Money will be distributed toward school operations and improvements
Even goals that take almost three decades to accomplish are possible.
Twenty-six years ago, St. Thomas Aquinas School established an endowment fund with the targeted goal of raising $1 million to help with operations and improvements of the school. Last month, that goal was finally reached.
Time wasn’t the only contributing factor that made the $1 million victory possible. Hard work and dedication were put in by countless volunteers and contributors over the years, according to those involved.
The endowment fund was established by Donald Ham in 1984. Ham wanted to help ensure the long-term stability and vitality of the school.
“He saw the importance of the school and knew that with this endowment, money will always be there,” said Ham’s daughter, Tina Ham Peterson, president of the St. Thomas Aquinas School Endowment Fund Board. “I believe that St. Thomas School is very important to the kids, parents, parish and the entire International Falls community.”
When the idea for a fund formed, an endowment board was created to help mold the structure of the fund. The board consisted of the St. Thomas Aquinas Church priest and parishioners, and the principal, faculty and staff of the school, parents of students and school alumni.
The endowment fund’s goal was set high — $1 million. According to Jack Buettner, the board’s former financial advisor, the amount had to be substantial in order to perpetuate.
When Donald Ham died in 1991, his wife, Carole took over as president of the board until she died in 2006. The reins were then handed to Tina, who had been serving on the board since 2001 and was an alumni of the school.
Tina’s brother, Robert, is also a board member.
“Although we don’t live in International Falls anymore, we still like to be part of the school,” she said.
For the last 26 years, donations to the fund have come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. Ham Peterson said that many people who were — and also some who weren’t — connected to the school or church in some way made contributions out of pocket.
Fundraisers and various events were also held to bring in money for the school. Ham Peterson noted that the collections from St. Thomas Aquinas Church were not added to the endowment.
Joe Gust, endowment fund board trustee, fondly recalls some of the activities that brought money to the fund.
“One of the biggest events we held was the 300 Club,” said Gust. “The board sent out many letters (seeking contributions) over the years. So much work has been done. It is wonderful that we finally got to $1 million.”
The school’s website announced that the goal had been reached by posting: “This is a huge step for our school, parish and community. We want to thank all of our contributors and supporters who scrimped, saved and volunteered. This gift will provide stability and support to Catholic education in International Falls for many years to come.”
With achievement of the goal, there’s more work to be done by the endowment fund board. Members will discuss with school officials the best way to distribute the money, which Ham Peterson said will be a big part of the school’s budget.
