Reading Buddies
Fueled by a $1 Million donation to St. Francis de Sales School (SFS), students and school leaders, in partnership with the Toledo Lucas County Public Library (TLCPL), are expanding an existing reading program, Reading Buddies, to address literacy issues in our community. Tom Lauer, an SFS 1967 alumnus and philanthropist residing in Boston, and his wife, Helene, made the single largest gift to the school in its 67-year history.
Their gift will further incorporate service and leadership to the Toledo community as a meaningful part of their educational experience at St. Francis. Tom Lauer stated, “We are pleased that our investment allows the school to scale the impact of the Reading Buddies program by partnering with other organizations and addressing the problem of literacy among young children where our students can do the most good. And, we hope this experience encourages a commitment to service among St. Francis students where they can learn communication skills, patience, and empathy.”
Tom and Helene have been long-time supporters of the SFS mission. While they have helped with numerous capital projects over the years, their primary philanthropic interest has been to recognize young men who are exemplary leaders in their commitment to community service. What was especially appealing to Tom and Helene in this partnership is that SFS students would know how their service makes a difference.
“This gift…creates new opportunities for participants, and provides human and financial resources to address one of the toughest issues plaguing education today,” said Fr. Geoff Rose, OSFS, President. “It is transformational philanthropy.”
For the full press release from St. Francis de Sales School click HERE.
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