Couple’s gift to help 8,000 students, 50 schools
LA Catholic couple’s gift to help 8,000 students, 50 schools in low-income areas
A “transformative” new donation from a Southern California couple intended to help Catholic school students in low-income areas is expected to benefit more than 8,000 students around the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Announced May 20, the gift from Jim and Leslie Belardi will support students at 50 Catholic high schools and elementary schools through tuition and assistance, as well as instructional and professional development, according to the archdiocese’s Department of Catholic Schools (DCS).
“This gift will help ensure that the most vulnerable students have access to a quality Catholic education in the Los Angeles area, positioning the next generation for success,” Jim Belardi, chief executive officer and co-founder of retirement services company Athene, said.