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We help foster faith-based stewardship in the community for the spiritual, educational and charitable needs of all. Chris Anselmo believes in the importance of “giving back” and wanted a way to inspire others to give, as well. In 2017, Chris, who is president of Brookside Tax & Financial Group, LLC, harnessed his company’s charitable spirit to create The Brookside Gives Back Fund, held at the Catholic Community Foundation.
Over the past three years, The Brookside Gives Back Fund has distributed $38,000 to support tuition assistance for students at Holy Family Catholic School, St. Anthony of Padua School, and St. Columbkille Catholic School. While his original intention was to support students needing financial assistance to continue their Catholic education, Chris saw an even greater need arise during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Brookside Gives Back Fund has now shifted its purpose to provide emergency mortgage, rent, and utility assistance to individuals served by the Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance program. “I wanted to help more people and to invite more people to join me in that mission,” says Chris. “Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t have savings. They have fallen on hard times and have run out of money during this crisis. There are some industries, like restaurants, where people will no longer be called back to work. Distributions from The Brookside Gives Back Fund may help them weather the storm.”
The Brookside Gives Back Fund was initially established with significant funds added from memorial contributions received for Chris’ father, who passed away in January 2018. Through the years, Chris has continued contributing to the Fund, which has also received individual contributions from clients, friends, and family members.
“I value my Catholic upbringing. My Catholic faith and education continue to have a major impact on my success as a son, a brother, a husband, a father, and a business owner,” says Chris. “Since the Fund was started, 100% has gone to people who need it. The Fund assists all people in need, not just Catholics.”
Chris invites you to help in providing emergency assistance to individuals and families served by Catholic Charities. Donations to the Brookside Gives Back Fund can be made by contacting Mary Lou Ozimek at 216-696-6525 x4070 or through the secure web portal www.catholiccommunity.org/brookside-gives.