Dear Gaels Nation,

I hope the new Year is starting out on a positive note for everyone. As promised, here is a March 2023 update on the progress we are making on the construction of the Sr. Janet Meehan Student Fitness Center. We are excited to get this important project off the drawing board and on the ground at KCPS!

The Building:
We recently met with our architect Mr. Paul Checco, AIA to review the tasks to be accomplished in the near term. Paul and his staff are close to finishing the construction documents necessary to build the structure. The indoor floor plans are complete. Exterior surveys and utility requirements are done. He will be ready to submit the plans to the Town of Somers in a few weeks for their approval and the issuance of a building permit. It is estimated that we can be putting the project out to contractors for their bids in approximately the same time-frame. Hopefully, we’ll have shovels in the ground in Spring 2023.

Fund Raising:
A year-end mailing went out to the community seeking donations. It was modestly successful. We now have total resources, including pledges, of just over $850,600. This project will ultimately cost about $1.2 million. So, we need to come up with an additional $349,400. To use a football analogy, we are in the Red Zone, but this is where the going gets tough. Please consider a donation of any amount. Spread the word to your friends and classmates. To donate, scroll to the bottom of this page and fill out the Pledge Card.

Class Giving So Far. The amount raised so far is due to the generosity of a few large donors and almost 250 KCPS alumni, parents and friends. With well over 70 classes of KCPS and St. Mary’s grads out there, the additional $349,400 should be achievable, but not without engagement by our grads. A number of classes have yet to have even one member contributing. The list is posted below. Won’t someone break the ice?

Think of This. We estimate that there have been approximately 6,600 graduates of JFK/Kennedy Catholic since Sr. Janet arrived in the school in 1967. With the current 250 donations, that means about 3% of our graduates have felt the motivation to give for this worthy project. Sister Janet touched the lives of so many of us — in the classroom, the Art Room and on the Track and Cross Country trails. What a positive way to honor Sister Janet’s legacy with a generous donation to the construction of a building that will ensure that future generations of Gaels know of her lasting contribution to our Alma Mater! How about $50, or $100 or whatever your means would allow. That would really add up if all a large portion of the folks yet to give joined in.

Here you can see a list of donations by class. Please contribute if you are able to help. This fitness center will greatly benefit the students of KCPS as individuals and as members of athletic teams. GO GAELS!!

Matching Gift Challenge. Remember, there is a Matching Gift Challenge. I originally pledged to match any amount you give up to $300,000. To date, I have matched just over $161,000 in donations. Please hold my feet to the fire and have me match the other $150,000!

“Class Captains”:
We are still struggling to enlist people as Class Captains. This project is too big and important to
leave it on the backs of about 10 people. Many hands do indeed make light work.

Duties of the Class Captain.
We get that nobody likes to ask other people for money. We are trying to make it easy for you. The role of the Class Captain is simple and you will get support from the Advancement Department.

1. Fred Compton will give you a class list to work from with snail mail addresses, email addresses and phone numbers.
2. We suggest first sending a personal email to your entire class group. We can help you write your email and provide you with marketing materials and links.
3. A snail mailing can follow when you see which emails did not connect with alumni in your class.
4. Phone numbers are available. Make calls to those with whom you are comfortable approaching in that way, especially your closest friends. Encourage them to spread the word to other classmates.
5. Make the Advancement Department aware of graduates who may be in the position to become Major Donors ($10k and up).

List of Class Captains so far by class:

Mark Girolamo 1971
Bill LaPerch 1973
Deborah Buckley-LaPerch 1975
Terrence Yanni 1980
Anthony Pauline 1981
John Arminio 1983
Christine Lasher-Rossiter 1985
Stephen Lasher 1987
Michele Pacella-McKearney 1990
Thomas McCabe 1995
Danielle Wertman 1995
Luciana DiMartino-Shortal 1996
Danielle Wegielski-Pavletich 2002
Noelle Torre 2014
Will Rossiter 2017

Thanks again for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to updating you over the coming months as we get this job done.
Best regards,
Mark Girolamo
Class of 1971
Trustee, Building and Grounds Chair