Fundraising Guide
When you walk through the doors of Bishop McNamara Catholic School, you become part of a community that embraces you as part of a family. Each member of our family is expected to contribute above and beyond tuition to ensure that we are able to continue to offer an exceptional Catholic education. At all levels, Kindergarten-12th grade, the tuition cost is not the actual cost to educate your child. In an effort to offset the difference between actual per student cost and tuition it is necessary for us to generate income through third source funding, also known as fundraising. This page has been created to specifically define and assist you in understanding the fundraising expectations here at Bishop McNamara.
As a Catholic school, we dedicate ourselves to serving the Catholic Church, the greater Catholic community, as well as the greater Kankakee community. However, any additional fundraising project must have permission of the Bishop McNamara Catholic School administrative team. Any individuals or outside charitable organization requesting fundraising assistance from Bishop McNamara should be directed to Areca Van Mill, Director of Advancement at avanmill@bmcss.org or 815-932-7413 Ext. 133.
Grades K-12 Fundraising
Bishop McNamara Progressive Raffle Tickets
The Bishop McNamara Progressive Raffle is our school's largest fundraiser. Just one $100 ticket enters Bishop McNamara Progressive Raffle ticket buyers into multiple drawings throughout the year! Two drawings are scheduled throughout the year for a total payout of $120,000. Since the raffle is "progressive", everyone whose name is drawn at the first event, goes back into the mix and is eligible for all of the Progressive Raffle drawings at the second school event. For more details, visit bishopmac.com/raffle.
Ceile Calendar Sales
This is a daily raffle with a winner drawn each day of the calendar year. The cost of each calendar is $40. We are selling calendars, but the true incentive for those purchasing the calendar is the daily raffle. Winners who are chosen each day will have their stubs re-deposited for future drawings. There is no limit as to how many times a person can win during the year. Daily cash prizes range from $50 to $3,000.
Grades K-12 Family Fundraising Goals
Family Goal for a Single Student Family: $800
Requirement: Sell 4 Progressive Raffle Tickets
Your remainder of fundraising can be made in three ways:
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Sell more Progressive Raffle tickets.
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Sell Ceile Calendars.
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Make a payment for your fundraising.
100% of each Progressive Raffle ticket and Ceile Calendar sold goes directly to your fundability goal!
Family Goal for a Multiple Student Family: $1100
Requirement: Sell 6 Progressive Raffle Tickets
Your remainder of fundraising can be made in three ways:
-
Sell more Progressive Raffle tickets.
-
Sell Ceile Calendars.
-
Make a payment for your fundraising.
100% of each Progressive Raffle ticket and Ceile Calendar sold goes directly to your fundability goal!
Full Tuition Drawing & Incentives
Any single-student or multiple-student family who reaches a $2000 fundraising goal will receive an entry into the next years' Full Tuition Drawing which covers tuition for one student. For every additional $1000 raised, you will receive an additional entry.
Also…for any amount raised above your base fundraising goals of $800 (single-student families) and $1100 (multiple-student families), your family will receive 20% of the overage toward tuition for your next school year!
Optional Tuition Incentives
SCRIP
ShopWithScrip program is a very easy-to-use gift certificate program. Gift certificates may be purchased for most area grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants and a wide variety of retail stores. The gift certificates are used at these establishments instead of cash or charge cards. Each vendor or retailer who participates in our ShopWithScrip program contributes a percentage back to our school, of which 50% of the rebate gets applied to your tuition for the next school year. Download more information about ShopWithScrip.
Market Day
Market Day is an online ordering of wholesome and delicious food delivered directly to your home or office. The Market Day program contributes a percentage back to our school, which 50% of your rebate then gets applied to your tuition for the next school year. Download more information about Market Day.
Major BMCS Events
These events put the FUN in fundraising! Bishop McNamara relies on the success of four major events throughout the year to celebrate our school community while raising money that directly impacts our students.
Jackie Keller Memorial Golf Outing
This event, names after our beloved teacher, alumna and friend to Bishop McNamara, is held each year at Shamrock Golf Course. The Jackie Keller Memorial Golf Outing is unique in that it is designed for teams of 6 people. However, teams of 4 are also allowed. Golfers and non-golfers will enjoy the Jackie Keller Memorial Golf Outing!
The Bishop McNamara Annual Dinner Auction
The Bishop McNamara Annual Dinner Auction is our school’s largest event fundraiser of the year. The event is held each Fall with a dynamic theme and decor. The Annual Dinner Auction and first Progressive Raffle drawing offers an opportunity to bid on unique and fun items of all categories. Our auction steering committee works year round partnering with the community to help us continue in our mission of providing an excellent Catholic education. It is through this partnership of community and current families that we have succeeded in extending this great event into its 37th year.
Las Vegas In Bradley
Las Vegas in Bradley is one of the largest community events of the year drawing over 1,000 people to support the students of Bishop McNamara. The casino-themed event and second Progressive Raffle drawing is held at the BMCS Bradley site and offers all of the experience and energy of a Las Vegas casino. Guests can participate in various games that can be found in actual Las Vegas casinos. Las Vegas in Bradley is sure to provide a night of fun with friends, family, and co-workers. This event is also a great opportunity for school families to fulfill their parent ambassador role to ensure the event’s success.
Other BMCS Events
Fightin' Irish 5K Ken Klipp Classic
The Fightin' Irish 5K Ken Klipp Classic is a 5K run and
2-Mile walk held each year in May. The event is named after our long time teacher and legendary coach, Ken Klipp. This event also celebrates the long standing tradition of top level Bishop McNamara athletes. Open to the community, this event welcomes all levels of runners and walkers.
BMCS Athletic Booster Club Trivia Night
The Bishop McNamara Athletic Booster Club is hosting a Trivia Night and the first Progressive Raffle drawing to provide assistance for all athletic programs. Held at the BMCS Kankakee site each team is comprised of 10 persons who create a food and fun theme for their table (ie. sport, cowboy, fiesta, etc.). Everything is BYO - we'll supply the trivia competition. This is a great and inexpensive night to socialize, have fun, and test your knowledge.
Irish Alumni Golf Classic
The Irish Alumni Golf Classic is held each year at Oak Springs Golf Course. Golf is open to school families, alumni, and community members. The alumni attending range from the 1950’s forward. It’s a great day of fun, golf and catching up with friends.
Other Ways to Give
In addition to traditional fundraising, Bishop McNamara also relies on the generosity of our supporters through The Fund for Bishop McNamara, the Scholar Society, and Planned Giving.