But like Mother Cabrini, who had an extraordinary vision of our needs for the future, legacy gifts will enable us
to plan and be there for those in need us for many years to come. I believe
that this traditional story from Jewish text may illustrate Mother Cabrini’s
vision.

It’s a story of a traveler who once saw an old man planting a carob tree. He asked him when he thought the
tree would bear fruit.

“After seventy years” was the reply.

“Do you expect to live seventy
years and eat the fruit of your labor?”

“I did not find the world desolate when I entered it,” said the old man, “and as my ancestors planted for
me before I was born, so do I plant for those who will come after me.”

For more information on the Mother
Cabrini Legacy Society please contact Nick Vendikos at 212-228-8608 or
nvendikos@cabrinifdn.org.

Have you ever heard anyone say, “I want to die without
a will”? While some people may act like they don’t need a will, I haven’t
heard anyone actually brag about it. That’s because people seem to agree that
having a will is a good idea. Sadly, with all the benefits, one might expect
that every person would have a will. But the opposite is true. Of the 1.5
million persons who die each year in the U.S., only 30 percent have a will. And many of those wills are defective.

Actually, when it comes right down to it, no one dies without a will. State government has seen
to that. Lawmakers have “written” a general will that stipulates how our
estates will be disbursed — if we fail to do these ourselves. The problem is
they do not know us, our commitment and what we feel is important.

So a personalized will (or other transfer document such as a living trust) is of great value. Not
only does it provide peace of mind; it prescribes who you want to handle your
affairs and who will benefit from your estate. Will power can help you use the power and freedom you have as an
individual to make your own choices regarding the distribution of your estate.

If you do have a will,
when was the last time you reviewed it? Most experts suggest you review your
will every two years or sooner, especially when a major life change has
occurred.

Let this little message be a boost to your will power
and move you to action. Call your attorney and make an appointment.

For more information about Wills and Will Power please go to http://cabrinifoundation.org/contact/
or call Nick Vendikos 212-228 -8606 for a brochure on wills.

One of the most significant ways that
friends of the Missionary Sisters (MSC) can participate in supporting our
prophetic future is to join the Mother Cabrini Legacy Society. The society recognizes
friends that include the Cabrini Mission Foundation in their estate plans. To
date the society has 16 members who have indicated to us they have made
provisions in their estate plans to help us secure a challenging and often
tumultuous future for those who we serve.

There are numerous charitable options and many do not require any current financial
support. The most common being a bequest in one’s will. Many of our friends, we
often refer to them as our Secret Admirers, have already made these arrangements
but have not shared the information with us. We would love to know as it helps
us in our long range planning. We will also honor any confidential request that
you may have.
For more information on the Mother Cabrini Legacy Society, please contact Nick Vendikos,
Cabrini Mission Foundation President and CEO at 212-228-8606 or nvendikos@cabrinifdn.org.

Approximately thirty minutes outside of the heart of Baguio
City, Philippines, is a small elementary school set in a rural community called
Yagyagan.

I first stepped foot into this community in January 2011,
after Sr. Terezinha Lumbieri, MSC heard that the school was in need of
catechists for their students. Enthusiastic, Sr. Terezinha and I ventured off
to Yagyagan Elementary School, which we discovered was located off the main
road at the bottom of a 200-meter hill. Uh oh! As our taxi was driving us down,
I was thinking two things: “wow, the view of the mountains is beautiful from up
here!” and “oh my goodness, this means, we are going to have to walk back UP
this hill?”

Now, fourteen months later, we have been making this weekly
trip ever since, with Sr. Terezinha teaching grades 1-3 and me handling grades
4-6. With the strong support of parents, the continual welcome and hospitality
of the Yagyagan staff, and the joyful smiles of the kids, it makes it easy for
us to return week after week. After spending time with the kids for over a
year, I realized I wanted to visit their homes and meet the rest of their
families.

In February 2012, I spent the whole day trekking up and down
the hills of Yagyagan, visiting some of the families, and around 2pm, it
started to rain, as I was told, it normally does.

As I was making my trek back to the main road (still forty
minutes away) in what seemed like another rainstorm, I saw some of the kids
running home, wrapped in large plastic bags where they either poked a hole for
their head or tied their large garbage bag in such a creative way that their
head would be sheltered from the rain. I had never seen anything like it – at
least in a large mass of students! I could not believe it.  Every time it rains? Just like this?

As I finally got to the main road and waited for my jeepney
to return home, I realized that I wanted to help out these kids. These kids had
become my younger brothers and sisters and after seeing this, there was no way
I could not do anything. The teachers told me that many of the students end up
getting sick because of their trek to and from school, especially when weather
conditions are pretty bad. Because most of the parents/guardians of these
children are either low-wage farmers, vendors in the local community, or
unemployed, they don’t have the means to purchase rain protection for their
children.

Knowing this, I had to act. With love, I present to you
“Mission Kapote” which is an initiative to raise funds to provide raincoats for
the entire school of Yagyagan Elementary School, which is approximately 132
students. With the rainy season heavily approaching in June, I am seeking both
local and international donors to assist in this Mission and to keep our
students dry! Any donation is greatly appreciated. Salamat po!

Mother Cabrini wrote in New Orleans, May 24, 1904: “Didn’t I tell you that I’m alive miraculously? We were traveling from Denver and as soon as we passed Dallas at night at 10:30 p.m., the enemies of the railroad, who had been hiding in the woods, fired at the train. A bullet aimed at my head fell to my side while it should have passed through my cranium. My companion was terribly frightened. She looked to see what had happened to me. Tranquil and unharmed, I asked what was happening.

“The railroad personnel kept coming to see us because they could hardly believe that I was unharmed and thought that I had someone watching over me….I told them it was the Sacred Heart to whom I had entrusted the journey.”

The Cabrini Mission Foundation is proud to announce this year’s honorees for the Foundation’s Annual Dinner to be held on Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at the landmark Pierre Hotel in New York City.

The awards to be conferred are:
Medal of Mother Cabrini:

• Robert Catell, Chairman, AERTC  (Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center) of New York State University at Stony Brook and Chairman, New York State Smart Grid Consortium
  Mr. Catell, who is a champion of Catholic education and a longtime supporter of Cabrini, received the Spirit of Cabrini Award in 2000. He will be the first lay person to receive the Medal of Mother Cabrini, the highest honor that the Foundation can bestow upon an individual. Previous recipients of the Medal of Mother Cabrini are Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, and Bishop Dennis Sullivan, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of New York. “When we began discussing possible Medal recipients, Bob’s name immediately came to the forefront. He is such a dynamic person and an incredibly worthy recipient,” said Nick Vendikos, CMF President & CEO.

 This year’s Spirit recipients certainly are three dynamic individuals.
Spirit of Cabrini Award Recipients:

• Thomas Dunleavy, Senior Advisor, Ambient Corporation, Former Chairman of the Board, Cabrini Medical Center
  Thomas Dunleavy’s support of the Sisters and Cabrini extends for generations. As the former longtime chairman of Cabrini Medical Center, Tom epitomizes service above self and is as active today, as he was in years past. We are proud to pay tribute to Mr. Dunleavy’s unwavering allegiance to the Sisters He is a steadfast champion of the Foundation and has  worked tirelessly to expand the foundation’s outreach to new friends of which many are now members of the board, most notably his son Patrick who serves as the chairman of the nominating committee.

• Liz Gonzalez, News Reporter, Telemundo
  Ms. Gonzalez is one of the top reporters in New York City and has been a passionate and strong advocate for the rights of immigrants. As a leading reporter at NBC Univision/Telemundo, Ms. Gonzalez is known throughout New York as a tireless reporter and someone who makes a difference in our city.

• Nets Basketball – to accept the award will be Brett Yormark, President & Chief Executive Officer, Nets Sports & Entertainment
  Brett Yormak, President and CEO, Nets Basketball will accept the award on behalf of the organization. The Nets are in the process of moving to one of Mother Cabrini’s previous ministries in Brooklyn. Since Mr. Yormark joined the Nets, many have named the Nets as the most accessible, inventive, fan-friendly, and community-active team in sports. Some programs included free state tax return preparation for New Jersey residents and Take a NET to School Sweepstakes, in which a player takes a student to school one morning. Thanks to Executive Vice President Leo Ehrline, the Nets have been very supportive of Cabrini at Foundation events.

The Sister Josephine Tsuei Award Recipient

• Cabrini Mission Corps
  Cabrini Mission Corps is celebrating the 20th year of the first missioners being sent around the world. CMC was created by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to invite women and men from across the globe to “respond to the Church’s universal call to holiness by serving as missionaries in the US and overseas in the spirit of St. Frances Cabrini, who was a bearer of the love of Christ in the world.” (1990 Stella Maris Provincial Chapter) 128 women and men have been commissioned since 1992 to serve in six US cities and nine countries overseas.

 ”This year’s honorees are all truly remarkable,” said CMF President & CEO Nick Vendikos. “All have responded to Cabrini constituencies in varying communities. Independently, they have all answered St. Cabrini’s call. It is only fitting we recognize them collectively on June 13. They are truly inspiring.” Our emcee for the night will be Super Bowl Champion and now broadcaster Howard Cross, formally of the New York Football Giants. World Renowned Violinist Gregory Harrington will close the evening with a special musical performance to what promises to be a memorial evening.

Download 2012 Spirit of Cabrini Awards Dinner Save the Date.pdf

Download 2012 Spirit of Cabrini Awards Dinner Early Reservation Form

Click here to register or make a gift now!!

On Wednesday, June 13, 2012, the Cabrini Mission Foundation will host its “Spirit of Cabrini Awards Dinner” at The Pierre Hotel in New York City. I am hoping you join us for what promises to be a special evening in support of programs and institutions that provide healthcare, education and social services for women, children, immigrants and the elderly.

I am delighted to announce Robert B. Catell, Chairman, Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (AERTC) at New York State University at Stony Brook and Chairman, New York State Smart Grid Consortium is this year’s Medal of Mother Cabrini Award Recipient. The Spirit of Cabrini Award Recipients are: Thomas Dunleavy, Former Chairman of the Board, Cabrini Medical Center; Elizabeth Laskie-Gonzalez, Program Manager, NBC Universal; The New York Nets represented by Brett Yormark, President and CEO, Nets Sports and Entertainment; and Cabrini Mission Corps who will receive the Sr. Josephine Tsuei Award celebrating 20 years of service. This year’s distinguished honorees represent the spirit of Mother Cabrini through their commitment to community outreach, elder care, immigration and catholic education.  We applaud their strong commitment to these values which are at the core of all our work.

The dinner is one of the pre-eminent fundraising evenings in New York City and gives all Cabrini institutions a spotlight on their efforts and initiatives. It is well attended by over 400 guests representing corporate, political, social and sports circles. The Spirit of Cabrini Awards Dinner has provided millions of dollars for the Foundation to support Cabrini institutions and programs not only in the United States but around the globe.

Proceeds from this very special evening support programs of healing, teaching and caring – not only in the United States but also Australia, the Philippines and Swaziland – while at the same time having a positive impact on women, children, our elders, immigrants and those who have nowhere else to turn but Mother Cabrini, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and their lay collaborators.

Enclosed is our Early Reservation package.  I hope you will join us for what promises to be a very memorable evening. If you have any questions, please call the Foundation at 212-228-8608 or email Aida Torres at atorres@cabrinifdn.org.

I look forward to spending a special evening with you and to thanking you personally on June 13.

Very truly yours,

Nicholas J. Vendikos
President & CEO

Featured Performer: Gregory Harrington, World-Renown Violinist
 
Mr. Catell, who is a champion of Catholic education and a longtime supporter of Cabrini, received the Spirit of Cabrini Award in 2000. He will be the first lay person to receive the Medal of Mother Cabrini, the highest honor that the Foundation can bestow upon an individual. Previous recipients of the Medal of Mother Cabrini are Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, and Bishop Dennis Sullivan, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of New York. “When we began discussing possible Medal recipients, Bob’s name immediately came to the forefront. He is such a wonderful person and an incredibly worthy recipient,” said Nick Vendikos, CMF President & CEO.
 
This year’s Spirit recipients are certainly a dynamic triumvirate. Thomas Dunleavy’s support of the Sisters and Cabrini extends generations. As the former longtime chairman of Cabrini Medical Center, Tom epitomizes service above self and is as active today, as he was in year’s past. In fact, Mr. Dunleavy’s unwavering allegiance to the Sisters has brought the Foundation many incredible Board members and benefactors, most notably his son Patrick who serves as the chairman of the nominating committee.
 
Ms. Gonzalez is one of the top reporters in New York City and has been a passionate and strong advocate for the rights of immigrants. As a leading reporter at NBC Univision/Telemundo, Ms. Gonzalez is known throughout New York as a tireless reporter and someone who makes a difference in our city.
 
Finally, the Foundation is excited to be honoring the NBA’s Nets as well. Currently in the process of moving to one of Mother Cabrini’s previous ministries in Brooklyn, their President & Chief Executive Officer Brett Yormark will accept the honor on the organization’s behalf. Since he joined the Nets, many have named the Nets as the most accessible, inventive, fan-friendly, and community-active team in sports.  Some programs included free state tax return preparation for New Jersey residents and Take a NET to School Sweepstakes, in which a player takes a student to school one morning. Thanks to Executive Vice President Leo Ehrline, the Nets have been very supportive of Cabrini at Foundation events.
 
For more information about tables, tickets and sponsorships, please contact Aida Torres at ATorres@cabrinifdn.org or at 212-228-8608.
–

 By Nick Vendikos
President & CEO
Cabrini Mission Foundation

 As the Christmas season is upon us, I write with prayer and hope that you will again answer Cabrini’s call.

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we so often forget what is truly important. We’re inundated by Black Friday commercials and shopping specials; we are shuffled from one holiday party to another, and, of course, we have to get the Christmas lights and tree up before our neighbors or risk the scorn of being frowned upon.

 When did everything become so frenzied?

 At Cabrini, we are also in the yuletide season.

 However, our efforts are dedicated to support the individuals who turn to Cabrini for hope and support. At the Foundation, I am blessed to work with colleagues — Aida and Mike — whose effort, energy and professionalism always answers the call. It is amazing the time and effort they put forth on a daily basis. I often tell individuals that our Foundation’s ministry is to provide the necessary funds so our colleagues across the United States and around the globe can minister to those in need.

 Whether they be women, children, immigrants, the elderly or sick, Cabrini is there. It could be for education, healthcare, education, immigration and naturalization, nurturing or spiritual renewal, Cabrini is there.
So while it is important to give gifts to our family and loved ones, I know you also appreciate all the gifts that God has blessed you.

 I hope you will consider a year-end gift to Cabrini at this time.

 Please see the attached .pdf brochure, and make your gift today. It’s easy to give on-line or via the mail — whatever way is most convenient for you. As always, please feel free to spread the word and tell your family, friends and colleagues.

 We need you to be a Cabrini champion, and like my colleagues, I am certain you will answer the call.

 May God Bless you and your families with a merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!

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