BOLT Special Ask
Dear Friends of Pius X High School,
Thirteen months ago, when the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I came across the following prayer that I shared at our virtual BOLT last year.
“During this Coronavirus pandemic, many are tempted to fear, anxiety and perhaps even despair. Some have lost their precious lives, some have lost those whom they love, some have suffered through the debilitating effects of this illness, some have lost their jobs, their income, and most have encountered much disruption to the normal flow of their daily lives. Every crisis in life is also an opportunity to turn to our beloved Savior in trust and complete abandonment so as to rest in His merciful hands. To rest in the hands of God means we are secure, despite the uncertainty of life. It means we are free to love God and others, despite the challenges we face. It means we raise our eyes to Heaven, rather than look down in fear.”
This prayer helps me feel hopeful; it helps me realize that I can trust our Savior regardless the circumstances. I have turned to this prayer many times during the last year. I don’t know the hardships, trials and losses that you experienced. Whatever the impact COVID-19 had on your lives, I pray you were able to know the Lord’s incredible presence and love for you and those close to you. It became a time to reach out to others in need and offer the loving hand of Christ. Thank you for that loving response. I have seen it in our students, families and staff.
This is our 36th BOLT event. In our thirty-five year history, we have raised over $6.3 million. The proceeds from BOLT 2017 through 2019 helped build and furnish the new $6 million classroom project that opened in August, 2019. Last year’s virtual BOLT raised over $280,000. $185,000 was raised through the auction and tables sold for BOLT. Our BOLT committee delivered party boxes to homes, and people were understanding about accepting the circumstances and still generously supported Pius X. We garnered over $50,000 to be matched via the “extra ask,” and you responded to that challenge, allowing us to receive the entire match. Of the dollars raised, $202,000 were used to help families impacted by COVID with tuition relief for both the 2019-20 and the 2020-21 school years. I am so pleased to report that we were able to help every family that asked for help, and grateful for the generous donors who supported those harshly impacted by the pandemic.
$76,000 of the BOLT 2020 money went to the Booster Club to help support our co-curricular activities. This was vitally important for them this year because since last March they had very little concession revenue, though they still continued to support activities. Their biggest project was replacing the field-turf on the football/soccer field. They had saved $30,000 each year for the past ten years for this project. It is crucial to keep the field-turf maintained, as it helps keep our student-athletes safe. The Booster Club will continue to provide uniforms for teams; admission fees to competitions for cheerleading, dance, vocal music and band; re-finishing the gym floors; resurfacing of the tennis courts and track, and so forth. Thank you, Booster Club members and leadership.
This year “BOLT on the Beach” will return to using the revenue for capital improvement projects. Two thirds of this year’s BOLT revenue and the “extra ask” will be used to grade and pave the entire east parking lot. Please consider a direct donation of $100, $200, $500 or more to the “extra ask” for this purpose. Getting the parking lot finished sets the stage for us to begin pursuing our next major project – a campaign to build a new performing arts center, to expand and renovate our locker rooms and to build up the Pius X Foundation Endowment.
As always, Booster Club will receive one-third of the main-event net revenue. They are quite organized and always plan well for the facility expenses connected to our activities, as well as continuing to support all activities.
Finally, on behalf of the students, faculty and staff of Pius X, I want to express our deepest appreciation for your ongoing support of BOLT and Pius X High School, especially in these extraordinary pandemic times.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Fr. James Meysenburg
Chief Administrative Officer
