
WHO WE ARE
OUR STORY
Our foundation was officially established in 1991, but its roots run deep in the Des Moines community.
In the early 1980s, four local Catholic schools, Visitation, St. John Basilica, St. Ambrose, and St. Peter, faced serious financial challenges. Rather than close, they united to form Holy Family School, preserving access to faith-based education for families in the heart of the city.
By 1991, rising costs once again threatened the school’s future. In response, Fr. Tom Pfeffer and a dedicated group of supporters rallied the community to act, founding the Holy Family School Inner City Foundation.
That commitment made a lasting difference. All Saints School later joined the merger, and by 1998, the foundation had raised $3 million to expand and renovate the Visitation campus, bringing all students together under one roof and establishing a permanent endowment. In 2003, an additional $2.3 million was raised to further strengthen the school’s future.
Today, our students reflect the rich diversity of Des Moines, but our mission remains the same: ensuring every child has access to a strong, faith-based education.
Your support helps make that possible, today and for generations to come.

OUR TIMELINE
OUR MISSION
Support the financial operation of the school.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Antonio Banuelos
Father Nivin Scaria, Canonical Administrator
Teresa Driscoll, Vice President, Barn Bash Co-Chair
Anthony Frein
Janet Holms
Tim Oswald, Treasurer
Bill Noth, Past President
Joe Price, President
Evan Pyle
Stephanie Pyle, Golf Chair
Joshua Roth
Pat Rounds
Honorary Board Members
Jim Berens (In Memory)
Teri Bognanno
Paul Drey
Angel Grubb
John McIlhon
Mary Nelson
Mark Roth
Steve Whitty
Amy Doud
Paulette Theisen, Principal
