A.B. McDonell Vision Fund
Annual Fund Drive
Christian Brothers $5-$249
Saints of Support – Helping every student reach their God-given potential.
Rev. Edmund Sturm $250-$499
Saints of Support – Helping every student reach their God-given potential.
Rev. Theodore Hegemann $500-$749 (HC)
Saints of Support – Helping every student reach their God-given potential.
School Sisters of Notre Dame $750-$999 (ND)
Saints of Support – Helping every student reach their God-given potential.
Mary and Lizzie Jennings $1,000-$2,499 (JC)
A.B. McDonell Vision Society Honoring the legacy of A.B. McDonell, Vision Society Members give $1,000 or more…
Sister Mary Francis Xavier $2,500-$4,999...
A.B. McDonell Vision Society Honoring the legacy of A.B. McDonell, Vision Society Members give $1,000 or more…
Sister M. Estelle $5,000-$9,999 (EC)
A.B. McDonell Vision Society Honoring the legacy of A.B. McDonell, Vision Society Members give $1,000 or more…
Father Eugene Phelan $10,000-$14,999 (PC)
Partners in Promise Help bridge the gap between tuition and the full cost to educate each student. Your gift…
Father Charles F.X. Goldsmith $15,000 + (FX)
MACS Student Promise Covers the full cost to educate one of our MACS Students.
A.B. McDonell Vision Society…
Campaign ends Tuesday, June 30th, 2026, 11:58 pm CDT
What is the A.B. McDonell Vision Fund?
This is an annual fund supporting McDonell Area Catholic Schools. The fund is made up of annual gifts from alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends of MACS. All gifts are unrestricted contributions that allow us to fulfill the vision of A.B. McDonell and serve the greatest need.
Why is the Annual A.B. McDonell Vision Fund Necessary?
The A.B. McDonell Vision Fund is the cornerstone of all fundraising for McDonell Area Catholic Schools. Without it, MACS would not be able to keep its doors open as tuition does not cover the full cost of educating a student at MACS. The true cost to educate an elementary student is $12,100 and to educate a high school student $14,800. The difference per student must be found through other resources. The most significant contribution any of us can make to MACS is to the A.B. McDonell Vision Fund.
How should payments be made?
Pay in a monthly recurring gift (debit or credit card) or in full
Send a check made payable to McDonell Area Catholic Schools or MACS
Make your gift online.
Are other types of gifts accepted?
Yes! Many donors prefer giving through a donor-advised fund, their IRA, or appreciated stock. Donors are encouraged to consult with their financial advisor. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the MACS Advancement office at 715.723.0538 for assistance with any of these options.
What about matching gifts?
Donors are encouraged to inquire about their employers’ matching gift program. These programs match the amount of the donor’s charitable contribution, often doubling their donation. Check with your employer for options.
Who was A. B. McDonell?
Orphaned at the age of 14, Sir Alexander B. McDonell rose to prominence as a respected civic leader in the late 1800s. In 1873, he assumed the role of superintendent at the Mississippi River Lodging Company.
Tragically, in 1892, McDonell experienced a devastating loss when his wife and three children perished in a flood. McDonell, who had taken a keen interest in Catholic education, proposed to establish a new high school in memory of his family.
McDonell Memorial High School, known today as the Heyde Center for the Arts, was equipped with state-of-the-art educational resources and was operational from 1907 to 1965.
