Welcome to the Fr. Tom Fratus Foundation webpage!
Fr. Tom Fratus, OFM, was a Franciscan friar who had a great love for the poor. The warm relationships he developed before his death on May 4, 2006 changed the lives of countless persons. He is warmly remembered by friends, family, his brother friars, students and teachers at Nazareth Academy, and parishioners for his humility and simplicity. He trusted Jesus in everything and found good in everyone.
Fr. Tom's legacy continues through the Fr. Tom Fratus Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that was established by a few of Fr Tom's friends so that his work of helping the poor could continue after his death. The Foundation supports Franciscan Outreach Association, one of his favorite projects.
As of November, 2010, the Fr. Tom Fratus Foundations made grants of over
$130,000 to Franciscan Outreach Association. Funds have been raised
through donations in Fr Tom's memory as well as golf outings featuring
special guests such as Michael Andretti,
Johnny Lattner, Randy Hundley, and Peter Longo.

The Foundation helps the homeless in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, who has been quoted as saying:
"Start by doing what is necessary
Next do what is possible
Suddenly you'll be doing the impossible"
There are several wonderful reflections about Fr. Tom on the web. Here they are...
from St. Peter's Church in the Loop - the bulletin of May 21, 2006 http://www.stpetersloop.org/libraries/2/50.pdf
from the Franciscan Friars of the Sacred Heart Province - the newsletter of May 11, 2006 http://www.thefriars.org/atp/ATP-060511.pdf
To make a donation to the Fr Tom Fratus Foundation, click the "Make a Donation"
button.
Please note that your donation will show up as going to our secure processor, Give Direct, on your credit card statement. The Foundation will receive 100% of your VISA and Mastercard donation, with a small percentage being deducted by American Express if you use an American Express card.
For more information contact Diana Faust at her first name and @franoutreach.org or (773) 278-6724.
back to Franciscan Outreach Home page.