It started with a vision and goal. The vision - to improve St. Cyril of Jerusalem School and the education experience provided to its students in ways that would not be possible without private funding. The goal – to create a private, non-profit endowment independently funded to achieve greatness for St. Cyril School in the Catholic, elementary school community in Los Angeles.

This vision and goal were conceived by a long-time parent and visionary, Joseph T. Casey. Joe and Dolores – Joe’s remarkable wife, supporter and co-visionary – raised eight children in Encino, all graduates of St. Cyril. Joe founded the Foundation for St. Cyril School in 2007 and enlisted a group of parents and parishioners to share the vision and the goal to make St. Cyril School the best. Over the years, the Foundation had three main objectives: to enrich the School through funding for after-school programs, faculty enhancement programs and tuition assistance. Through these programs, the school has been able to make a St. Cyril education available to students and families that need financial aid to attend the school. The after-school programs assisted by the Foundation’s funding historically include special math and science programs, innovative RV-assisted learning, Academic Decathlon and Mock Trial programs. Finally, the Foundation has funded a variety of seminars and other educational programs designed to enhance training and education development for the lifeblood of the School - its faculty.

The Foundation has raised over $1,000,000 since Joe Casey led the way to put St. Cyril School at the forefront of elementary school education in Los Angeles by guiding its establishment vision and goal. Joe passed away in January 2025, but his legacy continues through the work of the Foundation to better the education experience for young minds. One of the reasons Joe will always be remembered is for his unselfish dedication. But, we need to do more, and it is up to all of us to help Joe’s vision and goals carry on into the future through funding for the Foundation.