Press Contact:
Rafael Gerena
407.246.4888
rgerena@cfocf.org
Orlando, FL.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Planned Giving Advisory Council To Deepen Philanthropic Impact in Central Florida
As part of a Catholic Foundation of Central Florida initiative, a Planned Giving Advisory Council has been established with seven founding members. It includes a group of active-and-talented charitable gift and estate planning professionals dedicated to the mission and vision of The Catholic Foundation.
The goal is to support our community in realizing their philanthropic impact through a network of estate and financial planning professionals. The Foundation and Advisory Council members will provide educational and networking opportunities to support Central Florida professionals with incorporating distinct services that will help their clients realize the philanthropic impact they have accomplished through their giving, and to connect them with resources to further their philanthropic journey. The council’s first meeting was in late September at St. Margaret Mary in Winter Park.
“Whether it’s educating our youth, serving those in need, maintaining our places of worship, or taking care of our senior leaders that dedicated their lives to nurturing our relationship with God—the financial needs of our Church and community are great,” said Garrett Burke, the council’s Chair. “Our goal with the Planned Giving Advisory Council is to ensure professionals in Central Florida are aware of these needs, are educated about the Catholic Foundation’s role in taking care of the needs, and to help equip their clients who share the same faith-based mission with philanthropic solutions that mutually meet the needs of the Church, our community and their own families.”
The council’s founding seven members are: Garrett Burke, Chair (The Burke/Cox Group), Rob Thomson, Vice-Chair (Trivergent Trust Company), Chris Garcia (Bank of America), Kathleen Hagerty (University of Central Florida), Ty McCormack (HUB International Florida), Steve Thagard (Northwest Mutual), and Ryan Plank (Merrill Lynch).
This year, The Catholic Foundation launched a three-year strategic plan to serve as a long-term vision to guide efforts in a manner that honors the principles and vision of founding board members. It is a holistically envisioned plan created in partnership with Bishop John Noonan, donors, board members, pastors, staff and community stakeholders. The plan’s top goals include improving secular and faith life for Central Florida residents through community partnerships, donor engagement, and faith-based investment management. The Planned Giving Advisory Council board is part of the strategic plan’s effort to enhance donor and community engagement. Our Advisory Council’s web page is: https://www.cfocf.org/advisory-council/
ABOUT THE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL FLORIDA:
The Catholic Foundation inspires giving to fund God’s work throughout the Diocese of Orlando’s nine-county area. Since its founding in 2008, the independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation has partnered with generous donors and pastors to collectively raise more than $400 million. We help individuals and organizations engage in philanthropy in a faith-filled way through socially screened endowment options. This has provided parishes, schools and Diocesan entities the ability to offer faith formation experiences for children and adults, and necessary renovations and expansions of churches and community centers. These resources foster Catholic School education, prepare seminarians for the priesthood and support retired priests. Additionally, these funds support health, housing and food assistance throughout the Diocese of Orlando.
For more information, contact: Rafael Gerena at rgerena@cfocf.org or 407.246.4888