<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-37701 lazyload" src="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/TLD-Website-Story-Feature-Image-1024x535.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="535" srcset="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/TLD-Website-Story-Feature-Image-1024x535.jpg 1024w, https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/TLD-Website-Story-Feature-Image-300x157.jpg 300w, https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/TLD-Website-Story-Feature-Image-768x401.jpg 768w, https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/TLD-Website-Story-Feature-Image.jpg 1487w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />O’Dowd’s largest fundraiser for tuition assistance and scholarships is right around the corner – The Virtual Transforming Lives Dinner on October 29. It’s an opportunity for friends and family of O’Dowd to contribute not only to individual students’ growth and transformation, but also to strengthen the entire school community, and invest in the future of our nation.
“There is a long Catholic history and tradition to provide affordable education that is not only strong academically, but strong in values,” says Katherine Earhart, parent of junior Jack Batcheller ’22, as well as a member of O’Dowd’s Board of Regents and co-chair of the Transforming Lives Committee. “An education at O’Dowd imbues students with a commitment to stand up for what they believe, to work for social justice, to be of service to their communities, to care for the environment. When we invest in tuition for students, we are fostering a group of young people who are going to change the world. I can’t think of anything more important.”
Every year, O’Dowd provides $3.5 million dollars for tuition assistance and scholarships. Fully 30% of the student body receives some form of financial support. This year, O’Dowd has provided $4 million to support families. “So many families have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” reports Nikki Maguire, parent of James Byron ’22 and co-chair of the Transforming Lives Committee. “Some families have needed assistance for the first time. And we are absolutely committed to keeping our community whole. We all need to work together to support students during this challenging time.”
The funds raised at the Transforming Lives Dinner help O’Dowd enjoy a learning community with students who would otherwise not be able to attend. “Tuition assistance is important to our school because it creates a learning environment that includes diverse life experiences,” says Nikki. “It’s about so much more than socioeconomic diversity. We have students who come from different cultures and backgrounds and faiths, who have different learning styles and experiences and interests. Donna Cala, parent of sophomore Justin ’23 and alum Jacob ’16, and Manager for Events and Stewardship at O’Dowd, agrees. “Students from O’Dowd learn to think outside the box, and that makes our school competitive. I know that my son, an O’Dowd graduate, was much more prepared for the real world than many of his college peers at Penn, in Philadelphia.’”
“An education at O’Dowd imbues students with a commitment to stand up for what they believe, to work for social justice, to be of service to their communities, to care for the environment. When we invest in tuition for students, we are fostering a group of young people who are going to change the world. I can’t think of anything more important.” Katherine Earhart – ’22 parent, Board of Regents member, and TLD co-chair
Year after year, the Transforming Lives Dinner has been a place for parents and friends of O’Dowd to gather, connect, and hear personal stories from students. This year, in light of the pandemic, Katherine, Nikki, Donna and the Transforming Lives Committee have made the event as fun and interactive as possible. “We’re using a virtual platform that lets you join a table with your friends and have space for just reconnecting,” describes Donna. “You’ll be able to visit other tables, and have one-on-one conversations, all while enjoying a catered meal delivered to your home.” The program includes student performances from the string quartet, jazz bands, symphonic band and the choir. Students will also circulate the event and join tables, so guests have opportunities to hear more about their school experiences. “We’re truly fortunate to have Judicial Professor, Kimberly Papillon ’87, giving a presentation on the neuroscience behind decision making,” Donna added. “Kimberly is a founding member of O’Dowd’s Black Student Union, and a nationally recognized expert in her field, so I’m really looking forward to her talk.”
“I’m excited to see faces of parents who I haven’t connected with in awhile,” said Katherine, “but we are especially thrilled to have special new parent tables, so our new community members can get to know each other.”
Far and away, the Transforming Lives Dinner is an opportunity to be inspired by the stories of students who will go on to college and then into the world as changemakers. “This event is really moving,” Donna says, “because you see how your support is making a difference in the lives of young people.” Katherine agrees, “Catholic education is about leadership. Students who graduate from O’Dowd serve our communities through nonprofits, social enterprises, and civic leadership. So when you hear from students at the Transforming Lives Dinner, you are hearing our future leaders.”
This year, the Virtual Transforming Lives Dinner is free for all to register and attend. “It’s an occasion to truly demonstrate the power of our community,” declares Nikki, “and to express unwavering commitment to our values.”
Registration is now open. All are welcome. To join, visit our webpage: https://www.bishopodowd.org/giving/transforming-lives-dinner/