LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 12, 2004) - The Ursuline Sisters of Louisville's fundraising campaign that will allow renovations to the Ursuline Motherhouse is now more than half of the way toward the $500,000 project goal.

In addition to the many Ursuline alumnae and friends who have contributed toward the campaign, several local businesses have also made pledges amounting to $66,500 toward the Motherhouse renovation - more than 25 percent of the $258,000 raised to date.

"We have seen increasing support from the business community over the past several years," said Ursuline Sisters' president Sister Jean Anne Zappa. "We have had longstanding partnerships with several businesses who have committed to helping us with renovations, and we are so grateful for their support."

Local businesses pledging their support to the Ursuline Motherhouse renovation campaign include Woodward, Hobson & Fulton, Godsey Associates Architects, Peters Construction Company, Hilliard Lyons, Inc., and Cotton & Allen, PSC. All cite the Ursuline mission and dedication to education as reasons for giving their support.

"As legal representative for the Ursuline Sisters, Woodward, Hobson & Fulton is supporting the efforts of a client," said Donna Perry, managing partner for the Louisville law firm. "But our donation is also in honor of the huge contribution the sisters have given to the community, providing an educational and spiritual foundation for many families."

"With all of the schools the sisters support and have supported, that's quite an endeavor," said Carleton Godsey III, with Godsey Associates Architects. "We feel it's very worthwhile to support this project and the sisters."

"We are very appreciative of the many good works done by the sisters." said Tim Peters of Peters Construction Company.

"We salute the Ursulines' proud legacy in the fields of human health and education," said Janet Pinkston, Hilliard Lyons spokesperson. "We are proud to invest in this fabulous institution."

"The Ursuline Sisters have served the Louisville community for years, and continue to serve it in many different ways," said Dick Dentinger, CPA with Cotton & Allen, PSC. "At Cotton & Allen, we feel fortunate to be able to give something back to the sisters on behalf of the residents of Louisville who have benefited so greatly from the Ursuline Sisters' unselfish service."

Pledges by these businesses and individuals will allow the sisters to make needed renovations to the 86-year-old Ursuline Motherhouse, helping to keep the sisters active and make the Motherhouse as accessible to them as possible. Needed improvements to the center and west wings include adding handrails in hallways, improving restroom and shower facilities, replacing an elevator, improving lighting, upgrading plumbing and painting. The renovation will be completed in phases, with phase I currently underway.

The Motherhouse is home to more than 40 Ursuline Sisters. Many of the sisters are retired, but still continue their volunteer ministry in the local church by serving in parishes, nursing homes, hospitals and schools.

For more information about providing financial support to the Ursuline Motherhouse renovation campaign, please click here or call (502) 896-3938.