A gift to the

Why DeSales Annual Fund

Visitation? is a gift to the Sisters. Convent of the
Visitation School
When a child attends Visitation, he or This is their school,
she becomes part of a community. A
partnership is created between the this is their legacy.
school and its families. That partner-
ship lasts a lifetime, as reflected in our
school motto: Non Scholae, Sed Vitae;
Director of Development

Partners in
Not for School, but for Life.
Sharon Hentges Ferraro, CFRE
As an independent school, Visitation 651-683-1702

Education
receives no financial support from
local, state or federal taxes. Be- sferraro@vischool.org
cause we are an independent
school, we are able to design our DeSales Annual Fund Director
own programs to fit the values
Jennifer Summers Arriola
and beliefs of our founders, the
Sisters of the Visitation. 651-683-1748
jarriola@vischool.org
An excellent education requires
funding beyond what tuition pro-
vides. Convent of the Visitation
School relies on annual contri-
butions, endowment income,
and other fundraising efforts
to meet operating expenses.
The gift you make today
Convent of the Visitation School
ensures that we are able
to sustain this mission 2455 Visitation Drive
for years to come.
Mendota Heights, MN 55120-1696

We thank you for www.visitation.net Non Scholae, Sed Vitae;

Not for School, but for Life.
your generosity.

FUNDRAISING PROGRAMS
Along with special investment opportunities,
Visitation has two primary annual fundraising
programs that everyone in the community is
asked to support:
DESALES ANNUAL FUND
Through the Annual Fund we ask all the
members of our community to support the people
and programs that make Visitation so special – our
talented teachers, small classes, outstanding curric-
ula, and exceptional offerings in academics, arts and
athletics. The DeSales Annual Fund provides addi-
tional operating funds to support direct costs such as
salaries and benefits, teaching materials, facilities
maintenance, and financial aid. No matter the
amount, we need and appreciate every gift we re-
ceive.
MERRIE MARKET GALA
Our community auction, held the
first weekend in March, not only
provides financial support for the
school, it is a fun and exciting
“friend-raising” event. Current fami-
lies, alumnae, parents of alumnae
and friends participate as volun-
teers, by donating auction items,
In 2006-07, current providing underwriting support and
parents contributed attending the Friday Family evening
over $218,000 of and the Saturday night gala dinner
the $531,599 raised and auction.
through the Annual
Fund.
SPECIAL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
While Visitation depends upon annual giving for
operating revenue, special investment opportunities
arise to support the long term goals of the school
such as capital and endowment campaigns. Periodi-
cally Visitation initiates major fundraising efforts to
accomplish specific goals. All constituents are asked
to participate with a gift that is commonly pledged
over a three year period.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE GOALS FOR THE ANNUAL FUND?
Participation. While monetary goals will be set each year
as a specific benchmark, overall participation will remain IS MY GIFT TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?
the ultimate goal of the DeSales Annual Fund. High partici- Unlike tuition, all contributions are fully
pation is a reflection of enthusiasm and involvement by tax deductible according to IRS guide-
the Visitation constituency. No gift is too small, so we lines. Please contact your financial or
encourage everyone to give what he or she can. Everyone tax advisor for details.
includes Trustees, parents, grandparents, alumnae, and
friends of our school. HOW CAN I MAKE A GIFT TO VISITATION?
You have several options. Visitation
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I EXPECT TO accepts gifts via cash, check, credit
card, automatic debit or stock transfer. In 2006-07,
BE ASKED?
Our secure online credit card form may alumnae gave
In past years, the solicitations
be accessed by visiting our Web site at over $215,000
for the Annual Fund continued
www.visitation.net. For gifts of stock, to the Annual
all year long. Beginning with
please contact the Development Office Fund.
the 2007-08 school year, we
are concentrating those solicita- at 651-683-1704.
Vis has received over tions into a shortened period
$150,000 in matching gifts in from August to December. You THE DECHANTAL FOUNDATION
Individuals who include Visitation in their estate plan
the past 10 years. can expect written requests,
and at least one phone call dur- comprise the DeChantal Foundation. Planned gifts
range from bequests, as the most popular vehicle, to
ing the fall. If you choose not to make your gift until after
December, that’s fine; we simply ask that you pledge your retirement plans and charitable remainder trusts.
Visitation is able to accept many types of planned gifts
support before December 31. You will then have until
June 30 to complete that pledge. and encourages your participation.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE?
It is our hope that Visitation School will be your family’s top
philanthropic priority. Individual gifts to the DeSales
Annual Fund range from $5 to $10,000 or more. The Sed
Vitae Society recognizes donors who give $1,000 or more
DeSales Annual Fund
to the DeSales Annual Fund on a yearly basis. We ask that 5 Year Growth - 25%!
you give at a level that is comfortable for your family. $600,000
WHY DOESN’T VIS JUST RAISE TUITION?
Tuition and fees cover approximately 90% of the cost of a
Visitation education. The administration and Board of Trus-
$300,000
tees are committed to making a Visitation education af-
fordable to as many families as possible, while maintaining
the small, close-knit community that makes Vis such a
special place. Through your gift, you also model for your
children the philanthropic values that sustain our society. $0
Your Annual Fund gift may also qualify for a matching gift 2002- 2003- 2004- 2005- 2006-
from your employer, which will allow you to double or even 03 04 05 06 07
triple your support of Visitation.