Dallas-based Catholic Foundation hosts first-ever Legacy Circle Dinner to honor donors

The donors were addressed by the newly-ordained Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel.

DALLAS — Just days after his ordination, Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel addressed honored members of the newly established Catholic Foundation Legacy Circle with words of encouragement and gratitude during the first Legacy Circle Dinner held at the Fairmont Dallas.

The Catholic Foundation Legacy Circle was created in late 2009 to honor the individuals and families that have made long-term commitments to the foundation. These commitments include planned gifts such as bequests and charitable trusts; establishment of a permanent fund or one that ultimately benefits the foundation’s Unrestricted Endowment Fund; or other planned charitable gifts that utilize the foundation’s resources. Approximately 200 donors accepted the invitation to join The Catholic Foundation Legacy Circle.

“The Catholic Foundation has been serving the needs of our community for the past 54 years, but none of that would be possible without committed donors that have a vision,” said Edwin M. Schaffler, president and CEO of The Catholic Foundation. “The Legacy Circle provides us the opportunity to thank those individuals and families for giving of themselves in life and to honor their memory for their gifts that live on after their passing. Legacy Circle members have identified and addressed the real needs of today and tomorrow within our Diocese, and we owe them our deepest gratitude.”

A community foundation, The Catholic Foundation is the home to over 300 donor advised funds and charitable trusts and manages more than $115 million in assets. In 2009, the foundation awarded more than $3.9 million in grants to deserving charitable programs, schools, churches, agencies, and institutions.

Donors may establish charitable funds through the Foundation that support all legally-defined charities whose work is consistent with Catholic values.

Chartered in 1955 by a group of dedicated Catholic laymen, The Catholic Foundation has provided approximately $24 million to local organizations through hundreds of grants over the past 54 years.

Source: The Catholic Foundation