Portland St. Patrick Catholic School

(Through June 30, 2007)

• The Father Flohe Foundation was formed in 1988.  It is a 501(c)3 organization.  Contributions are tax deductible.
• Since 1988 the Foundation has received gifts from donors in excess of $1.3 million.
• Since 1989 the Foundation has donated approximately $610,000 to the school.  Donations are funded from earnings on investments.  Contributions to the Foundation are held in perpetuity.
• Each June the Foundation awards the Father Flohe Education Bell Award to an alumnus of St. Patrick School who in their life has exemplified the high goals and accomplishments that a graduate of St. Pat's can achieve.
• The Foundation awards the Marie Leik Slowinski Scholarship each year to a student who demonstrates good study habits, steady improvement and hard work to achieve.
• The Foundation provides funding for the Shamrock Newsletter.
• Since 2003 the Foundation has hosted the 50-Year Reunion for all St. Patrick graduating classes.

• Cash Contributions
• Life Income Gifts
• Life Insurance
• Memorial Gifts
• Bequests

Contributions can be made by mail, in the Sunday offerings or by dropping by the Parish Office.  Please be sure that your envelope is clearly marked Father Flohe Foundation.

If you have any questions or would like a supply of contribution envelopes, contact Kevin Schrauben at (517) 647-1892.

Kevin & Kris Schrauben
Tony & Rhonda Goodrich
Keith & Kathy Cook
Gary & Janet Fedewa
Roger & Carolyn Manning
Dan & Kathy Spitzley
Mike & Sue Fox
Glen & Jayne Klein
Dave & Mary Kramer
John Kmetz
Scott Brown
Ralph Willemin, Education Commission President
Fr. Larry King, Pastor

Officers are:
Kevin Schrauben, President
Sue Fox, Vice President
Glen Klein, Treasurer
Kathy Cook, Secretary

The Father Flohe Foundation presented the 2009 Fr. Flohe Education Bell Award to Sue VanLente at St. Patrick’s graduation commencement ceremonies on May 31, 2009.  

Sue graduated from St. Patrick High School in 1970 and although her children have long since graduated, she is still visible at many School and Parish functions.  Not to be noticed, not for thanks, but only because she cares about St. Patrick’s. 

Over the years, Sue has been involved in the Athletic Association, Las Vegas Night, Century Club, Public Relations Committee, and other organizations and committees.  In addition and of particular importance, Sue played a critical role in reviving the Parish Festival.  She has been the go to person for public relations, website content, outdoor mass, and Veterans Salute.  She is also vital to the organization and publishing of the Shamrock Newsletter, and the development and continued content of the School Website. 

Sue is also very active in the community and contributes her time to help others and to make the place we call home a better place to live.  Some of the notable things Sue has been involved in include volunteering for Portland’s Riverfest, organizing Relay for Life events to benefit those with cancer, organizing community benefit dinners to assist those that have had significant misfortune in their lives, and fundraising efforts for the local Fallen Soldiers Memorial.  Sue is also the secretary for the Portland Township Planning Commission. 

Sue is definitely one of those few people whose actions truly reflect her values and what she holds to be very important in her life and is a great example of what graduates of St. Patrick School can accomplish.

The Father Flohe Foundation Board of Directors chose Rose Mary Simon as the recipient of the 2007 Education Bell Award.  The award originated in 1992, and is given to an alumnus who has lived his/her life in such a way that he/she can be held as a model for our students.  The award was given to the entire Simon family in memory of Rose Mary during commencement ceremonies in June.

Rose Mary graduated from St. Patrick School as co-valedictorian in 1965.  Upon graduation from high school, she continued her education and graduated with high honors from the University of Detroit and subsequently went on to Wayne State University Law School where she earned her law degree.  Rose Mary put her law degree to use in her work at Legal Aide of Lansing, an organization that provided low cost or free legal services to those who otherwise would not be able to afford such services.  In 1975, Rose Mary suffered a stroke which left her with many disabilities.  Regardless of any obstacles that may have been in her way, Rose Mary continued to help others.  She was accepted into the Masters Program for Rehabilitation Counselors at MSU and went on to be a legal advocate for people with disabilities for the State of Michigan.    

After 10 years in this capacity, Rose Mary passed away, but not without doing all she could to help those that may not have otherwise received the help they needed.  Rose Mary dedicated her education and life to the service of others.  This approach to helping others is an excellent example to the students of St. Patrick, as to what they can accomplish in life with dedication and hard work.

                    Education Bell Award Winners

 
The Class of 1959 celebrated their 50 year class reunion on September 12, 2009.  The party began at 3:00 p.m. as the class gathered to visit in the Parish Hall.  The class members attended the 4:30 p.m. mass as a group and the mass was said in their honor.  After mass the Father Flohe Foundation treated them to a delicious dinner prepared by Chopper Schrauben.