Priests' pension fundraiser drawing large crowd

More than 900 tickets sold so far to Sept. 9 gala

By RAMON GONZALEZ
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

Tickets for the upcoming fundraiser for the Priests' Retirement Fund are going fast with more than 900 tickets sold so far. One volunteer alone, Sister Annata Brockman, sold 80 tickets, enough to fill eight tables at the Sept. 9 gala at the Shaw Conference Centre.

"Our goal was to try to raise $400,000 for the Priests' Retirement Fund and we are hoping that with a little bit of effort and some support from some of the rural communities and some of the Edmonton parishes that we would be able to sell 1,000 tickets," said Maurice Fritze, spokesperson for the committee organizing the dinner.

"We feel that would be quite a significant accomplishment given that the tickets are $300 each and that not everybody can afford $300. But it would represent quite a landmark for the Catholic community to put that kind of a contribution toward the Priests' Retirement Fund."

The pension fund is underfunded and needs a cash injection in the neighbourhood of $2 million so it can meet the demands it will face in the near future. Out of 77 diocesan priests in the archdiocese, 35 are receiving a full pension of $1,550 a month and 11 are receiving a partial pension of $500 a month. Only 32 are now contributing $750 a year each into the fund.

"The money (we raise at the gala) would help the Priests' Retirement Fund substantially," Fritze said.

"We are just a bit short of our target but with a little bit of effort on people's part we are going to make it. We'd 1ove to sell 1,500 tickets. That would really bring a lot of joy and happiness to the Priests' Retirement Fund."

Cardinal Marc Ouellet will speak on a variety of topics at the dinner, including the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.

When gala organizers realized they needed to boost their ticket sales, they approached the 78-year-old Brockman, who last year retired as pastoral associate of St. Joseph's Basilica. She came through, selling eight tables in just a few weeks.

"I know a lot of people and I asked them to buy a ticket," she said. "I help wherever there is a need. I've been working with the priests for 23 years very closely and I know they provide a wonderful service to God's people. I just want to help them to retire with dignity."

Gala organizers are also hoping to raise an extra $200,000 in sponsorship contributions from individuals and corporations. Many people who can't afford the $300 are donating smaller amounts.

"So these sources are going to help us reach our goal," Fritze said. "These are people who just donate, who feel this is a worthwhile cause and they have a chance to be recognized by the Catholic community at this event.

"I think it's incredible that some people would have the generosity to write a cheque for $10,000 or $20,000. We benefit hugely from the efforts of some of these individuals and corporations."

Tickets for the event are available by calling Suzanne at 469-1010.

Copyright © 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 -- Western Catholic Reporter