Bob to be Honored by St. Joseph School in Petersburg Tonight

McDonnell to be Honored by St. Joseph School in Petersburg Tonight

-Will Speak at School’s Annual Gala-

Petersburg- Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial candidate and former Attorney General of Virginia, will travel to Petersburg tonight to speak at the St. Joseph School Annual Gala. He will be honored by school officials for his involvement in last year’s successful effort to raise nearly $1 million in just three weeks to keep the 133 year old Catholic school open.

              Speaking about tonight’s event Sister Margaret Mary Scally, Principal of St. Joseph School, noted, “We are more than pleased to honor Bob McDonnell at our 8th Annual Gala.  His support and above all his friendship catapulted the prospect of closing St. Joseph School out of the realm of possibility.  Tonight we will be able to demonstrate our deep gratitude to Bob before an audience of almost 175 parents, teachers and Petersburg community members.  The stabilization of the school into the future is a beacon of hope for the Petersburg community.”

              Speaking about the honor, McDonnell noted, “The effort to save St. Joseph School demonstrated the very best of Virginia. Citizens gave what they could, spread the word, and united to save a tiny school in a city that has faced more than its share of tough times. I was honored to play a small role in this effort, and I was humbled by the generosity and the caring spirit displayed by the people of Virginia.”

              McDonnell continued, “This small school was given what many thought was an insurmountable challenge: raise $1 million in three weeks or close forever. And they did it. The effort to save St. Joseph went far beyond Petersburg. The day before the fundraising deadline The Washington Post ran an article about the school and its plight, and donations poured in from citizens who lived hours away from Petersburg, but who were nonetheless moved to help. Petersburg is a city with a bright future, and St. Joseph has been a vital part of the city for 133 years. I am pleased that the school will continue to be an integral member of the community. I believe that every child in Virginia deserves the opportunity to go to a great school, and St. Joseph is a truly great school.”

              Last April the school, located in downtown Petersburg, was given a three week window by the Catholic Diocese of Richmond in which to raise $1 million, or else face closure at the end of the school year. The Petersburg and Tri-Cities communities responded with a vigorous fundraising effort. Students donated their savings, children circulated donation jars at local events, and local citizens donated in-kind services to make necessary repairs to the school.

              Bob McDonnell, then serving as Virginia’s Attorney General, toured the school on Monday April 14th, making a personal donation and visiting with students and teachers. The visit generated considerable statewide media attention for the school. Later that day McDonnell sent out a direct appeal to his political email list, encouraging Virginians statewide to join in the effort to save the school. And Virginians from every region of the Commonwealth responded.

              An article in The Washington Post the following Sunday specifically led to an influx of donations from Northern Virginia. The school had raised nearly $250,000 as of McDonnell’s visit on April 14th. By the next Monday the school had raised $900,000 and the Diocese formally announced that the Petersburg landmark would remain open. Speaking later about the incredible story Ruth Bonner, principal at the time, called it “...the miracle at St. Joseph School.”

              Serving a diverse student population of roughly 160 students in grades pre-K through 8th the school is a Petersburg institution. It was founded in 1876 by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent DePaul and was the first Catholic school to be certified by the Virginia Board of Education.

To read more about last year’s fundraising effort please see the stories below:

“Threatened School Finds Big Name Support” The Petersburg Progress-Index

“McDonnell Helping Raise Cash for Petersburg School” The Richmond Times-Dispatch

“Saving St. Joseph School”, CBS 6 Richmond

“Catholic School in Familiar Peril Hopes to Avoid Familiar Fate”, The Washington Post

“Catholic Schools Achieves Fundraising Goal”, The Washington Post

To learn more about St. Joseph School in Petersburg please visit:

http://www.saintjosephschool.com/

###

Add AUTHORIZED BY BOB MCDONNELL.  PAID FOR BY MCDONNELL FOR GOVERNOR.