Donate to help Kathy Filipiak!

Hi everyone - I'm Katie (Van Huysse) Gibson. I'm a graduate of Montini Catholic High School (class of 1998), and the daugher of Mrs. Van Huysse, a close professional and personal friend of Kathy Filipiak. I'm starting this GoFundMe with my mom to help our friend.

Here goes:

Let me tell you a little story about a woman named Flip, or Kathy Filipiak if you're being formal. An absolute treasure of a human being, Kathy was part of the Montini Catholic High School family for 40 years before she retired in 2015. After retiring, she moved to Fort Myers Beach, Florida, to live out her dream of finally living in the sun and sand. I'm sure you can guess where this is going. Hurricane Ian has absolutely destroyed any semblance of life for Kathy, obliterating her possessions and forcing her to flee with her pets and a handful of personal items. Everything she has left can fit in her car. Utterly heartbroken and devastated, Flip needs our help.

Over her 40 years at Montini, Flip made an unfathomable impact on an innumerable amount of students. I know that if you're a Montini graduate, you know who Kathy Filipiak is. She began her time at Montini teaching PE and Science, was the Dean of Students, Assistant Principal and everything in between. Far beyond all of that? She's the reason girls' volleyball exists. She's the reason any girls' sports exist at Montini, being the first girls' sports coordinator for the school.

It was her empathy and care for students that left the biggest impact at Montini. Flip was the first person in the building in the morning and often the last to leave. Her passion for the education students received, no matter their background or status, was unparalleled and fueled curiosity, caring, and generosity for generations to come. She sat with us during lunch, she cheered us on when we competed, she hugged us when we cried. As someone who excelled in getting kicked out of class, I spent a lot of time in Flip's office. I will never forget the advice she gave or the words she said to me one day when I needed a particular kick in the pants. She's special, of that I'm certain.

Kathy’s colleague, John Schuller, had this to say, “ When I look back warmly at my years at Montini, there is just one person who rockets into my consciousness - my dear friend, Kathy Filipiak. I cannot think of one person who has helped more kids through rough times than her. Her intuitive knowledge of when a kid needed a kick or a kiss was legendary, and I can attest to the many lives she saved, literally. She had the kindest way of talking stressed-out students off the proverbial ledge and was a born ‘Community Builder,’ bringing people together by virtue of her contagious and compassionate spirit."

Now she needs us. After the countless times Flip has been there for us, and in many cases our children, it's time to step up and help her. She has more than earned it. Any amount counts - anything you can give will go to helping Kathy rebuild not only her home but rebuild her spirit as well. We were raised to help our neighbors and give to those in need. The funds raised here will be used to help Kathy with everyday expenses, her bills, and finding a new home. Time to step up, Broncos. Let's do this.