ANNUAL GIVING
Why Should I Support Annual Giving? There are several good reasons to support Annual Giving at OLP. The first reason is that it is one of the greatest ways you can continue your relationship with your alma mater. OLP has grown and prospered in its 122 year history due to strong support from its alumnae.
Annual Giving supports Alumnae activities and programs about which you care. The Alumnae Office maintains a current database of OLP alums. It publishes the Alumnae newsletters that update you on the activities of your former classmates. The Alumnae Director helps class members plan reunions. And the Alumnae Office provides opportunities for you to return to campus such as Career Day, the Easter Egg Hunt, and the Candlelight Procession to name a few. There is no fee to belong to the Alumnae Association. However, we do count on your support.
The second reason is that stewardship is a biblical imperative. The Bible clearly makes the point that decisions about money and possessions are in essence spiritual decisions. Indeed, Jesus talked about money and possessions more than any other topic aside from the kingdom of God. Remember the parable of the Widow's Mite...Rendering unto Caesar's what is Caesar's...the Rich Young Man... and the parable of the talents??? In all of these cases Jesus is giving us guidance about what it means to be a steward.
Perhaps the most powerful statement from Jesus about the relationship between you and your possessions comes in Matthew's version of the Sermon on the Mount: "Remember, where your treasure is, there your heart is also." (Matthew 6, 21) OLP lives in your heart---Can you share your treasure this year?
Did You Know?
Did you know that OLP receives no money from the Diocese of San Diego to support its programs?
Did you know that OLP receives no federal, state or city subsidies?
Did you know that there is a gap of about $500 a year between the amount that is charged for tuition and the actual cost of educating a student at OLP?
We depend on the generosity of our Alumnae and friends to make up that difference each year. Your gift will help defray the costs of providing quality, Catholic education to as many girls as possible.
Why Don't You Just Raise the Price of Tuition?
Tuition is already over $7000 per year. That's expensive, but it much less expensive than the costs at other private institutions such as Francis Parker and the Bishop's School. However, we know that cost is a very real deterrent to many families, so we strive to keep tuition payments as low as possible.
Parents who can afford a little extra can give to OLP and receive a tax deduction for their contribution. And you have the same tax-deductible opportunity to support worthy students as they complete their education at one of the finest high schools in San Diego.
What Does OLP Do With the Money?
In addition to bridging the gap between tuition and the actual costs of educating students at OLP, the Annual Fund provides money for:
"But I Don't Have Any Money Because..."
There are numerous reasons why you might not be able to give to OLP this year. But there are also many excuses. We do not ask that you give to OLP before you take care of your financial obligations, only that you consider us in the big picture of worthy causes that you support.
We're Not Asking For Much
The majority of contributions that we receive are between $25 and $100. But if you can only send $5 or $10 that's O.K. too. What's important is the percentage of alums who participate each year. It only takes a little from a lot of people to accomplish great things at the Academy. So maybe you can skip that Starbucks coffee break for a week or give up a new CD and make an investment in the girls at OLP.
How Can I Give Right Now?
You can support your alma mater by printing out the OLP Alumnae Annual Giving form. Complete the form and mail it to OLP with your tax deductible gift. We promise to use your gift wisely to continue to educate women leaders for the future.
