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The George and Mary Kremer Foundation
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous, on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. —2 Corinthians 9:10-11
George and Mary Kremer embraced their Catholic faith throughout their lifetimes and were faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ in generously sharing their resources with others in need. George, born in New York City, always remembered with fondness the women religious who were part of his youth. Mary was the middle child of a devout Ohioan Catholic family who, despite very modest means, made Catholic education for their children a priority.
While living in Naples, FL, the Kremers met Sr. Trinita Balbach, OSF, then principal of St. Ann’s Catholic School. They were inspired by Sister to help some of the students from parish families with financial limitations to continue their elementary education at St. Ann’s. The Kremers provided tuition assistance to the school on behalf of these students. Due to Sister Trinita’s advocacy for students in need and Mr. and Mrs. Kremer’s appreciation for Sister’s good works, the idea for their Foundation was created with one purpose: to assist schools with students from financially challenged families to experience a Christ-centered, Catholic elementary school education.
The Foundation’s grants are given to Catholic schools across the country. The principal of participating schools selects the students who receive the tuition assistance based primarily on financial need, without regard to race, gender, nationality, citizenship or religion. Grants provided to 367 schools in 36 states during the 2008-2009 school year will provide tuition assistance to over 5,000 students. Since the Foundation began in 1985, over 30,000 students have received tuition grants to assist with their Catholic elementary education. The Foundation has awarded $ 25 million during its history.
The Kremers were firmly committed to the many blessings of Catholic education—an academic, spiritual, and social environment wherein young children are taught to know, love, and serve God and each other at home, in school, in their parishes, and in their local and global communities. May the light of our loving Lord shine eternally upon George and Mary Kremer.
The George and Mary Kremer Foundation gratefully and joyfully celebrates the vision and mission of the NCEA in its untiring efforts to preserve and enhance Catholic schools as a cherished part of the teaching mission of the Church.
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