SEATTLE – As the pandemic began to unfold last March, the archdiocese’s Catholic schools faced financial challenges as they continued in-person education and began online learning.

They got much-needed assistance from the Fulcrum Foundation, which created a $1 million COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund from reserves and then raised an additional $3.5 million for the 2020–21 school year. As of November, Fulcrum had distributed more than $2.6 million in grants to 46 schools around the archdiocese.

“I have tears in my eyes,” a member of Holy Family School in Auburn wrote to Fulcrum. “I prayed the Rosary and asked Mary to please give me a sign that there is a light. In this terrible time called COVID, we have been blessed with this donation.”

Supporters of Catholic education who make such grants possible are invited to gather online at 7 p.m. January 29 for the annual Fulcrum Foundation Celebration of Light event, the organization’s primary fundraiser, which is usually a glitzy gala (except when it was canceled by a blizzard in 2019).

“While this year will look different, I know one thing will remain the same: the incredible heart and drive that Fulcrum supporters bring when they work together to make a difference in the Archdiocese of Seattle,” Vivian Shannon, Fulcrum’s executive director, said in a news release.

This year, the event is free. Patrons can mix and mingle with friends in a virtual ballroom as part of the “gather” option, or sign up to “watch” the 30-minute program, which will include appearances by Archbishop Paul D. Etienne and former NBA player Martel Webster, a graduate of Seattle Prep who extended an invitation to the event.

Registration is open to everyone through 5 p.m. January 27, and those who wish to show support can push the “donate” button or support a team/individual as part of a peer-to-peer platform and share the link with friends.

The Celebration of Light raises money to continue Fulcrum’s mission to support 72 Catholic schools from Bellingham and Vancouver, with funding in three primary program areas — tuition assistance, school partnerships and leadership programs.

Tom and Jan O’Callahan are this year’s recipients of the Archbishop’s Award from the Fulcrum Foundation for their work with the IT Network Modernization Fund, a project that upgraded internet access and capacity in 59 archdiocesan schools. Photo: Courtesy Fulcrum Foundation

Timely technology

A highlight of the event will be honoring Tom and Jan O’Callahan with the Archbishop’s Award for their work with Fulcrum’s IT Network Modernization Fund.

Conne McGlynn Bruce, Fulcrum’s advancement director, described the project as “herculean” — upgrading internet access and increasing capacity at 59 archdiocesan schools. The foresight of the O’Callahans became the foundation for continuing classes as schools transitioned to remote learning during the pandemic.

“It’s an unbelievable story,” McGlynn Bruce said. “When the governor closed schools in March, we were able to immediately pivot to online classes.”

Many schools have expressed their gratitude for Fulcrum’s assistance during the pandemic on the Fulcrum Facebook page:

  • St. Joseph School in Issaquah purchased masks, hand sanitizer, gloves and more for students, staff,and teachers to comply with state guidelines.
  • Our Lady of Lourdes School in Vancouver purchased and implemented technology to livestream education for students.
  • St. Louise School in Bellevue provided tuition assistance to families whose income was affected by the pandemic and offered before- and after-school care for essential workers.
  • St. Joseph School in Vancouver bought cameras, iPads, thermometers and more to safely teach remotely and on-site.