Burr Ridge, IL – May 1, 2025 — The Christian Brothers of the Midwest proudly announce the launch of the 2025 KabarA Challenge, a vital fundraising initiative running from May 1 through June 30, 2025. Now in its 11th year, the KabarA Challenge continues its mission to honor and support the senior Brothers who have dedicated their lives to the Lasallian educational mission.
Established in 2015 by Betty Kabara in memory of her husband, Dr. Jon Kabara—a devoted alumnus of Saint George High School and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota—the KabarA Challenge was created to ensure that aging Brothers receive the care and dignity they deserve in retirement. The campaign addresses the growing need for healthcare and assisted living support as the number of retired Brothers increases.
This year, the KabarA Challenge aims to raise $500,000, bolstered by a generous $250,000 matching fund. Every single donation up to $5,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, effectively doubling the impact of each gift. All contributions directly support the care of senior Brothers, covering expenses such as healthcare, housing, and daily living needs.
Currently, the Midwest District comprises 85 Brothers, with 93% being retired and an average age of 76. The cost of care for each senior Brother averages over $59,000 annually, with skilled nursing care increasing that cost to over $90,000 per person per year.
“The KabarA Challenge is an encouraging recognition of the meaningfulness and impact of the Brothers' commitment to faith-filled and zealous educational service,” said Br. James Gaffney, a longtime educator and former president of Lewis University.
Donors are invited to contribute and learn more about the campaign by visiting www.kabarachallenge.com. For additional information or to become a matching gift donor, please contact Anthony C. Chimera, M. B. A., at (630) 323-3725 ext. 211 or achimera@cbmidwest.org.
About the Christian Brothers of the Midwest
The Christian Brothers of the Midwest is one of four districts in the Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN), encompassing ministries across seven states. The district includes 3 universities, 12 high schools, 3 middle schools, 5 retreat and educational centers, and a publishing house, all committed to the Lasallian mission of providing transformative education.
