Lives with Legacy Donor? We want to hear your story and know why you believe Catholic Education Arizona is valuable. Contact legacy@ceaz.org or call (602) 218-6542 to tell us your story. To read more Changing Lives with Legacy donor stories, click here.

Angela is a mother of three, grandmother of six, and great-grandmother of two. She understands the profound impact that a Catholic education has on both the family and society. Angela herself is a product of quality Catholic education, having attended Catholic school from preschool until her high school graduation. 

As an adult, her passion and talent in art reflect God’s creation and beauty, while her deep connection to service was brought to life as a Vincentian. Angela’s Catholic education shaped her values and fostered her continued commitment to giving back and supporting her community.  

Angela helps families in Arizona access a Catholic education through her donations and a planned gift to Changing Lives with Legacy. 

Angela is in the process of naming Catholic Education Arizona as a beneficiary in her Charitable Remainder Trust, a decision that reflects her lifelong commitment to nurturing faith-based education.

By including Catholic Education Arizona in her Charitable Remainder Trust, Angela ensures that her legacy will continue supporting families and their ability to provide the best education for their children.

Benefits of a Charitable Remainder Trust

• Receive income for life for a term of up to 20 years, or life plus a term of up to 20 years.
• Avoid capital gains on the sale of your appreciated assets.
• Receive an immediate charitable income tax deduction for the charitable portion of the trust.
• Establish a future legacy gift to Catholic Education Arizona.

Angela’s story reflects her commitment to helping others live out their Catholic faith. Her donations to Changing Lives with Legacy are a testament to her belief in the importance of quality, faith-based education. Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in her footsteps.

Meet Paul, a unique monthly donor to Catholic Education Arizona’s Changing Lives with Legacy division. 

Paul no longer has an Arizona Tax Liability to redirect. However, he continues to create scholarships for students by donating from his IRA through Changing Lives with Legacy, our non-taxable credit division. For Paul and his wife, Catholic education is critically important to the community. Students need a quality education that is rooted in faith and values. Catholic schools are truly building the future of the Church.

Paul is grateful for his Catholic elementary and high school education in Maine. His Catholic education prepared him for his education at the University of Maine, and it established the discipline he needed for his career in the military and as a laboratory scientist.

Paul’s military career during the Vietnam era took him to Thule Air Force Base in Greenland. He laughs that, “not even the Catholic schools prepared him for months of no sun and deep sub-zero temperatures! But looking back, it was one of the most interesting experiences in my life.”

He was then assigned to a base in England, where he met his wife. Paul lived in several bases in the US, including Luke in Phoenix. Paul and his wife raised a family and retired from service in Phoenix. Paul had a long career in lab science until retirement ten years ago.

Changing Lives with Legacy offers a variety of traditional donation and planned giving vehicles. Donors can support access to Catholic education well beyond the limits of tax credits. For Paul, the choice is clear—he decided to use his IRA to fund scholarships for underserved children.

By making Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) directly from his IRA, Paul can fulfill his Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) while also supporting a cause he deeply cares about.

What is an IRA Charitable Rollover or QCD?

An IRA Charitable Rollover, also known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), is a powerful tool for individuals aged 70½ or older who want to support charitable causes, like Catholic Education Arizona, while meeting their Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). It allows individuals to transfer up to $105,000 per year directly from their Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to a qualified charity, such as Catholic Education Arizona. The benefit of this strategy is that the transferred amount is excluded from the individual’s taxable income, which can lower their overall tax liability for the year.

Benefits of an IRA Charitable Rollover or QCD

•     Avoid taxes on transfers of up to $105,000 from your IRA to create scholarships
•     May satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year
•     Reduce your taxable income, even if you do not itemize 
•     Make a gift that is not subject to the deduction limits on charitable gifts
•     Ensure that students have access to a Catholic education regardless of their families’ financial means

For donors like Paul, the IRA Charitable Rollover is an ideal way to support scholarships. Paul’s strategic approach to charitable giving exemplifies the flexibility and impact of Changing Lives with Legacy. Through his donations, Paul directly helps underserved families in Arizona to choose the best education for their children’s needs.

Joan has helped underserved families afford Catholic education through her Arizona Tax Credit for years. Joan has taken the next step in her philanthropic journey by donating to the Changing Lives with Legacy division. Joan’s contributions to Catholic Education Arizona are deeply rooted in her educational experiences and commitment to lifelong learning.

A Love for Learning

When Joan was a student, she traveled an hour and a half to Catholic school each day to receive a quality education. Joan believes her Catholic education was a blessing. As a way of paying it forward, she chooses to help others have the opportunity to attend Catholic school by redirecting her Arizona Individual Tax Liability to Catholic Education Arizona. Joan helps underserved families afford Catholic education for their children every year through her Arizona Tax Credit Contributions. 

Joan’s educational journey did not stop at her graduation. She raised a family of four children while attending the University of Bridgeport Law School, juggling full-time work during the day and law classes at night. Joan’s tenacity paid off when, at the age of 55, she proudly graduated with a law degree. This milestone was a personal triumph and a testament to her unwavering resolve and perseverance.

Going Beyond Her Tax Credit

Joan’s recent contribution to the Changing Lives with Legacy division is a significant step in her philanthropic journey. This initiative, which aims to create lasting impacts by ensuring that the benefits of Catholic education reach all families who desire it, is a cause she believes in deeply. Her non-tax credit donation is a powerful testament to her belief in the enduring value of education and the importance of giving back to the community. This belief can inspire us all to consider the impact of our potential contributions. 

For Joan, this is more than just a donation; it’s a way to honor the support she received as a young student and extend similar opportunities to the next generation.

Joan’s journey from a determined law student to a passionate advocate for Catholic education demonstrates the profound impact that one individual can have on countless lives. Through her generosity, Joan continues to change lives through her Arizona Tax Credit and Changing Lives with Legacy Donation. 

Karen has known the value of a Catholic education since she was a child. For the past 20 years, Karen has helped other families provide affordable Catholic education for their children through her Arizona tax liability and, now, a charitable donation to Changing Lives with Legacy. 

A Faith-Filled Childhood

Karen’s parents understood the value of a faith-filled education. Just when Christ the King Catholic School opened in the 1960s, Karen’s family moved across the street because her father wanted his children to be able to walk to school and attend daily mass with their mother. In many ways, Karen’s parents instilled in her the value of the Catholic community.

Karen’s Dedication to Giving Back

Since 2003, Karen has redirected her Arizona Individual Tax Credit Dollars to Catholic Education Arizona, helping families afford Catholic education. Going beyond her tax credit and becoming a donor to Catholic Education Arizona’s Changing Lives with Legacy division, Karen helps fund additional scholarship needs.

Karen’s Mission in Faith Formation

Karen has spent her life working within the faith. For 20 years, Karen worked in the parish office at St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, focusing on Adult Faith Formation. Karen also worked in the Children’s Religious Education Program. Karen has helped run a program that focuses on assisting young adults in learning the faith and developing the skills to engage in evangelization.

Karen’s story is a testament to the profound impact that one individual’s dedication and faith can have on a community. Her lifelong commitment to Catholic education and faith formation continues to inspire and support families, ensuring that the values of Catholic education are passed on to future generations.