CATHOLIC FOUNDATION CELEBRATES 25 YEARS,
CORNERSTONE GALA RAISES NEARLY $65,000

TUCSON, May 5, 2006 - The 2006 Cornerstone Gala raised nearly $65,000 for the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson reported event chairs Ann Charles and Bill Bowen. The Gala was held on April 21, 2006 at the J.W. Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa. The theme of this year's Gala was Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present, Building the Future in honor of the Catholic Foundation's 25th anniversary.

The Most Reverend Gerald F. Kicanas, Bishop of Tucson, started the evening with an invocation. The Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of Milwaukee gave the keynote address. Also in attendance was the Most Reverend Manuel D. Moreno, Bishop Emeritus of Tucson and the Most Reverend Francis J. Quinn, Bishop Emeritus of Sacramento.

The highlight of the evening came with the announcement of $380,800 in grant distributions. Recipients included Pio Decimo Center, San Xavier Mission School, St. Charles Mission School, Diocese of Tucson, Corpus Christi Parish, St. Augustine Cathedral and Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona.

The Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson was established in 1981 by Bishop Francis J. Green to support the religious, educational and charitable works of the Diocese of Tucson. Since its inception, the Foundation has provided more than $2 million in support to parishes, schools, and other Catholic organizations. The Foundation works with donors to help them capitalize on the benefits of charitable planned giving, including the ability to reduce their taxes, receive a life income from their gift and leave a legacy for generations to come. For more information visit: www.cathfnd.org or call 520.838.2507.