In times of trouble, faithful individuals seem to come to the rescue. This was the case at Sacred Heart Parish in 1998. The Flood of 1997 had wrecked havoc on Sacred Heart Church, School, Convent and the City of East Grand Forks. With the help of the federal government, the parish was able to rebuild, but not without absorbing significant debt. Monsignor Tim McGee, the pastor at Sacred Heart at the time, remembers many sleepless nights pondering how to address this debt. Lawrence Donahue rose to the occasion.
All non-profit enterprises that have annual expenses and funding targets depend upon the donations of committed individuals and families who are motivated by the mission of the enterprise and are connected to its history. This is most truly exemplified by the significant giving of Jim and Barb Vigen.