Business takes charge at cash-strapped Catholic schools

Since the 70s, Business Leaders Organized for Catholic Schools has raised tuition scholarships for needy kids. Under current Chairman Michael O'Neill, owner of West Conshy-based gas-drilling-sand miner Preferred Unlimited, BLOCS has gone further, promising endowment matching grants to financially stabilize seven Catholic schools in parts of Philadelphia and Delaware County, and recruiting business liaisons to boost giving and plan long-term spending.

My colleague Martha Woodall wrote today about $4 million raised already toward endowments at 7 schools. Business executives working with them include:

- O'Neill, for St. Francis DeSales, West Philadephia
- Brian McElwee, of Valley Forge Investment Group, for St. Martin DePorres, North Philadelphia
- John McDonald, of Peco Energy Co., for Drexel Neumann Academy, Chester
- Joe Donnelly, of Comcast, for St. Cyril of Alexandria, East Lansdowne
- Fran Van Kirk, of Heidrick & Strugggles, for Our Mother of Sorrows and St. Ignatius, West Philly
BLOCS is still recruiting volunteers for the other two schools, Mercy Vocational High School, and St. Malachy's, in North Philly.

The group has raised a total of $5.3 million for matching funds and operating expenses for the endowment program, including $3 million from Mike O'Neill, $2 million from former cable TV magnate Gerry Lenfest, $250,000 from donor Gary Holloway, and $50,000 from the Delaware-based Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities.

In coordination with BLOCS, De Porres has raised an additional $3.8 million, DeSales $1 million, Drexel Neumann $400,000.