As we approach this very special season of both giving and giving thanks, I think about all of the things I’m personally grateful for: my children, the health of my family, and a job that allows me the opportunity to provide for my kids. One thing I’m especially grateful for this year is to be part of the Catholic Education Foundation’s Futures Committee. The Futures are a group of dedicated, young adults that focus on promoting the mission of CEF – the gift of a Catholic education for those that seek it.

The Futures support the Catholic Education Foundation through two annual events – the Art Event and Cocktails for a Cause. The proceeds from these two events fund emergency scholarships for CEF students through the Guardian Angel Fund. Guardian Angel Scholarships provide much needed help to families experiencing short-term crisis such as an illness or the loss of a parent’s job. These scholarships allow children to remain in their Catholic schools at a time of stress and uncertainty for their families.

This year, the Futures are raising funds through #iGiveCatholic, an online giving day that inspires faithful stewards to "Give Catholic" on #GivingTuesday, November 27. As with our support of other CEF events, funds raised by the Futures through #iGiveCatholic will provide support to families and children that are seeking aid in a time of emergency with the Guardian Angel Fund.

Each Future has set an ambitious goal of personally raising $200 in the days leading up to #GivingTuesday. We are excited about the challenge and know how important the money raised can be for a family in need. Did you know that CEF graduates are up to three times more likely to attend college than their peers? Our 22 CEF schools served 892 families through Catholic Education Foundation scholarships in 2017-2018 and the need only continues to grow.

This year, the Futures ask you to consider a donation to the Guardian Angel Scholarship and be able to proudly say “#iGiveCatholic!”