Cardinal Mooney alumni and Boardman natives Denise DeBartolo York and Eddie DeBartolo Jr. announced last week they will provide a $10 million endowment and renovation funding for Cardinal Mooney for use at its Erie St. location.
      The gift is the largest donation to a high school in the Mahoning Valley, and will provide financial assistance for families to attend Cardinal Mooney, as well as needed renovations and updates to the school building.
      Fr. Gerald DeLucia, president of Cardinal Mooney High School, announced the “substantial” gift from Denise (class of 1968) and Eddie (class of 1964).
      A portion of the gift will be used to provide partial scholarships and reduced tuition for families who are in need of financial assistance.
      The gift will also be used to fund some of the needed renovations and updates to the Erie Street school in Youngstown.
      DeBartolo York and DeBartolo indicated they want the gift to “complement the legacy we leave behind for the children in our hometown that otherwise may not have the opportunity to attend a first-rate school like Cardinal Mooney.”
      “This wonderful gift from Denise, Eddie and the entire DeBartolo/York families is a blessing,” Fr. DeLucia continued, “and cements their legacy as a family that shares the Mooney values and beliefs and truly cares about the children of the Mahoning Valley.
      “It’s a wonderful day for those seeking quality education for their children,” said Fr. DeLucia. “So many families in our parish feeder schools and public schools want to send their children to Mooney, but struggle with the tuition (currently $7,200 a year).”
      According to Fr. DeLucia, the Erie Street location underwent asbestos remediation, extensive roof repairs and other updates last summer. “Right now, our current location is safe and convenient. We have excellent athletic facilities and state-of-the art computerized classrooms.
      “However, our campus is expanding, and much more work is needed to make the building more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. This gift, along with others, will help accomplish that goal.”