Giving
At Everest Academy Lemont, we have a wonderful mission to form well-rounded Catholic leaders who will make a positive impact on society.
But that mission cannot be fulfilled alone. Dear parents, it is your support that has enabled the school to build on its special strengths: academic excellence, extraordinary teachers, and a strong Catholic learning environment in which Christ is known and loved. Your support has also enabled Everest Academy to open its new campus and to take an important step forward in our growth.
Everest Academy has an exciting future ahead of it, and that future depends in part on you. Through your contributions to Everest Academy Lemont, you can make that bright future a reality. The gift you make today ensures that we are able to continue our mission of formation and education for years to come.
Please prayerfully consider making your gift not only to Everest, but also to all the future generations of children who will benefit from your generosity. Many of the ways to give to the school are summarized below. Please feel free to contact school office directly at 630.243.1995 for further information.
Company Matching
Many corporations recognize and are willing to support private education through a matching gift program. Your employer can advise you if your company will match your gift – often as much as two or three times your contribution.
Planned Gifts
Planned gifts, such as bequests, trusts, life insurance, assignment of a beneficial interest, endowments, life estates or real property are another avenue of contribution.
Securities
Everest Academy can also accept the donation of appreciated securities which may offer the donor tax advantages.
Memorials and Honorariums
Memorial and Honorarium gifts offer an opportunity to honor a relative, friend, or a business associate. Any special occasion: birth, anniversary, graduation, etc. is a time for remembering. During a bereavement period, friends often see this as an appropriate means to express sympathy. The following message in the obituary of the deceased provides an avenue to make a meaningful and thoughtful gift: “Memorial gifts may be made to: Everest Academy: 115 Bell Road Lemont, IL 60439."
Fundraising
Tuition covers only a percentage of the school’s annual operational expenditures. In order to limit tuition increases while continuing to improve the quality of our educational programs, parents, grandparents, and friends are asked to contribute as generously as they can to the school’s fundraising activities. Everest Academy engages in fundraising activities each year and relies on every family to participate. Two operational fundraisers are the Annual Fund Campaign and the Annual Gala Auction. Both activities raise funds that support the school’s operating budget. Parents will receive information about these activities in advance.
Annual Fund Campaign
Our Annual Fund Campaign begins in November and runs the length of the school year, finishing up in May. Proceeds from this campaign go towards offsetting the operational costs of Everest Academy. We strive for 100% participation, including our teachers and staff, and encourage each and every family to give generously through pledges and phone drives. There are other events and activities approved by the school’s administration, organized by the parents association or student council, in which parents will be asked to participate. The proceeds from these events fund the operations of specific clubs, events, or items of purchase not otherwise allocated in the budget.
Athletic Department: Golf Outing
The Everest Academy Golf Scramble is a popular event and proceeds from this event will go towards offsetting the operational costs of the school. Look for your invitation and sponsorship opportunity to arrive and for more details to be posted on the school’s website. If you would like more information on the Golf Scramble or would like to volunteer for the event, please contact the school office at 630-243-1995.
Everest Academy Parents Association (EAPA): Gala Auction & Dinner
EAPA’s main fundraiser and a signature event of Legionary schools is the annual Gala Auction and Dinner. This spectacular event is an evening of fun and fellowship as families and friends of the school come together to raise money to support the financial needs of the school. To volunteer or for more information, please contact the school office.
Additional EAPA Fundraisers
- Box Tops for Education
- Used Uniform Sales
- Spirit Wear Campbell
- Soup Labels
With ever-changing IRS regulations, we recommend that you review your method of giving with your accountant, attorney or other financial advisor. This will ensure that your plan will maximize the benefit to you and assist in fulfilling your intention.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why should I give more over and above tuition, to fund my child’s education at Everest Academy?
Tuition does not cover it all. The cost of educating each child exceeds the amount in revenue received in tuition. Approximately 60% is covered by tuition. Supplemental funds raised through voluntary contributions to the Annual Fund are essential if Everest Academy is to continue to provide students the best Catholic education possible.
2. How is my donation to the Annual Fund spent?
A portion of your gift is used for basic operating expenses to help ensure the availability of a comprehensive curriculum, an outstanding faculty, and the our renting facility. Your Annual Fund Dollars also help to keep tuition increases as small as possible and provide scholarships and tuition assistance.
3. Who gives to the Annual Fund?
The Annual Fund is supported by a variety of constituencies. Parents, grandparents, foundations, corporations, faculty and staff, and friends of the school all take part in the campaign. At Everest Academy we are proud to have 100% participation from our faculty.
4. What is a matching gift?
Many corporations have a policy of matching the contributions of their employees to educational institutions. For example, if you work for a company with a matching gift program and you contribute $250 to the Annual Fund, your company will match a percentage of your gift. Please inquire with your company’s Human Resource Department if you are uncertain if they have a matching gifts program.
5. I can’t give as much as I’d like. Should I just wait until next year when I can give more?
Please don’t wait! Every gift of any size is important to Everest Academy and its students. Your contribution at any level demonstrates your support of Everest Academy' efforts on behalf of your children. The percentage of participation by our parents is critical factor in our ability to demonstrate broad-based support when foundations and corporations consider making a contribution to Everest Academy.
6. When and how do I make my pledge and/or payment?
Now is the time to make your pledge. Annual Fund letters and brochures were mailed in November. Additional pledge cards are available from the front office. Confirmation letters will be mailed acknowledging the pledge. Pledge payment reminders will be mailed throughout the school year.
