The Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso is pleased to present: Creating a Winning Legacy: Tailgate & Gala, the Catholic Foundation’s second annual fundraising event on Wednesday, October 8, 2008, at the El Paso Convention Center. The event will celebrate stewardship as a way of life and feature Christopher Zorich, former Notre Dame and Chicago Bear all star, as the evening’s keynote speaker. Proceeds from the event will support the on-going work of the Catholic Foundation in supporting the ministries, schools and parishes of the Diocese of El Paso.

Keynote Speaker
Born and raised on Chicago's impoverished southside, an only child of biracial descent (African American and Croatian), Chris was raised by his mother, Zora, a single parent surviving on $250/month from public aid. In 1987 Chris graduated from Chicago Vocational High School and received a football scholarship from legendary coach Lou Holtz and the University of Notre Dame. Elected captain of the Fighting Irish football team his senior year, this All-American and College Hall of Fame recipient won numerous collegiate awards. Following his 1991 graduation from Notre Dame with a bachelor of arts in American Studies, Chris was drafted by Hall of Fame Coach Mike Ditka and the Chicago Bears football team. Chris retired from the NFL to finish his law degree at Notre Dame Law School in order to further his ability to help those in need. He is presently Chairman of The Christopher Zorich Foundation.

Foundation Mission & History
The Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2001 to support the growing needs of our Catholic community. The Foundation manages the Catholic Legacy Fund, Progress Annual Appeal and Grants Development Office to support the annual and long-term needs of the diocesan parishes, ministries and schools. The overarching goal of the Foundation is to promote stewardship as a way of life.

Since 2001, the Foundation has raised more than $1.3 million in endowment funds for diocesan ministries, parishes, and schools. In 2007, the Foundation distributed $1.2 million in Progress Campaign funds to diocesan ministries and parishes. An additional $980,000 was raised by the grants department for ministries, parishes, and schools. The Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors from El Paso and West Texas.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of El Paso, established in 1914, includes 10 counties in far West Texas and covers 26,686 square miles. The Catholic population served by the Diocese is 656,035 (of 811,739). The Diocese is made up of 55 parishes, 22 missions, and 21 ministries. The ministries serve the unique multicultural, multilingual needs of the Diocese. The Diocese has a staff of 85 employees and an annual operating budget of $3.7 million.

For Reservations & More Information
Reserve your tickets for the inaugural event today! Tickets to the dinner are $100/person and $1,000/table of ten. For reservations or more information, contact Tracy Yellen, COO, Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso 499 St. Matthews El Paso, Texas 79907. Tel: 915.872.8412; Fax: 915.872.8411; E-mail: tyellen@elpasodiocese.org.

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