Denver Catholic

8 I BACK TO SCHOOL AUGUST 28, 2013 I DENVER CATHOLIC REGISTER Personal touch for donors gives students brighter future BY NISSA LAPOINT More than just retreats… Reunions • Weddings • Vow Renewal Corporate & Staff Training • Youth Groups Sacramental Preparation Come for a day or week Book your next event with us 719-258-1600 for Tour or Reservations www.eltesororetreat.org BLUE MASS 4:30 P.M. • Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013 Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception 1530 Logan St., Denver Celebrant: Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila, S.T.L. Archbishop of Denver Please attend in uniform First Responders, RSVP to John Miller at 303-715-3156 or john.miller@archden.org When young Tessa Bailon came home talking about her role model Blessed Mother Teresa and her dreams of becoming a detective, her mother knew the source of her inspiration: a Catholic education. Maria Armendariz and her husband were determined to send Tessa, 12, and their two other children to Catholic school. But chances were slim for the family of five living on a $30,000 annual income. It became possible through Seeds of Hope Charitable Trust. It's already paid off. "It's a big difference," Armendariz said. "They are already thinking about college. I think it's a big difference at Catholic schools because in public school they don't talk to them about the future. In Catholic schools, they teach about God." Through the nonprofit Seeds of Hope nearly 14,000 low-income, inner-city students have received more than $23 million in tuition assistance since 1996. Of its five tuition assistance programs, its adopt-a-student program benefits students like eighth-grader Tessa, who attends St. Rose of Lima School. Their tuition is paid for directly by donors. Many donors say gratitude for their own Catholic education or the schools' strong academics and Christian atmosphere are motivating reasons to give. Donors Dan and Annette Davis of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver have given since 2009. When Annette heard of one student's obstacles at a Seeds of Hope luncheon, she decided SEEDS OF HOPE CHARITABLE TRUST The nonprofit organization of the Denver Archdiocese has five tuition assistance programs to support economically disadvantaged students at Catholic grade schools. To learn more about Seeds of Hope and its program, visit www.seedsofhopetrust.org. Call 303-715-3127 or email aubrey.shaffer@archden.org boy's father, the Davises said they decided to sponsor the education of his siblings. They will soon pay for four children's Catholic education and hope to continue through high school. They see in their adopted students future leaders and saints. "There's no guarantee of outcomes, but I feel like they have more hope," Annette said. "We feel so blessed to have this chance to be able to give something to future generations." Lois Anne Nadorff of Risen Christ Parish is a new donor to the program. She's sponsored the education of a student at Assumption School in Denver. "It's so neat to have one child who you can follow," she said. "You can see the impact on that one children's life." She wanted to share the gifts of her Catholic education, which included Regis College in Denver. "Words can't describe it," Nadorff said about adopting a student. "Sometimes I want to cry because I think this kid has a shot at being a good student and part of the future of our Church. It's such a little thing I can do. God's blessed me." This school year, Tessa said she is looking forward to confirmation and learning about the New Testament. She doesn't have the latest fashions or the newest iPad. But she said she likes her school where she learns about God and it feels like "one big family." "I'm grateful for the donors helping me out and for their support," she said. to adopt a student throughout their grade school career. "I saw these inner-city children, and I was amazed at how they overcame these enormous obstacles," she said. "I was so impressed with what I saw. It was right then and there I decided to adopt a student." As they got to know their adopted first-grade student through progress reports and letters, they became attached. The young boy was like a "stunt kite" with a speech problem and bout of stubbornness. They watched him grow into a tall, disciplined yet spirited fourth-grader at Blessed Sacrament School in Denver. "He's a different boy than the one that started with us in August," wrote one of his teachers to the Davises. "He has a motivation to succeed and Blessed Sacrament challenges him yet provides a sense of comfort." The letters are keepsakes for Annette and Dan who have no children of their own. "I saved these letters because I'm so touched by them," she Nissa LaPoint: 303-715-3138; said. nissa.lapoint@archden.org; www. After the tragic death of the twitter.com/DCRegisterNissa New Seeds of Hope director takes reins BY NISSA LAPOINT On July 15, the Denver Archdiocese announced it has a new executive director of Seeds of Hope Charitable Trust. Natalie Mesko is formerly an executive at CCS Fund Raising with offices in New York and Europe. Seeds of Hope helps provide a Catholic education to economically disadvantaged children through tuition assistance, scholarships, vouchers and operating support. "I am thrilled to take the helm of Seeds of Hope," Mesko told the Denver Catholic RegPHOTO BY NISSA LAPOINT/DENVER CATHOLIC REGISTER ister. "There have been some amazing leaders in this role be- NATALIE MESKO, executive fore me who have made Seeds director of Seeds of Hope of Hope what it is today. Now, I Charitable Trust look forward to taking Seeds of Hope to the next level through significantly raising awareness and support among Catholics and non-Catholics throughout northern Colorado." The previous executive director, Maribeth Hanzlik, served in the position for about a year and a half before she decided to step down. Mesko, a native of New Orleans, worked at CCS since 2002. She oversaw fundraising campaigns with National Jewish Health, the Denver Zoo, Stanley British Primary School, Colorado Symphony Orchestra and Kent Denver School. Previously, she was the business See Mesko, Page 15

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