The foundation of a Catholic education extends beyond traditional schooling; it creates a supportive environment that encourages students to deepen their connection with their faith, while also providing a curriculum focused on academic excellence. This vision was inspired by a dedicated parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Winter Haven.
Bob Radamacher’s legacy continues through the St. Joseph Education Endowment Fund. Motivated by his faith, Bob included a bequest in his will to create an Endowment Fund that helps hardworking families who value a Catholic education to enroll their children at St. Joseph Catholic School in Winter Haven. To honor this significant gift, school leaders and several board members held a ceremony to unveil a plaque commemorating Bob Radamacher, which is prominently displayed in a renovated lobby today.
Most of the Fund’s distributions support St. Joseph Catholic School in Winter Haven, contributing to the graduation of forty-seven alumni as high school valedictorians and salutatorians. Jennifer Insua, the principal of St. Joseph Catholic School, credits these successful outcomes to the St. Joseph Education Endowment Fund, stating, “The funds received from the Endowment Fund have profoundly impacted our school community, enabling us to enrich our students’ lives in countless ways.”
Most students who benefit from the Fund continue their Catholic education at Santa Fe Catholic High School. According to the school principal, Matt Franzino, “Thanks to the endowment funds, Santa Fe Catholic High School has maintained the educational experience established at St. Joseph Catholic School. By bridging the financial gap between state scholarships and tuition costs, we can meet the needs of deserving and hardworking families who seek a strong academic and faith-based environment for their children.”
Mr. Franzino praises the Fund for empowering St. Joseph Catholic School to enhance the learning experience through technology, equipping students with the tools they need to succeed. “The assistance of endowment funds can equip our students with the necessary technology to complete their coursework in a college preparatory setting. Perhaps most importantly, these funds enable us to retain Catholic School students and support them until they graduate. This continuity allows us to provide them with a well-rounded education that not only prepares them academically but also strengthens their faith in Christ as they embark on their post-secondary journey.”
The St. Joseph Catholic Community recognized the importance of the Fund and came together to enhance it through various fundraising initiatives, including a successful Golf and Tennis Classic held at the Lake Region Country Club. Although changes in leadership and challenges with the venue temporarily paused these efforts, the community remained committed to promoting faith-based education. Promotional inserts for the Fund were included in the weekly bulletin and shared through word of mouth, the Fund’s reserves increased, eliminating the need for additional events.
Father Tim LaBo, who was serving at the time as acting pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, proposed that the Fund operate under The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida. This partnership enables St. Joseph Catholic School and Santa Fe Catholic High School to enhance their marketing efforts and access the expertise of exceptional financial advisors, many of whom are parishioners. These advisors can assist in navigating liability and marketing challenges while prioritizing planned giving for the aging congregation. Increased visibility for the schools, coupled with annual presentations by the principals and presidents during Mass, will ensure that faith-based Catholic education remains a priority within the community.
A relationship with The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. will build on 35 years of exemplary management, expanding the Fund’s reach through strategic marketing. The goal is to instill in youth the understanding that life is not lived in isolation but has a greater purpose rooted in the good, the truth, and the beauty of the Catholic faith and education.
If you are interested in contributing to the growth of the St. Joseph Education Endowment Fund, donations can be made via a gift of stock, IRA qualified charitable distribution, donor advised fund, etc. by contacting Nia Herald, CAP® at nherald@cfocf.org or (407) 246-7189.
Checks payable to “CFOCF” with a memo of “St. Joseph Education Endowment Fund” can be sent to:
The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida
P.O. Box 4905
Orlando, FL 32802-4905