November 18, 2011
Commentary
Carrying on a life of service: The Charles L. Kuhn Endowment
By LINDA COX (Catholic Foundation of Southwestern Indiana)
How does one put a price on the value of a Catholic education? For many of us, we have had the opportunity to attend Catholic school and receive the benefits of a wonderful education while practicing our faith. Sometimes it takes the vision of one man or of a family to assure that this education will always be available for everyone.
Earlier this year, an anonymous family from St. Benedict saw a need from students attending St. Benedict Catholic School for tuition assistance. They understood that there were several families who had either lost a parent through death or had a parent who had been permanently disabled. The family wanted their gift to ensure that there would always be assistance available for these families who have dealt with these losses to attend Catholic school by providing some financial assistance.
For over 10 years, Charlie Kuhn worked as the Business Manager for St. Benedict Cathedral. An accountant by background, Charlie began serving the parish, at first part-time and then full-time, after he retired from DSM Plastics in 1995. Charlie was very generous with his time, talent and treasure. According to the St. Benedict family who worked with him, “Charlie worked long hours, assisting with the many needs of the parish, attending meetings, and was a key person during the renovations of St. Benedict. To top all of this dedication, Charlie did this for free, accepting no pay for these 10 years.”
Charlie Kuhn was dedicated to his parish and believed strongly that all students who desire to attend Catholic school should have this opportunity. Charlie and Carolyn Kuhn were able to send all four of their children to Catholic school and they understood the lifelong value that it afforded each of them. He died Oct. 13, 2007, but his legacy now continues for students at St. Benedict School. His dedication and service to St. Benedict will always be remembered and the Charles L. Kuhn En-dowment named in his honor will assist in perpetuating his legacy.
Charlie was a quiet, humble man, who did not seek recognition for his service to God and his parish but many parishioners could clearly see the gifts that he gave his parish. One family wanted a way to ac-knowledge someone who gave so much to St. Benedict without any accolades for himself. Their gift of a permanent endowment will not only help students attend St. Benedict School but will acknowledge Charlie Kuhn for the wonderful example he gave to them. During the season of Thanksgiving, this family wishes to acknowledge all those who serve their parish and who have left a legacy for all of us to follow.
For more information on how you can support this endowment or to establish an endowment in someone’s name, please contact the Catholic Foundation at 812-424-5536 or by email at lcox@evdio.org. You may also visit the website at www.catholicfoundationswin.org for more information.