The name "Men of Marian" has become synonymous with the mission of helping to make a Catholic education affordable to all.

Established in 1964, in conjunction with the formation of the central high school built in Hometown, the Men of Marian has been a steady source of financial assistance to Marian High School for the past 50 years. The organization provides a tremendous boost that offsets the annual budget of the school, including amenities that are otherwise unaffordable.Marian Catholic High School's Men of Marian booster organization is now striving to reach its goal of 500 members by creating the Men of Marian 500 Plus membership campaign. Tom Gerhard, the group's president, notes, "Through the efforts of our members, the Men of Marian holds and provides primary fundraising opportunities for the school."Efforts of the group are credited with raising millions of dollars for Marian High School, with the boosters' initiatives having increased proportionately over the years. With budgets of approximately $100,000 annually, expenditures have ranged from financial aid to uniforms for athletic teams, transportation, insurance for every student in the school, a full-time trainer, maintenance of facilities, medical supplies and many other areas where the school's budget has needed an influx of funds.In the past 16 years, the organization has donated more than $1.6 million to the school for use in multiple athletic and academic projects and activities. This amount does not reflect the total number of hours members have spent selling tickets and refreshments at games, maintaining the stadium, holding picnics and other activities, as well as constructing the Men of Marian Stadium and refreshment stand.Gerhard points out that members are not required to be alumni of Marian High School and that both men and women are welcome to join."Besides being the primary booster organization for athletics, the club also helps out by providing support to the band, cheerleaders and providing financial support to needy students. Because the group supports the athletic program, school officials are able to use all tuition money for academic programs. It's given us the balance to be able to cover the major expenses that would be far, far more difficult to cover. Without any tax support, we depend largely on fundraising and support from the public."Men of Marian's key fundraisers include the annual Chinese Auction, scheduled for April 3, and the Men of Marian Picnic, which will be held July 29, 30 and 31.For more information about the Men of Marian and the programs it sponsors, call 570-467-0641.