St. Bede Academy sets record on Peru campus’s largest-ever day of giving

St. Bede Academy surpassed its goal on Giving Tuesday, observed on Dec. 1.

During the daylong event, more than 320 alumni, parents, friends, faculty and staff connected with the Peru school contributed to the St. Bede Fund, raising over $165,000. The day of giving broke records for the school both in participation numbers and dollars, according to a news release from the school, making Giving Tuesday 2020 St. Bede’s largest day of giving ever.

“The faculty and staff have been working diligently each day to keep the safety and the best academic interest of our 275-day and boarding students at heart,” said Abbot Philip, O.S.B. ’65, in a news release. “We are truly blessed and moved with the impact of our St. Bede family’s kindness on Giving Tuesday, especially this year. I continue to pray for the health and safety of the world as we start 2021 and look forward to our students remaining on campus.”

St. Bede students are close to finishing the first semester in-person and on campus.

“In an extraordinary year filled with new challenges, I am humbled by the overwhelming support and confidence provided by our St. Bede community on Giving Tuesday,” Superintendent Eve Postula said in a news release. “Our determination to deliver in-person instruction this semester, providing our students the spiritual, emotional and academic support they deserve during this confusing time, is driven by the unwavering support and commitment of our alumni, parents and friends.“

Matches were received totaling $71,500 from the following generous donors: $15,000 from Mr. & Mrs. Gene Bernardoni ’57, $10,000 from Daubert Chemical Co., $10,000 from Mr. & Mrs. Michael Dwyer ’72, $10,000 from Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Mueller ’71, $5,000 from an anonymous donor, $5,000 from Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Perino ’80, $5,000 from David Porter ’61, $5,000 from Mr. & Mrs. Michael Rossiter ’61, $5,000 from Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Stevens ’69, and $1,500 from La Salle State Bank.

Julia Yaklich, the director of mission advancement and major at the campus, thanked the community for its contributions.

"We are overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity that is truly heartfelt from our St. Bede Family,” Yaklich said in a news release. “The outpouring of support continues on this special day year after year, and we are grateful to all who made Giving Tuesday a tremendous success."

Gifts generated on Giving Tuesday support the St. Bede Fund, which provides a steady stream of income to the school and helps with the day-to-day costs of operation and meeting its annual budget. Gifts to The St. Bede Fund reduce the actual tuition cost by 61%.