The Fulcrum Foundation, an organization that provides financial assistance to support and promote Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle, announced today that its annual Celebration of Light dinner raised $1,002,500. It is the largest single-night fundraising event in the Foundation's six year history of providing financial assistance to support and promote Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

"We are thrilled and honored by this expression of support for Catholic schools and their students," said Joe Womac, executive director of the Fulcrum Foundation. "Now, more than ever, we believe that the values of an education in the Catholic faith play a vital role in our society. The generosity of this year's Celebration of Light attendees ensures that these values will continue and thrive."

This year's fundraising total represents an increase of nearly 38 percent from the $727,000 raised at last year's dinner.

Fulcrum funds provide tuition assistance grants to low-income students, assistance to schools with emergency budgetary needs, and assistance for initiatives that promote academic excellence. Nearly 1,200 guests attended the sold out February 1st dinner hosted at the Seattle Sheraton Hotel.

"The Fulcrum Foundation makes it possible for more than 1,000 families to attend Catholic schools in Western Washington each year," said Mike Tucci, co-chair of the event. "Thanks to the generosity of our donors, children from families with a median income of $24,000 are able to choose a Catholic school, making our schools some of the most economically and ethnically diverse in the northwest."

Western Washington Catholic Schools serve 23,315 students in 9 high schools and 60 elementary schools.

During the Celebration of Light dinner distinguished guests are honored for their long-time support and dedication to Catholic education in the Northwest. This year's honorees included George Hickman, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient for his service in the U.S. Army Air Corps, 332nd Fighter Group, known as the "Tuskegee Airmen;" and Rev. Timothy R. Scully, C.S.C. of University of Notre Dame.

About the Fulcrum Foundation

The Fulcrum Foundation was founded in 2002 to keep Catholic schools open and inclusive of all who desire an education based in the Catholic faith. In six short years of existence, the Fulcrum Foundation has awarded grants of more than $6 million for tuition assistance and direct aid grants to schools in the diocese.

The Foundation is currently in the final year of a $40 million capital campaign, led by co-chairs Mike and Mary Lee. $33 million has been raised to date. Campaign funds will be used to create two endowments: one for tuition assistance for the region's neediest students and the other for assistance to schools in need.

In December 2005, the Foundation received a $7.5 million lead gift from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for its capital campaign.

For more information, contact:

Karl Kaluza, Marketing Specialist

206.382.4843 (phone)

206.654.4651 (fax)