DALLAS – Now in its eighth year, The Catholic Foundation Work of Heart Program kicks off the new school year by seeking nominations for outstanding Catholic school employees throughout the Diocese of Dallas.  The Foundation, an organization dedicated to compassionate charitable giving and stewardship, recognizes local Catholic school employees for their hard work and commitment with a Work of Heart Award and $500 grant for personal use. 

As the 2012-2013 school year commences, students, teachers, administrators, parents and community members are encouraged to nominate deserving educators and staff to receive Work of Heart Awards in appreciation of their contributions.  

“A new school year begins another season of service and dedication for our Catholic school employees,” said Edwin M. Schaffler, president and CEO of The Catholic Foundation. “If you know of a teacher, administrator or staff member at a local Catholic school that exemplifies the highest standards in education and service, please consider nominating that individual for The Catholic Foundation Work of Heart Award.  In addition to the ‘thank you’ that a Work of Heart Award conveys, the honorees serve as an example to the rest of us of lives that are making a difference.” 

The Work of Heart Award program was established in 2005 to honor Catholic educators and staff in the Diocese of Dallas and was solely funded by an anonymous Dallas family through The Catholic Foundation. Today, The Catholic Foundation continues the program, and since its inception, the Foundation has presented more than 820 grants totaling approximately $527,000 in awards to individuals who serve children in 37 area schools.   

The award criteria is based on traditional merit including tenure and leadership, acts of kindness or charity, Christian example, mentoring, and simply going the extra mile for an individual student, family or the community. Past recipients have included teachers, principals, assistants, development officers, nurses and maintenance engineers.   

The Foundation continues this program through unrestricted funds and invites likeminded individuals to join in recognizing the service and dedication of the educators and staff in their local Catholic schools.  Individual contributions can be made to the Work of Heart Award Fund at The Catholic Foundation.   

To nominate a candidate for the “Work of Heart” Award, please visit The Foundation’s website at www.catholicfoundation.com/serving for instructions on the nomination process and nomination requirements.   Nominations are accepted throughout the school year. 

About The Catholic Foundation:

Chartered in 1955, The Catholic Foundation was founded by a group of dedicated Catholic laymen with a vision that extended far beyond the charitable needs of the moment. This independent, nonprofit corporation has dedicated its resources to compassionate charitable giving through grants provided by benefactors through its many planned giving programs.  Over the years, the Foundation has provided more than $73 million to meet the needs of the local Catholic community through grants to various religious, educational and charitable organizations.  For additional information about The Catholic Foundation, call 972.661.9792 or visit catholicfoundation.com.