HUNTERSVILLE — One Christ the King High School family hopes to incentivize others to join them in donating to the school’s $5.5 million “Grounded in Faith – Building our Future” capital campaign.
The anonymous family made a $500,000 matching challenge gift, agreeing to match every pledge received in June, dollar for dollar, up to $500,000. In just a matter of weeks, donors contributed half a million dollars, meeting the $500,000 matching gift challenge.
The combined gifts put the Athletic and Activity Complex campaign over $3 million in just over two months, with the school raising $3,135,830 so far and putting it within close reach of the campaign’s first-level goal of $3.5 million.
“The outpouring of support for our Athletic and Activity Complex has been both astonishing and humbling,” said Dr. Carl Semmler, principal. “This is the most supportive and visionary community of Catholic secondary education that I have ever been a part of.”
Christ the King High School has grown from 28 students to 307 in eight years, with enrollment expected to reach 330 this fall.
Like the carefully managed growth of the school itself, the capital campaign will fund the extensive building project in stages. As each fundraising level is reached, designated phases of the project will be undertaken.
When the first goal of $3.5 million is reached, the gymnasium will be expanded to include a full-size court and two cross courts, plus expanded seating from 120 to 690 spectators. Also included are men’s and women’s locker rooms for home and visiting teams, coaches and trainer offices, space for a fitness center and a new main entrance from the school lobby into the gymnasium, which will also serve as an awards gallery.
When the capital campaign reaches its second goal of $4.5 million, a full-size stage, including lighting and sound system, will be built to accommodate student performances, school-wide liturgies and awards ceremonies.
At the final stage of the $5.5 million project, a pavilion will be built to serve as the new main entrance to the Athletic and Activity Complex and will include concessions, a Crusader ticket and spirit store and public restrooms. Also included is the completion of the fitness center, which is currently located in the school building.
“It’s gratifying to see the significant commitment people are making to Christ the King High School. To receive a transformative gift of $500,000 provides strong momentum as the campaign continues, and to have other parents match that amount in less than a month is extraordinary,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development.
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter
Learn more
Information about the “Grounded in Faith – Building our Future” capital campaign and how you can help is online at www.ctkchs.org. Questions? Contact Dr. Carl Semmler at 704-799-4400 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
