April 11, 2010 - Robert Kraft Chairs Successful 20th Annual Inner-City Scholarship Fund Dinner

Boston, MA --- Robert Kraft, Owner of the New England Patriots and Chair of 20th Annual Inner-City Scholarship Fund Gala, announced that a record $2.6 Million dollars was raised through the event. Mr. Kraft made the announcement during the event which was held April 10th at the Boston Public Library.

In making the announcement Mr. Kraft also recognized legendary money manager Peter Lynch for his 20 years of service as Chairman of the Inner City Scholarship Fund – the signature program of the Catholic Schools Foundation – which raises money to provide educational opportunities to needy students to attend Catholic primary and secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Boston without regard to race, gender or creed.

During his tenure as chairman, Mr. Lynch lead efforts to raise over $100,000,000 and provide over 60,000 scholarships to needy students.  

Mary Richardson of WCVB’s Chronicle emceed the evening program which began with a rousing performance by the Trinity High School Step Team.  This was followed by a tribute video to Peter Lynch and remarks by Robert Kraft, Peter Lynch and Sean Cardinal O’Malley.

In his remarks, Mr. Lynch spoke of the incredible impact of Catholic education and how over 50% of the students supported by the Inner City Scholarship Fund are living below the poverty level and are from single parent homes. He went point out that despite the challenges these students face, these schools have a 99% graduation rate.  He expressed his gratitude to all gathered who share his belief that every kid deserves an opportunity to succeed in life. 

“The impact that Peter Lynch has had on Catholic education is without compare. Without his efforts over the last 20 years, it is likely that this life-changing opportunity would be out of reach for those who can benefit from it the most.” said, Mike Reardon, Executive Director of the Catholic Schools Foundation. Mr. Reardon went on to say, “Our work is about providing quality education for all students.  If the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Boston no longer were open, it would cost tax-payers an estimated $500,000,000 per year to educate these children and further stress the public schools.  In short, our work truly provides a tremendous service to all the citizens of Massachusetts, not just the students who receive scholarships.”  Mr. Reardon also acknowledged the incredible effort of Robert Kraft and his Co-chairs.  “Mr. Kraft and the co-chairs personal effort and commit to these students and our work are astounding.  I am most grateful to all of them for taking on such an important role and surpassing every expectation.”

There was significant corporate support of the event with Liberty Mutual, CVS, Bank of America, Cisco, Loomis Sayles, Fidelity, Staples and EMC as lead sponsors.  Long-time media sponsor WCVB Channel 5 was joined this year by print media partner Gatehouse media.

This event coupled with the Annual Appeal has raised over $9,000,000 to support Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Boston.

To make a gift or for more information on the Catholic Schools Foundation/Inner-City Scholarship Fund, please contact the foundation at 617-778-5981 or on the web at www.csfboston.org.

The Catholic Schools Foundation, Inc. (CSF) supports the educational mission of the Church while helping to provide programs and services that insure optimal educational opportunities for all students regardless of race, religion, national origin, or gender attending Roman Catholic primary and secondary schools located in the Archdiocese of Boston.

Mike Reardon
Executive Director
Catholic Schools Foundation/Inner City Scholarship Fund
260 Franklin Street, Suite 630
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 778-5981