Planned Giving Stories
Julie and Ernest "Chip" Behr '73
Ernest "Chip" Behr '73 first left his mark on La Salle College High as a student athlete in the early 1970's. As Captain of the Swimming Team, he led the Explorers to Philadelphia Catholic League and City Championships. One of four brothers to attend La Salle - Jim '78, Mike '82, and Jerry '84 - Chip and his wife, Julie, were determined that their sons experience the same opportunities. Evan '99 and Colin '05 both followed in their father's footsteps in attending La Salle College High School and flourishing in the swimming pool. As a La Salle parent, Chip served as President of the Men of La Salle and chaired the school's auction. He later served two terms on the school's Board of Trustees. Recently, he has proved to be instrumental as Vice-Chair of Fulfilling the Promise, La Salle's current capital campaign.
No one could ever accuse Chip Behr of not leaving a legacy at his Alma Mater. However, he was not finished. Recently, he worked with the Office of Institutional Advancement to make a planned gift to the school. His gift is part of the capital campaign and, through Chip and Julie's generosity, La Salle will continue to benefit from the mark first left by Chip back in the fall of 1969.
When asked why he made La Salle College High School part of his will, Chip simply responded, "I had a wonderful experience at La Salle. The Christian Brothers and the entire La Salle Experience helped to form me into the man I am today. Both of our sons loved their experiences at La Salle - academically and athletically - and we are positive that the La Salle Experience helped to influence and mold each of them. We sincerely want to see the Christian Brothers and Lasallian education continue, so we do the one thing that we can do - give back".
Al and Barbara Gabriele
"We sincerely believe that all our gifts to La Salle College High School are not donations like gifts to community organizations, police, firefighters, even our local parish church for example. These gifts are clearly investments, the return on which is the educated and future leaders of the world, the students we graduate every year. That investment is clearly targeted according to the school’s needs; we know how our investments will benefit that objective because we have a clear and realistic vision of those needs.
Our gifts, like all gifts, will benefit the present and future students, and continue the tradition of excellence achieved over many decades. It will help provide a broad and balanced Christian education in the tradition of St John Baptist de La Salle, the Christian Brothers brand of education, the brothers who become life-long friends and counselors to their students. There is an increasing attitude toward secularization in our country, and it is more important than ever that we help our young people provide the defense against this attempt, and La Salle is the right place to learn how to do that. Irrespective of the amount of our investment and gift to La Salle, we are confident that we will make a difference in the lives of the students."
Mary and Bob Moran ’69
"Mary and I support La Salle for a number of reasons. I am appreciative of the quality and caring education I received and we are both grateful for the lifelong friendships that developed with so many classmates, Christian Brothers, lay faculty and staff.
We wish to help other young men enjoy the benefits of a Lasallian education. La Salle College High School has become a home away from home for us. We have spent so many enjoyable days and evenings at the school that it truly feels like home. Each year we are impressed by the quality of young men who form the graduating class. Their accomplishments – in academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, and service – make us proud to be part of this tradition of excellence."
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