Capital Campaign and Construction Update
Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School embarked on its most ambitious campaign, "A Place to Soar: The Gwynedd Mercy Campaign for a New Monarch Wing," with a momentous groundbreaking ceremony on September 10. This historic endeavor marks the School's largest fundraising effort and its first major capital endeavor in over two decades, aiming to raise $7 million to construct a new dining and community commons, seminar room, and counseling center—each designed to directly benefit every student.
The campaign has made significant strides, already securing 75% of its commitments. During the groundbreaking ceremony, President Denise Corkery Marbach '72, P'05, '09 proudly revealed the pivotal role played by the Connelly Foundation, which made a generous $1 million contribution. This substantial gift, combined with early support from committed alumnae, parents, and friends, has significantly propelled the project forward.
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Anticipation is high as the permitting process nears completion, setting the stage for construction to commence in late November following this summer's utility work. The project, encompassing 36,000 square feet, will revamp the 1955 cafeteria and introduce a new wing to support the School's innovative academic schedule, new wellness curriculum, and enhanced School and College Counseling Programs. The expected completion date is January 2025.
More than just a renovation and addition, "A Place to Soar" embodies the essence of the School's comprehensive five-year strategic plan, "She is the Future." Inspired by the Sisters of Mercy, this plan has dynamically reshaped the student experience since its inception in 2019, fostering academic innovation, launching leadership and wellness initiatives, and strengthening financial aid support. As a tribute to the Sisters a Mercy, Gwynedd Mercy is proud to introduce the Mercy Legacy Walk as part of the new expansion. Leading to the entrance of our new Community Commons, the walk will feature engraved bricks for each sister who has served or graduated from the Academy, preserving her enduring legacy. |
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Campaign Chair Teresa Rodgers '91, P ’24, ’25, expresses the significance of this initiative, stating, “Through this campaign, we can fulfill the promise of 'She is the Future' today and ensure Mercy education for generations to come—our girls and the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy deserve our support."
We invite you to join in raising the remaining funds needed for this transformative project. Explore the renderings and benefits of the new spaces and discover the recognition opportunities available. Outright gifts and pledges payable over one-to-five years are welcome, and every gift will help to take Gwynedd Mercy and our Monarch to new heights.
For more information, please contact Director of Advancement Colleen Belz Frascatore '89 at cfrascatore@mikeshiner.com. |
Gift Ideas for 2023
Looking for a unique and special Christmas gift? Elevate your gift-giving and support our "A Place to Soar" Capital Campaign by choosing a gift that leaves a lasting legacy.
Consider gifting an engraved brick for the new Commons Courtyard that you or your recipient(s) will be able to personalize. Reserve a 4 x 8 inch brick for $1,000 or an 8 x 8 inch brick for $2,500.
You can also ensure your loved ones are part of the new Monarch Mosaic art installation, celebrating our school mascot. The mosaic will be made of up to 1,000 photos, each measuring 2 x 2 inches, celebrating the members of our community. You or your gift recipient(s) will be able to submit one or more photos of your choosing with a brief caption or story. Using a wall mounted iPad, viewers will be able to search for, zoom in, and read about each photo. For $250, reserve a spot for one photo or opt for three photo spots at $500.
Shop now and receive a gift certificate via email to personalize, wrap, and place under your tree!
Questions? Contact Gift Officer Jeannine Hartz P'14, '20 at jhartz@mikeshiner.com. |
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Support GMA with Your PA State Taxes
If you live or work in Pennsylvania, you pay PA state taxes. So why not ensure your taxes directly benefit Gwynedd? For as little as $1,000 or up to the full amount of your tax liability, you can change the life of a qualifying student. Currently, 31% of our student body receive some kind of financial aid or merit-based scholarship. For a two-year commitment, you receive a 90% tax credit; 75% for a one-year commitment. For example: if you commit $5,000 for two years, you will receive $4,500 back from the state so your out-of-pocket cost is just $500. However, Gwynedd will recognize you as a Mercy Fund Innovator – the top tier of our 1861 Society. Your participation in the PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program or Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program (OSTC) will make a Mercy education a reality for deserving young women!
Tax credits are still available for the current year. Don’t delay, start making an impact today!
To get started, please contact Director of Annual Giving Colleen Corace Connor '86, P'25 at ccoraceconnor@mikeshiner.com or call 267-946-0992. |
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Help Us Reach Our $25,000 Goal As our foundress, Catherine McAuley said, "Strive to do ordinary things extraordinarily well."
Giving Tuesday, an international day of giving when individuals come together to support causes near and dear to their hearts, is coming up on Tuesday, November 28.
Please help us reach our $25,000 goal on this global day of giving with a gift in support of the Mercy Fund, Gwynedd Mercy's annual fund. Day in and day out, our students are excelling within and beyond the classroom. Your gift will help all of them to continue to pursue their dreams. |
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Discover Easy & Lasting Ways to Support Gwynedd Mercy |
Join us in the spirit of giving this season by considering a meaningful contribution to Gwynedd Mercy, where your generosity can create a lasting impact.
Discover the advantages of leveraging appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares to maximize your donation's impact while minimizing costs. Your charitable deduction will be the full, fair market value of the securities, and you will avoid any capital gains tax that would be due if you had first sold the stock and then donated the proceeds. Satisfy your IRA Required Minimum Distribution by
making a charitable rollover this year to support Gwynedd Mercy. This may allow you to meet your charitable goals, support the School, and reduce your taxable income—all without affecting your current assets or cash flow. |
You can also support Mercy education by naming Gwynedd Mercy as a beneficiary in your will or retirement account, such as a 401k, IRA, paid-up life insurance policy, Donor Advised Fund, or other asset. This type of legacy gift allows you to preserve your assets now and give the gift of possibility to future generations of Gwynedd Mercy women. It also allows us to welcome you as a forever member of our Catherine McAuley Legacy Society.
Express your interest in learning more about the Catherine McAuley Legacy Society today, and we will send you a complimentary Gwynedd Mercy Christmas ornament as a thank you. Questions? Contact Gift Officer Jeannine Hartz P'14, '20 at jhartz@mikeshiner.com. |
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© 2023 Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School 1345 Sumneytown Pike | Lower Gwynedd, PA 19002
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