Families participating in Gene Grawe Fund to get average of $731.70 off tuition next year

QUINCY — Through a program started in 2005, Quincy Catholic families now are taking greater advantage of reducing school tuition through the Gene Grawe Fund than ever before. 

Fund organizers announced Monday night a total award of more than $320,000 for the upcoming school year. The 426 participating families will receive an average of $731.70 next year — the largest award in the program’s history.

“God really did place this on my heart to start the Gene Grawe Fund,” fund organizer JoAnn Witte said.

The idea was hatched as a St. Anthony School fundraiser in 2005. It has grown and grown.

“That’s why it is doing so well. He continues to bless it,” she said. “When you follow God’s lead, you know it will prosper.” 

Through the purchase and use of gift cards, as well as the growing popularity of online resources, 103 families will receive more than $1,000 next year. Three will have more than $5,000 applied to next year’s tuition at one of Quincy’s four Catholic elementary schools or Quincy Notre Dame. 

“Technology has definitely been a factor in growing our fund,” Witte said. 

She cites the assistance of Steve Nelson in building the usefulness of the GGF online using RaiseRight.com.

Monday’s announcement increases the total raised by the program since its inception to $2,939,393.63.

“Catholic education is very important to me and my family, especially in today’s world,” Witte said. “It is important to get that faith-based education every day so we have God’s continuous armor to deal with day-to-day life, not just on Sundays. When our students are in Catholic schools, they receive that support.”         

Families can register now to earn money next year. 

The Gene Grawe Fund is named after JoAnn’s father, an officer with the Western Catholic Union for many years.  The fund office is located at St. Peter Church, 2600 Maine.