Hoefer Family Receives Roncalli Award

A family instrumental in the growth of Pope John XXIII Central Catholic High School was recognized with the prestigious Roncalli Award Sunday night.
During the 30th annual PJCC Development Dinner, held at Werner Hall in Petersburg, Father Ross Burkhalter presented the Roncalli Award to the Leonard and Juan Hoefer Family.
“Leonard passed away in 2000 and Juan continues to be actively involved in supporting Pope John. All seven of their children attended Pope John,” Fr. Burkhalter said.
“Both Leonard and Juan were actively involved in CCPJ for many years.  In fact, Juan and the St. Boniface Quilters are currently working on the next CCPJ Quilt for next year’s raffle.
“Leonard and Juan placed a high value on Catholic Education.  All seven of their children attended St.  Boniface School and graduated from Pope John.  Leonard and Juan have had 16 grandchildren attend Pope John and one great granddaughter will graduate this year.  They have one granddaughter and two great grandsons at St. Boniface.
“Leonard and Juan’s commitment to Catholic Education is part of their family legacy! It’s also something that has been instilled and active in the entire Hoefer family.
“Gary generously serves as MC during Evening with Friends and alumni banquets and continues to help sell Pope John Booster Club tickets. He also had two sons attend Pope John.
“Alvin who passed away in 2003 was active in CCPJ and a top salesman for Pope John fundraisers. He and his wife Sally had five children attend Pope John.
“Tom and wife Bonnie have co-chaired Evening with Friends for 16 years.  During this time they raised $542,000 for Pope John.  They sent all four of their children to Pope John as well. They currently have 3 grandchildren at St. Boniface and Pope John.
“Dave and wife Tracy have served on the Evening with Friends Committee for many years and sent all three of their children to Pope John.
“Duane has been class representative for the Alumni Banquet and has waited tables at the Evening with Friends. He and Sheila have a daughter currently attending St. Boniface.
“The Hoefers are regulars at all PJ fundraisers including the Development Banquet and are strong supporters of the Capital Campaigns.
Named after Guiseppe Roncalli which is the given name of our beloved patron Saint John XXIII, this prestigious award is presented each year to an individual or family in appreciation for their contribution to the long term advancement of Pope John.