“Due to the generous support from so many wonderful people and local businesses the Cardinal Shehan Center is now only $500,000 away from reaching our goal to raise $2 million for our Capital Campaign,” said Shehan Center Executive Director Terry O’Connor in his spring newsletter.
“The goal of the campaign is to ensure the stability of the Cardinal Shehan Center in these economically challenging times,” said O’Connor. “We’re very grateful to all those who have made a contribution.”
He said that campaign contributions are earmarked to create a scholarship fund, make much-needed building repairs to the 130-year old facility and grow the endowment.
A key initiative of the campaign has been the creation of a $1 million fund to help pay tuition for Shehan Center members who need financial assistance to attend a Catholic school in Bridgeport.
He said Shehan Center has had a busy year including several fundraising events benefiting its After School & Saturday Program. The downtown Bridgeport center has also dedicated the kitchen and gym to longtime supporters.
Over the winter, the scoreboards were dedicated to the Sheehan family, which has supported the center for many years. In April, the Shehan Center dedicated its kitchen to the memory of the Chairman of William B. Meyer, Inc. Tom Gillon’s parents, Grace and Frank P. Gillon,” he said.
The Shehan Center offers a wide range of educational and recreational programs including after-school and tutoring programs, mentoring, basketball camp and leagues, swimming lessons, summer camp and physical educations.
O’Connor said that children who attend summer camp at the Shehan Center can look forward to enjoying arts and crafts, basketball, swimming, math, science, literacy, cooking, and computer activities.
Throughout the year the Shehan Center also sponsors a wide range of events that involve the entire community such as the Red Ribbon Ball, the Great Shehan Trivia Contest, the Dodge Ball Tournament, golf classics, March Madness basketball tournament and other activities.
The Cardinal Shehan Center serves young people of all faith. It is located at 1494 Main Street in Bridgeport. For information or to make a gift to the capital campaign, call (203) 336-4468.Online at: www.shehancenter.org.
