By Jessica Able, Record Staff Writer
The ninth annual Salute to THE GAME Luncheon, hosted by the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF), raised $330,000 toppling last year’s record of $260,000. The luncheon was held Sept. 30 at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville.
The event — which “celebrates the nationally-recognized rivalry and thrill” of the annual St. Xavier High School and Trinity High School football game — drew 1,100 people, according to press statement from the CEF.
Since its inception, the annual luncheon has raised nearly $1.5 million. All of the net proceeds from the fundraising event go toward the foundation’s work to make Catholic education accessible to more families in the Archdiocese of Louisville.
Richard A. Lechleiter, CEF president, noted the average scholarship award to a student is approximately $1,100. He estimated that the day’s proceeds would aid about 300 students.
“An event like this that nets $330,000 has enormous impact,” he said in an interview following the luncheon.
He noted the event is growing rapidly and predicts the luncheon will bring in $400,000 next year.
“It’s a very aggressive goal, but for our kids that’s what we’ve got to do,” he said. “If we want to support more kids in Catholic schools we have to grow these events. It’s not a choice. We are very excited about that and will make that happen.”
The annual St. Xavier/Trinity game took place Sept. 30 at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. The Trinity Rocks beat the St. Xavier Tigers 35-13.
