Brooklyn Jesuit Prep

In the 16 years I have lived in Portland, we’ve been proud to support and invest in numerous International, National and Local charities. In that time I’ve never felt it was appropriate to bother my family, friends or customers in requesting their help or support for any of these very worthwhile efforts. Most of y’all who know me, know that I am a stoney hearted conservative whose favorite line from Dickens’s Scrooge is “are there no prisons, no workhouses.” Well, recently, I was visited by three liberals who have turned my heart and tried to save my dark soul from its heartless ways.

Years ago, my very good friend became President of a Jesuit Catholic school, Reverend Mario Powell. Father Mario chose to head a “small middle school serving low-income families of diverse races, ethnicities and faiths in the East Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn; Brooklyn Jesuit Prep (BJP). Their mission is to develop young leaders who are intellectually competent, open to growth, loving, religious and committed to doing justice.” “100 % of BJP's students are currently students of color. However, within their student body, they have students of diverse backgrounds, heritages, and faiths.” “99% of their students graduate from High School and 93% of their students enroll in college.” “100% of BJP households are at or below the Federal Poverty Line. Overwhelmingly, BJP's students come from complex family situations.  About 69% of there students come from homes where their parents are no longer together. 14% of BJP's students could not access the internet at home via a computer.” BJP is changing lives and making a difference in creating children for the future. There is so much need out there and I know so many of y’all already do so much but I’m hoping as we approach this Season of giving, you might look into your hearts once again and support this very worthwhile effort.

My father had a quote he taught us to live by, “Better to light one candle than curse the darkness.” So no amount of giving is too small.

Thank you in advance for your giving.