by Dennis Dalman
Time is of the essence, with only six days left to raise enough money that would clinch a $25,000 matching grant for St. Francis Xavier Elementary School in Sartell.
Donations (a total of $25,000 or more) must be received by the end of March or the school will not be eligible for the matching grant. Another stipulation is that the donations must come from new donors, not those people or organizations that have donated to the school previously. Previous donors, however, can help if they donate an amount above and beyond what they have contributed previously.
To donate, go to the school’s website: stfrancissartellschool. There, a donation box will pop up that states “$25,000 Challenge Grant.” Checks may also be dropped off in person at the school at 308 Second St. N. in Sartell. Or checks can be mailed. Make out a check to “SFX School” and on the memo line write “Schulze Challenge Grant.” Send it to SFX; 308 Second St. N.; P.O. Box 150; Sartell, MN 56377.
St. Francis Xavier school’s principal Heidi Schloe explained how the matching-grant challenge came to be.
Richard M. Shulze of Minneapolis, the founder of the Best Buy chain of stores, is a devout Catholic who wants to promote Catholic schools and so he set up a foundation to do just that. He hopes to widen awareness, increase enrollment and pique the interest of people who may not be aware of all the good things Catholic schools accomplish. To that end, he began the $25,000 challenge at those schools.
Schulze worked closely with Catholic schools in the Twin Cities area before expanding the grant program to other schools in outstate Minnesota.
Schloe said if the school succeeds in getting the necessary funds plus the matching grant, the money will be used to hire a math specialist and a teacher who specializes in helping gifted and talented students who excel in certain subjects, such as art.
For more information, call the school at 320-252-9940.
