HENDERSONVILLE — In 1996, Immaculate Conception parishioners Antonius “Tony” and Anne Lefeber set up a special trust to benefit Immaculata School that is now having an impact on future generations.
The special trust funds the Lefeber Endowment Fund, which, after land held by the trust was sold, provided $65,000 in a direct funds to the school and $65,000 to establish the endowment in 2020.
“I first met both Tony and Ann in the early ’90s at a parish function,” recalled Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development. “They were both quiet and humble people who obviously loved the Church.”
Kelley remembers the couple being active at Immaculate Conception Church, where Anne served as an usher and Tony was a sacristan and daily communicant who also founded the sick and homebound ministry at the parish in 1977. Tony passed away in 2017, and Anne passed away in 2019.
Immaculate Conception’s pastor, Father Christian Cook, describes the impact a gift like theirs can have. “When the faithful make a financial gift to Immaculata by creating an endowment, we see a gift that helps fund Catholic education at our school for decades into the future and, in theory, indefinitely.”
Father Cook notes that a simple cash gift is eventually spent, but when the same amount is structured in an endowment, the principal gift is never spent and continues to make a financial impact at Immaculata year after year.
“In this way, the Lefeber Endowment, and others like it, will support the witness of Catholic education in Hendersonville forever. Imagine the hundreds of children who will be educated in the Catholic Tradition from a donation like the Lefeber Endowment,” he said.
Immaculata School’s Principal Margaret Beale also appreciates the tuition assistance her students receive from the endowment. “It gives families an opportunity to attend our school who might not otherwise be able to,” she said.
Kelley observes that more people are leaving gifts of real estate to the Church, either during their life or in their estate plans. “Setting up a charitable remainder unitrust or annuity trust are two ways to do that effectively,” he said.
— SueAnn Howell
Fund an endowment
Interested in setting up an endowment or adding to an existing endowment at your parish or Catholic school? Establish an endowment in the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation by leaving a bequest in a will; a beneficiary designation from a retirement plan; a gift of real estate; a gift of life insurance, cash or securities sufficient to set up an endowment; or a life income arrangement, such as a trust or annuity.
For details, contact Gina Rhodes at 704-370-3364 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..