The CYFUSA Connection
How did CYFUSA "adopt" Bob and Maggie's personal adventure and turn it into the Spring Campaign?
First, of course, we start with youth ministry . . .
As members of the CYFUSA Board of Directors, and as the former and current executive directors of the NFCYM, making the connection to youth ministry comes naturally. Bob and Maggie's dedication to Catholic young people and youth ministry made their generosity effortless: they affirmed the use of their trip for this needed cause.
Second, we read the "signs of the times."
Whether or not someone in a meeting or conference call actually used the phrase, "raising money in this economy is like climbing Mt. Everest," the sentiment was definitely shared by all. With the economic news going from bad to worse, we began to wonder if we should have a Spring 2009 fundraising campaign at all.
Finally, sometimes you just have to trust.
Recognizing the significant challenge of both endeavors, the CYFUSA decided to move forward. Sure, the economy was bad. But our Catholic youth still have needs.
If Bob and Maggie could sacrifice to make their dream a reality—a dream which carries the challenges of thin air, long hikes, alien surroundings—CYFUSA would put forth its own challenge: to be generous in the very times we would rather hold back; to give when the news seems to focus only on those who take.
Our Catholic youth deserve nothing less.
Continue the Story: Accept the Challenge and Join the Adventure...
What Will the Funds Be Used For?
The Mt. Everest Challenge Campaign seeks to provide:
- National Catholic Youth Conference scholarships to youth with economic need and from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Grants for parish, diocesan, and national initiatives that:
- Train youth ministers
- Reach out to youth in crisis or at-risk
- Develop multicultural and minority youth inclusion, and
- Promote peace and justice
A Leadership Challenge
With the theme of "challenge" so strong in both Bob and Maggie's journey and the CYFUSA campaign, a group of leaders proposed an idea to take the challenge one step further. CYFUSA decided to contact a variety of leadership groups/boards (CYFUSA, NFCYM, NACYML, select bishops, NFCYM collaborating members, and our most generous donors) and ask them to make a pledge that would become a "leadership challenge."
When the general campaign reaches preset targets, these pledges would become due. With confidence, contributors to the Mt. Everest Challenge Campaign may donate knowing that their gift will be multiplied when we meet our goals.
- For our leaders, this is an opportunity to lead by example and offer a challenge that would multiply generosity.
- For our donors, this is a chance to donate with the knowledge that your gift turns the pledges of our leaders into reality.
Now, that's a climb worth making!
Grateful Acknowledgement
With hearts full of gratitude, CYFUSA recognizes the pledges and leadership challenge provided by these various leadership bodies totaling over $8,000 as of April 17, 2009:
- Bishops: Aymond (Austin), Clark (Rochester), Harrington (Winona), Melczek (Gary), Pfeifer (San Angelo)
- CYFUSA Board of Directors and Major Donors
- NACYML Leadership Team
- NFCYM Board of Directors and Staff
- NFCYM Collaborating Members: Cultivation Ministries, Group, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Religion Publishers, Military Community Youth Ministries, and Ministry Training Source