The need for tuition assistance at Miriam is at an all-time high. Enrollment has increased, and now finances are more uncertain than ever due to the global pandemic. Current budget plans for the 2020-21 school year include the need for just under $2 million in tuition assistance compared to $784,600 just five years ago in 2015-16. The majority of the funding for Miriam’s tuition assistance comes from Endowed Scholarship funds, in addition to Miriam’s Annual Fund and the revenue generated by Miriam’s resale shop, the Miriam Switching Post.
Miriam is grateful for the support of all our established endowment funds (for a complete list, please visit miriamstl.org) and would especially like to celebrate the addition of our two newest endowed scholarship funds: the Ann & Paul Arenberg Scholarship Fund and the Nancy & Donald Steele Family Endowment Fund, both established by the couples’ children.
“Our family is very pleased to be able to help families to afford Miriam through the creation of the Ann and Paul Arenberg Scholarship Fund. My mother, Ann, volunteered at Miriam years ago, and my sister, Susan, teaches students with learning challenges, so this new endowment is exciting, and particularly meaningful,” said Steven Arenberg.
Nancy Steele was a long-time supporter and volunteer at Miriam, and after her passing Don continued their support and served for several years on Miriam’s Board of Directors. Their son, Jerry Steele, carries on the family’s tradition and currently serves on Miriam’s Finance Committee.
Endowed Scholarship Funds are forever gifts that provide access to Miriam’s services for children and families for generations to come. When you establish an endowment, or contribute to an existing one, you create a lasting legacy. Named Endowed Scholarships at Miriam can be established with a minimum of $25,000, and there are a number of ways in which an endowment can be funded. Thanks to a generous donor, there is currently a limited-time special opportunity to establish a named scholarship endowment in honor or memory of a loved one for as little as $15,000. Donors may spread payments out over a period of one to three years.
Please contact Janine Lawler, Director of Development, at 314-962-6059 or jlawler@miriamstl.org, for more information.
