BENSONHURST — Going into the final stretch of The Tablet’s Covid Relieve Fundraiser for Catholic Schools this past week, Msgr. David Cassato — pastor of St. Athanasius-St. Dominic Church, vicar for Catholic Schools, and New York Police chaplain — encouraged students to sell their subscriptions in a series of short videos which were sent out to all the participating schools to share on their social media platforms.
Msgr. Cassato called The Tablet fundraiser an amazing opportunity and emphasized that it was a big event for schools this year. He urged students to participate. “Time is running out. Try to sell those subscriptions,” said Msgr. Cassato. “You get money, the school gets money and The Tablet gets viewership out there. Let’s make it happen this year.”
The Tablet’s Covid Relief Fundraiser for Catholic Schools has garnered strong support in its effort to help raise much-needed funds for schools. More than 55 schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn are participating in the campaign that will help alleviate some of the financial strain students and schools have experienced this past year.
St. Athanasius student Noelle Pianoforte was able to sell 18 subscriptions to The Tablet. “I am so excited to sell The Tablet subscriptions because I love raising money for my school,” explained Pianoforte. “I know this fundraiser can also help The Tablet help other people, and that’s basically what we always do in student council — give a helping hand wherever needed.”
St. Athanasius school Principal Diane Competello was enthusiastic about the fundraiser. “Our students are so excited,” Competello told TheTablet. “It’s a win-win all around. They earn money, they help their school, and everyone gets to read The Tablet.”
Msgr. Cassato said that The Tablet subscription drive reminded him of a time when kids would wear caps and sell newspapers on street corners shouting, “Extra, Extra,” and “Read all about it.” He called the newspaper drive an old-fashioned way to do things by offering people incentives for their efforts.
“Can you imagine that for every subscription a student sells they get $10,” explained Msgr. Cassato. “And the school gets $5. And the highest selling school in the diocese gets a big prize. So, let’s work on it, and let’s get out there and sell subscriptions to The Tablet. This is your last chance,” he added. “You have until April 16 so let’s make it happen.
“God bless you and let’s make The Tablet known throughout the country.”
