Capital Campaign
Spreading Roots, Growing Saints
The future of St. Louis Catholic High School
Standing on the shoulders of giants, since 1970, St. Louis Catholic Saints have accomplished tremendous feats. Over 8,000 alumni have left their mark on the area, region, and nation. However, we are now at a pivotal point in our history. Following the devastation of Hurricane Laura in 2020, the decision to move the campus was made to ensure the school’s growth and commitment to St. Louis Catholic’s mission. The Spreading Roots, Growing Saints Capital Campaign supports this vision for the future of St. Louis Catholic: a transformative, state-of-the-art campus that will continue to
Honor and Praise God in All Ways.
- INITIAL PHASE
Funded by $32.2M FEMA Award - FUTURE PHASEs
St. Thomas Aquinas Goal - FUTURE PHASE ATHLETIC FACILITIES
St. Peter Claver Goal - FUTURE CHAPEL
St. Louis King of France Goal
Respecting Our Roots
The relocation of the campus was a strategic choice aimed at cementing the enduring prosperity of St. Louis Catholic.
This move guarantees a cohesive high school journey, all within the confines of a unified campus. Simultaneously, the administration remains dedicated to upholding the time-honored customs that have firmly established us as a cornerstone within the community of Lake Charles.
Measuring the Impact
The value of the new campus of St. Louis Catholic is not measured primarily by its cost or additional square footage, but instead how the campus will improve the lives of the students, families, and community for future generations.
St. Louis, King of France Chapel
A freestanding 800-seat chapel will create a central gathering place for communal worship, theology lessons, and religious events to foster a sense of unity and belonging among students, staff, and families. The main academic building also will have a day chapel.
Main Academic Building
Making the most from the temporary campus, students and teachers showed tenacity and creativity in the modular classrooms. After extensive planning and design coordination with the faculty and staff, the main academic building will feature spacious classrooms that are specifically designed in all respects to facilitate teaching and learning in a college preparatory manner.
Science Building
Building off of the school’s STEM pathway, this dedicated center for advanced learning will provide students with the necessary resources to explore careers in medicine, engineering, and chemistry. Purpose-built classrooms and laboratories will encourage students to engage with curiosity and creativity in a safe setting specifically tailored to the science field.
Art Building
A dedicated art building will offer numerous advantages that contribute to a well-rounded and enriched educational experience. This building will include gallery spaces where students can showcase their work to peers, teachers, and the community, which promotes a sense of accomplishment and encourages students to take pride in their artistic achievements.
Athletic Facilities
Athletics are a hallmark of St. Louis Catholic student development. Upgraded facilities will accommodate a wider range of sports and activities, catering to diverse student interests and abilities. This inclusivity encourages more students to participate and engage in physical activities. Furthermore, having all athletic facilities on campus provides for a greater sense of pride among athletes.
Campaign Goals
Initial Phase
St. Louis Catholic is thrilled to be the recipient of $32.2 milion in FEMA allocation following the destruction of Hurricane Laura. This award encompasses the construction of a state-of-the-art academic building, an athletic field house, two practice fields, a central plant, and essential school infrastructure.
St. Thomas Aquinas Goal: $25 million
The St. Louis Catholic High School master plan of the new campus requires private funding. This goal will provide our students with expanded space, improved resources, and state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, the funds raised within this goal will go towards the school’s local match obligation
St. Peter Claver Goal: $17 million
Athletics and activities are an essential part of the student experience at St. Louis Catholic High School. This initiative aims to provide our students with state-of-the-art athletic spaces that will not only give them a competitive edge but also foster personal growth, teamwork, and school pride. These improvements will help our athletes reach their full potential while building a stronger sense of community.
St. Louis, King of France Goal: $6 million
This project aims to provide a space for worship and community gatherings, reflecting our commitment to faith and unity. Through this endeavor, we hope to inspire generations and foster a deeper connection among all members of our community.
Why Invest
Luke 12:48 “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required.” St. Louis Catholic is far more than a school, it is a community linked by the tradition that Honors and Praises God…In All Ways. Ensuring that future students have facilities which enhance the school’s mission, through rigorous academics, competitive athletic programs, thriving art opportunities, all immersed in spiritual formation, is our responsibility.
There are many options to help meet your needs while supporting St. Louis Catholic in a meaningful way. Selecting the best gift plan depends on your personal financial situation and goals. You may want to consider stretching pledges over a three-year period to maximize the total amount of support. This commitment can be fulfilled through monthly, quarterly, semiannual, or annual installments.
Pledges
Pledges are commitments made in good faith. Because tax laws change and each situation is unique, donors are encouraged to consult with their financial advisor to determine which method of contributing is most beneficial.
Cash or Check
Gifts made by cash or check are the most common and will allow St. Louis Catholic to address its immediate needs. Checks should be made payable to St. Louis Catholic High School.
Gifts of Securities
Gifts of stocks, bonds, or mutual funds are encouraged when supporters have the desire to make a charitable gift and avoid capital gains tax. Please reach out to Rob Acord in the Advancement Department for delivery details to share with your brokerage provider to complete your gift to the Spreading Roots, Growing Saints Capital Campaign.
Direct Qualified Charitable Distribution from a Retirement Account
Benefactors can make charitable gifts using funds from tax-deferred individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Donors may use this strategy to satisfy part, or all, of their required minimum distribution and lower overall tax liability to benefit St. Louis Catholic.
Real Estate
Gifts of property entitle a donor to an income tax deduction equal to the full market value with no tax on capital gains. Please contact the Advancement Office to discuss opportunities.
Planned Gifts
Planned gifts provide opportunities to make a meaningful commitment to the campaign now as part of your financial and estate planning. Such gifts can allow donors to accomplish charitable giving goals and take advantage of tax laws. Opportunities may include:
- Bequests from a will or a living trust
- Real estate
- Designating St. Louis Catholic as a beneficiary (for example, brokerage transfer on death agreement, retirement account beneficiaries, or life insurance beneficiaries)
- Various trust options (for example, a charitable lead trust).
Corporate Matching Gifts
A matching gift program provided through an employer or board membership may allow a donor to increase the size of their donation. Many companies match charitable gifts of employees, retirees, or board members. St. Louis Catholic High School is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.
This information is not intended as legal advice. You are advised to consult your own qualified professional advisor for specific recommendations.
Pledge Discernment
“O my God, teach me to be generous to serve you as you deserve to be served to give without counting the cost to fight without fear of being wounded to work without seeking rest and to spend myself without expecting any reward but the knowledge that I am doing your holy will.”
St. Ignatius of Loyola
Annual Household Gross Income (HHI)
| $75,000 | $100,000 | $150,000 | $200,000 | $250,000 | $325,000 | $400,000 | $500,000 | $750,000 | $1,000,000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active Gift | $2,250 | $3,000 | $5,250 | $10,000 | $15,000 | $32,500 | $40,000 | $50,000 | $90,000 | $120,000 |
| Sacrificial Gift | $2,625 | $3,500 | $6,000 | $12,000 | $17,500 | $39,000 | $48,000 | $60,000 | $112,500 | $150,000 |
| Leadership Gift | $3,000 | $4,000 | $6,750 | $14,000 | $20,000 | $48,750 | $60,000 | $75,000 | $127,500 | $170,000 |
About the Chart
The top row of the chart is a listing of household incomes (HHI). It is probable that no one of these matches yours exactly. Choose the one closest to yours. To the farthest left column, you will see we have established three giving categories: Active, Sacrificial, and Leadership. Our hope is that you prayerfully discern at what level you are called to participate. These categories will not be published or promoted in any way – they are simply a means for you to measure what gift level might be appropriate for your family. The numbers within the chart reflect the annual amount toward a three year pledge.
For example, if a family with $100,000 HHI feels called to give at the leadership level; their annual pledge would be $4,000 per year ($12,000 over three years) for the campaign.
The pledge could be paid in monthly, quarterly, or annual installments/payments over the three years. The purpose of this chart is to give your family a guide by which to consider, based on national averages, what others in similar HHI ranges tend to give based on the factors of commitment to the project and willingness to sacrifice and/or be a leader for others in achieving the goal of the campaign. Please know we are grateful for whatever commitment you choose to make for the betterment of St. Louis Catholic School!
3 Year Pledge Payment Schedule
Payment Plans
| Total Gift | Initial 10% Investment | Monthly | Quarterly | Semi-Annual | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000,000 | $300,000 | $75,000 | $225,000 | $450,000 | $900,000 |
| $2,000,000 | $200,000 | $50,000 | $150,000 | $300,000 | $600,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $100,000 | $25,000 | $75,000 | $150,000 | $300,000 |
| $750,000 | $75,000 | $18,750 | $56,250 | $112,500 | $225,000 |
| $600,000 | $60,000 | $15,000 | $45,000 | $90,000 | $180,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 | $12,500 | $37,500 | $75,000 | $150,000 |
| $300,000 | $30,000 | $7,500 | $22,500 | $45,000 | $90,000 |
| $250,000 | $25,000 | $6,250 | $18,750 | $37,500 | $75,000 |
| 150,000 | $15,000 | $3,750 | $11,250 | $22,500 | $45,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 | $2,500 | $7,500 | $15,000 | $30,000 |
Give a gift that is meaningful to you!
Campaign Leadership
St. Louis Catholic High School Leadership
- Kelly Demolle, Principal
- Fr. Ruben Buller, Rector
- Rob Acord, Director of Advancement
- Kimberlee Gazzolo, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Lake Charles
- The Most Reverend Glen John Provost, M.A., D.D., Bishop of Lake Charles
General Chair
- Mike Veron
- Fr. Whitney Miller
Owner Parishes
- St. Raphael
- St. Theodore
- Our Lady Queen of Heaven
- Our Lady of Prompt Succor
- St. Martin De Porres
- Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Immaculate Heart of Mary
- Immaculate Conception
- St. John Bosco
- St. Margaret of Scotland
- St. Henry
- Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
- Christ the King
- Our Lady of LaSalette
- St. Theresa of the Child Jesus
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the countless individuals who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the transition to our new campus a reality. Your dedication and hard work have been instrumental in this journey, and we truly appreciate your commitment to St. Louis Catholic High School. Thank you for helping us embark on this exciting new chapter.
Honor and Praise God in All Ways.
Construction Leadership
FAQs
Where can I get information on the bidding process?
The construction bid for the new campus on Corbina Road and the demolition bid for the Bank Street property released simultaneously on Thursday, October 10 on the Central Bidding website: https://centralbidding.com/. All inquiries regarding the bidding process should be directed to Champeaux, Evans & Hotard at 337-439-8871.
Who pays for the demolition of the structures on the Bank Street property that have been declared a total loss or non-repairable by FEMA?
As per FEMA grant regulations, the entity who owns the property at the time of the declared disaster is eligible to demolish all buildings that FEMA has determined to be “total loss/not eligible for repair” and are obligated for replacement. In contrast, the new owner would not be eligible to be reimbursed for demolition.
What happens with the Bank Street property?
St. Nicholas Center for Children is buying the Bank Street property in a three-phased approach. To learn more about the phases and their progress, visit their website at www.stnickcenter.org/catchthespirit/. The Board of Pastors expressed that the sale of the Bank Street property to the St. Nicholas Center for Children fulfills Bishop Provost’s desire that the property be used for a good and honorable purpose that upholds the values of Catholic Education, while at the same time ensuring that Saint Louis moves to its new campus on Corbina Road.
How will St. Louis Catholic be improved after this campaign?
- The capacity to host all athletic activities on a single campus, a first in the school’s long and illustrious history, as so many schools in the region.
- Serving the entire Diocese of Lake Charles, the completion of the new campus will allow us to increase enrollment, resulting in a greater impact on the area.
- We will be able to provide greater financial aid to serve more Southwest Louisiana families.
- To ensure that this campus remains viable for generations yet to come, the maintenance and sustainability of the structures are vital. Funds will be earmarked for facility insurance and maintenance.
