Question 1: What is this campaign for, exactly?

Answer:
This campaign ensures Our Lady of Sorrows School stays strong and vibrant for generations to come. Funds raised go directly toward:

• Campus Improvements: Upgrading and maintaining facilities to provide a safe, modern learning environment
• Scholarships & Financial Aid: Helping families who need assistance with tuition
• Program Enhancements: Growing academic, religious, athletic, and artistic offerings to enrich the student experience
• Faculty Development: Investing in training and resources for teachers and staff
• Technology Upgrades: Expanding science and technology education, making sure students are prepared for the future

These projects reflect our commitment to keeping OLS a leader in Catholic elementary education.

 

Question 2: What’s new at OLS? Any interesting updates or progress so far?

Answer:

• New Alumni Foundation Launch: In November 2024, we officially launched the Lancers Alumni  Foundation, Inc. This independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit is dedicated to sustaining OLS through robust fundraising and engagement efforts.
• Early Progress: As of May 2025, we’ve already raised over $195,000 toward our $10 million goal—an exciting first step in our journey.
• Ongoing Initiatives: Funds raised will support campus improvements, expand academic programs, and offer more financial aid to families. We also aim to enhance science and technology education, helping students stay competitive in a rapidly changing world.

Through this work, OLS remains a beacon of faith-based education even as other Catholic schools in the region have been forced to close. We’re excited to keep this tradition thriving—and your support and involvement help make it possible

 

Question 3: Who owns OLS? Who controls the Lancers Alumni Foundation funds?

Answer: The Archdiocese of New York has overall oversight of OLS as a Catholic elementary school. The Lancers Alumni Foundation, however, is independently incorporated as a 501(c)(3). It is governed by its own volunteer-run committee, composed of current parents and alumni, who decide how Foundation funds are directed to the school.

 

Question 4: Is there a long-term plan for OLS? Is the school stable?

Answer: Yes. OLS has a strong foundation and remains committed to providing a quality Catholic education in the White Plains community. The alumni-driven fundraising efforts are specifically focused on ensuring the school’s future. Our mission is to “keep special alive,” and your support helps us stay on track for long-term viability.

 

Question 5: How is the current school budget achieved each year?

Answer: The school budget is based on projected revenue versus expenses. Revenue sources typically include tuition, fundraising outreach, events, sponsorships, and other contributions. Because most of the Alumni Foundation’s efforts are volunteer-run, overhead is kept low, helping more of every dollar go directly to supporting the school’s programs and facilities.

 

Question 6: Why must OLS raise funds this way? Isn’t the Archdiocese responsible?

Answer: Our Lady of Sorrows School (OLS) is under the umbrella of the Archdiocese of New York. However, with many Catholic schools closing in the region, it’s more vital than ever for us to ensure the school’s long-term sustainability through dedicated fundraising. The Lancers Alumni Foundation was formed by alumni to keep the school financially strong and preserve the special community OLS has fostered for generations.

 

Question 7: How much do we need to raise, and why?

Answer: We’ve set an ambitious goal to raise $10 million by December 31, 2030. In recent years, multiple Catholic schools in Westchester County have unfortunately been forced to close, which underscores the urgent need to preserve and strengthen quality Catholic education in our community. This $10 million will create a more sustainable financial foundation for OLS so we can continue offering a premier Catholic education to families in the White Plains area. The funds will cover critical improvements, scholarships, technology enhancements, and other key initiatives that ensure our long-term stability and growth.

 

Question 8: Where do donations go, and who decides how the money is spent?

Answer: Alumni may ask about oversight and transparency. Class Leads can clarify that the Lancers Alumni Foundation, Inc. is an independent 501(c)(3) run by volunteers and alumni, that the funds are carefully managed, and that decisions are made by its governing committee in consultation with the school.

 

Question 9: What are some ways I can participate in supporting OLS?

Answer: There are many ways to get involved and make a meaningful impact—even beyond donating. Here’s how you can help:

• Become a Class Lead: Lead outreach efforts to classmates, update contact information, and share campaign news.
• Identify Missing Donor Information: Help us locate “lost” classmates or alumni whose contact details may be outdated. This improves our ability to connect with the broader OLS community.
• Spread the Word: Encourage fellow alumni to follow us on Facebook (OLS Alumni Group). Share photos, stories, and memories to keep our alumni network vibrant.
• Personal Giving: Make a donation—no matter the size—to help us reach our goal and sustain OLS for years to come.
• Join a Committee: Get more deeply involved in the decision-making process, plan events, and contribute to our overall strategy.
• Assist with or Host Events: Volunteer at foundation events, or even host a small gathering or reunion to raise funds and awareness.
• Share Your Ideas: If you have unique talents or resources to offer, we welcome fresh ideas that enrich our efforts to support OLS.

Your involvement—whether through volunteer work, networking, or financial support—is essential to keeping Our Lady of Sorrows strong.

 

Question 10: Can I donate in someone’s honor or memory?

Answer: Absolutely. You can dedicate your donation in honor or memory of a loved one. On request, we will gladly send a note to that individual or their family to let them know a donation was made in their honor (excluding the gift amount).

 

Question 11: Are there opportunities for recognition (naming, dedications, etc.)?

Answer: Yes. We welcome opportunities for recognition both inside and around the school. To learn more about naming opportunities and dedications, please contact our foundation chair, Jim/Jamie (depending on how well you know him!) Giangrande, at jgiangrande@altium. We will work with you to find a meaningful way to honor or remember a loved one, classmate, or family.

 

Question 12: Are donations tax-deductible?

Answer: Yes. All gifts go through the Lancers Alumni Foundation, Inc., which is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Because of this nonprofit status, donations made to the Foundation are generally tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Always consult with your tax advisor regarding your specific situation.

 

Question 13: What are the different ways to give?

Answer: We welcome gifts in any amount and through various methods:

One-Time Donations: Online or by check.

Recurring Monthly Gifts: Provide ongoing support in smaller, manageable amounts.

Planned Giving: Include the Lancers Alumni Foundation in your long-term financial or estate plans.

Tribute or Memorial Gifts: In honor or memory of someone special. (We can also send a note to the family letting them know of your donation without including the gift amount.)

If you have questions about making a gift in a particular way, please contact us.

 

Question 14: Why did we have to change the name of this organization?”
Answer: Originally, this organization was named the OLS Alumni Foundation. However, OLS school is still affiliated with the NY Archdiocese. The archdiocese does not allow individual schools to raise money for themselves using their archdiocesan-owned name. (i.e., Our Lady of Sorrows) Wanting to maintain control over what these funds are used – and not used – for, we determined it was best to change out name. Lancers has been the school nickname since the late 1960s.

Question 15: How do I stay updated on OLS Alumni news?

Answer: Following Us on Facebook: Lancers Alumni Foundation, Inc. Facebook Group