Siblings Judy, Mary and Pete Rothfork recall memories of their dad giving to School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) from the time they were very young.

“The sisters were part of our parish and when we kids started going to school, his generosity spilled over to both the parish and the sisters,” said Mary. “He gave eggs to the sisters. He sent us kids to deliver them on our bikes and then would call the sisters after and ask, ‘So how many were broken?’”

In addition, he often helped drive the sisters as they did not own cars or drive themselves.

Witnessing their father’s generous spirit toward the sisters, alongside their own positive experiences with SSND as teachers, the Rothforks launched the Rothfork Family Foundation in the 1970s. The foundation donates to a select list of organizations, and SSND have always been among those it supports.

“Having been taught by SSND and knowing them from such an early age made an impact,” said Pete.

The Rothfork Family Foundation is also counted as a member of the Mother Caroline Society, which is the School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province’s major giving society.

Named after Mother Caroline Friess, the trailblazing North American Foundress of SSND, members of the Mother Caroline Society commit to a gift of $5,000 or more in support of the sisters and their mission.

As an initiative which was only launched in January 2024, there are already more than 50 individuals, families and groups who are part of this exclusive community of dedicated donors, a testament to the significant and positive impact of SSND.

With sisters active in 20 states and multiple countries, major gifts help to amplify the message, mission and ability of sisters to respond to the needs of the day.

“I have many good friends who are sisters, and their concern is worldwide,” said Mary. “They step out of their comfort zone to help.”

Like the Rothforks, many know SSND as teachers and principals at their parish school or local high school. It is important to note the many other ways sisters also minister, which includes work with and on behalf of the poor and refugees, social justice and advocacy efforts, spiritual direction and care of creation.

“I am always impressed in the ways they walk with and serve as companions to the homeless, sitting and listening with them,” said Judy. “I also see the sisters who teach English as a Second Language (ESL), helping those just entering the U.S. to be understood. It is valuable work.”

The Mother Caroline Society offers donors the opportunity to foster a more personal connection with the sisters they know, care for and appreciate. Depending on the level of giving, benefits to donors include name recognition at a Mass of Appreciation and in various SSND publications throughout the year, invitations to special, private events and more.

While the Rothforks can each name sisters who they count as special teachers, classmates or personal friends, their inspiration for giving to SSND extends to a wider purpose.

“[Through these gifts] I would hope sisters who are still active can continue to affect people and the world with their work,” said Mary. “And I hope anyone who has been positively touched by the teaching of SSND realizes that their commitment to a lifestyle of simplicity means that they need a boost as they enter their retirement years.”

“Working with our donors, I have been privileged to hear so many impactful stories and special memories of sisters,” said director of Resource Development, Mary Kay Murray. “In addition to relaying the ways SSND have helped shape their lives, donors have also expressed a desire to show their gratitude and commitment to sisters and their ministries. Our goal with Mother Caroline Society is to provide an opportunity for donors who are especially moved to give at this level. We hope all donors know how much they are appreciated and that their prayers and support shine in the lives of our sisters and all who they serve.”

Learn more about our Giving Societies and other ways to give in support of SSND.