The Mother Teresa Regional School community joined forces this school year to meet a formidable challenge: to raise over $50,000 and reap the rewards of an “angel.”

The PTA of the Atlantic Highlands school customarily raises about $50,000 each year and earmarks it for their St. Thomas More Scholarship Fund which assists needy students with tuition costs. This past fall, an anonymous donor presented the school with a gift of $50,000 and gave the Catholic elementary school an added incentive: for every dollar exceeding $50,000 the PTA would raise, that donor would increase his or her donation and match it dollar for dollar.

The PTA, students and staff leapt into action, reported Kelly Condon, MTRS media contact. A year-long series of events included a casino night; a spring fling gift auction; a Knights of Columbus spaghetti dinner; a fun run; pocketbook bingo; Christmas bazaar and numerous dress down days amassed a total of $25,000 over the goal. As a result, the anonymous individual pledged to donate a matching $25,000 towards the fund…. and issue the same challenge for the 2015-2016 school year.

Principal Tom Sorci expressed his gratitude for the donation and pride in the MTRS community’s hard work.

“Mother Teresa Regional School has been blessed this year by a strong PTA Board which has raised $25,000 above their annual goal of $50,000,” noted Sorci. “In addition, a strong Catholic School supporter, who wishes to remain anonymous, has matched the PTA’s fundraising efforts … My prayers for the continued financial support of our school are being answered.”