Inspiring the Next Generation of Generous Hearts
Patrick and Alissa Mullally believe the adage “to whom much is given, much will be required,” a lesson they learned from their parents as well as scripture (Luke 12:48). As children, Patrick and Alissa witnessed their parents being generous by offering their time to the parish and sharing their blessings to help others in any way they could. Not only has this sentiment, rooted in faith and family, inspired their generosity today, but also reinforces a lesson they hope to leave their children.
When their children were little, Patrick and Alissa looked for a church community and found a second home at Saint Mary’s in Spring Lake. There, Alissa was confirmed in the Catholic faith and their children began their Catholic school education, a priority for both parents as Catholic school graduates. They immersed themselves in various roles: volunteer, board member, auction committee, and more. Alissa now works at the school as the 4th Grade teacher, and all three of their children – Addison, Reagan, and Jack – are enrolled in the school.
A few years back, the Mullally’s had the opportunity to meet the Bishop, Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, at a fundraiser for the new Saint Mary’s School building. Patrick was energized by Bishop Walkowiak’s sentiments on the importance of Catholic schools and his vision for diocesan-level missions. Inspired by his encounter with the Bishop, the Mullally’s contacted the Catholic Foundation to join the Bishop’s Angels Society. A greater conversation ensued.
Not only did Patrick and Alissa want to share their blessings and show their support of Bishop Walkowiak, they also wanted to leave a legacy for their children. They decided to open a donor advised fund (DAF) at the Catholic Foundation, a vehicle that allows them to support multiple causes such as Catholic education, priestly vocations, pro-life causes, and the Bishop’s Angels annual giving program from one fund. Patrick said, “With our DAF we can continue to support those individual causes which are important to us, but in a more streamlined way and with a better plan in place. And more importantly, it will continue to be carried forward beyond our lifetime.”
Opening a DAF not only provided Patrick and Alissa with a vehicle for their generosity, but also a tool to teach their children about generosity. “Ideally this fund will long outlive Alissa and me. The kids will carry it forward and continue to contribute to it and also to use the fund in ways that are important to them at that time,” said Patrick. For Alissa, she hopes her children will work hard not only to achieve something for themselves, but also to do good unto others. Rooted in faith and family, Patrick and Alissa’s example will inspire their children to have generous hearts and pass on their blessings – just as they learned from their parents.