‘A huge relief’: Fundraising effort saves St. Bede School

St. Bede School in Ingleside will remain open after this year, thanks to a campaign launched by a former student that raised more than $400,000 to save the school.

Parishioners and school families learned the good news late last week from the Rev. George Koeune, pastor of Our Lady of the Lakes Parish. In a letter to the school community, Koeune wrote that the Cardinal Blase Cupich had accepted his recommendation to keep St. Bede open.

The archdiocese had notified St. Bede on Dec.12 that the school needed to raise $400,000 by Jan. 26 to open for the 2024-25 school year.

That spurred Ingleside resident Susan Lutzke, a former St. Bede student and a senior at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein, to launch an online fundraising campaign.

Through the GoFundMe campaign and other fundraising efforts, including a recent event at the school, it took only 32 days to reach the goal. As of Tuesday, the fundraiser had received more than $438,000 from 962 donors.

“I am thankful to all that made it possible to keep the school open,” Susan said. “The lesson I learned over the past few weeks is that it is still possible to make a difference if you just take a chance.

“I was most inspired by the fact that people were so willing to help, even from surrounding communities ranging from local schools, restaurants, and businesses; words can’t express my gratitude,” she added.

School officials say the fundraising efforts will continue, with a long-term sustainability plan in the works and an open house set for Sunday to recruit new students and families.

Irma Torrez, parent of a current student and a recent graduate, said the school has been a second home for her children.

“My children feel safe here, knowing that every single person here cares for each other so much,” she said. “The news that the school will remain open is a huge relief for us, and we are so grateful.”

Greg Richmond, the archdiocese’s superintendent of Catholic schools, congratulated the school community on its “incredible achievement.”

“This effort reflects how much Catholic schools are valued and needed in their communities,” he said. “The support from neighboring Catholic schools, in particular, demonstrates how connected we are in our mission of faith and service.”

The open house will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, at 36399 N. Wilson Road, Ingleside. Tours will be offered by parents, staff and teachers. More information can be found at www.StBedeSchool.com.