Walsh 500: Update

As Tim said, the goal of the Walsh 500 is to obtain the commitment of at least 500 individuals to donate $1,000 to the school each year for the next five years. As of April 29, we have received donations and pledges from alumni and friends of close to $350,000 for over the next five years. However, that is from the people who have made full 5-year commitments. I would like to clarify here that individuals can make "one-time" donations of any amount towards this goal. And many have.

In addition to the 5-year commitment total, we have raised an additional $25,000 from one-time gifts. All in all, we have received donations or pledges from 152 people and organizations since this fundraising campaign began on March 8. Also this year, we have made another $41,000 through the Walsh Fund for Excellence (annual fund), $31,000 in major gifts and $28,000 in donations to our scholarship fund.

While we've certainly had a great year in the advancement office, those monies raised -- in addition to tuition money and the dwindling dollar figure we get from the Diocese -- still fall short of our annual budget, which is now approaching $825,000. We're not getting the tuition money we once were, so this money will have to be made up through fundraising efforts. This is why we are asking our loyal graduates and closest friends to consider making a donation to the Walsh 500. Please don't feel that if you can't commit $1,000 a year for five years, then you can't join the Walsh 500 -- because even the $10 and $25 donations put us closer to our goal.

After seven weeks, we are still getting a positive response from our alumni and the Olean community. The envelopes have not stopped coming. Please consider joining your fellow grads and making a contribution.

- J.P. '03