The Dufour family - front row left to right: Christopher Dufour, Ralph, Ann, Joan Noe. Standing left to right: Bill Dufour, Martina Werner, Marcia Harl, Teresa Price, Michelle Melin, Mary Dufour.
What do you give your parents on their 60th wedding anniversary when they tell you they don’t want gifts?
The family of Ralph and Ann Dufour decided to give a gift to the community in their parents’ names.
Ralph and Ann were married on November 10, 1951. Ralph was a sheetmetal worker and Ann was a nurse at St. Anthony’s Hospital, which later became Trinity Medical Center. They were involved in their church and all eight of their children received Catholic educations.
“At Sacred Heart School, moms were part of the Mother’s Club and fathers were part of the Dad’s Club,” said Bill Dufour. “Mom was a member of the Club for a long time because she had children at the school for 25 straight years – one child after another. When one got through, it seemed as if another was beginning.”
Sacred Heart School later merged with St. Mary’s to become Seton Catholic School.
As their 60th anniversary approached in 2011, Ralph and Ann told their children they didn’t want any gifts. The children discussed an appropriate gift for some time, trying to reach a consensus. Then Chris Dufour, who serves on the Board of Catholic Charities, told them about the Community Foundation and the work we do.
The children decided to open the Ralph and Ann Dufour Scholarships for Catholic Education Acorn Fund. They will contribute a minimum of $1,000 a year to the Acorn Fund. Within 10 years, when it reaches $10,000 (it could be sooner depending on the contributions), the Acorn Fund will convert to an endowed fund and will begin providing scholarships to Catholic students in the Illinois Quad Cities area.
“It gives us an opportunity to give back to our parents for everything they gave us,” Bill said.
Imagine Ralph and Ann’s surprise when their children presented them with this gift at their 60th Anniversary party.
After spending decades involved in the Mothers and Fathers Clubs at Sacred Heart, Ralph and Ann Dufour’s endowed fund will provide scholarships to help students afford a Catholic education. In a way, they will end up having children in Catholic schools for many decades to come.
I have known the Dufour Family Sixty one years. They have been so giving and thoughtful that this gift only reflects apart of who they are. Tears come to my eyes when I think of the wonderful memiores I have of them and the kids. Their value of faith,value of God,value of tenderness and their love has deeply affected me in my life. I love you Aunt Ann and Uncle Ralph. May God Bless You – Dorrie Atchison Pavich