How Teresa Hartman Grew Planned Giving at Our Mother of Perpetual Help School
When Teresa Hartman returned to Our Mother of Perpetual Help School (OMPH) in Ephrata, PA, as Director of Advancement, she came with deep belief in its mission.
An alumna of the school, Teresa understands firsthand the impact of Catholic education rooted in faith and community. Her goal was simple: ensure that OMPH would remain strong for generations to come.
Planned giving became a key part of that vision.
Building a Program—Without Building It Alone
Like many Catholic elementary schools, OMPH operates with a lean staff. Teresa is responsible for everything from annual giving and stewardship to major events and long-term advancement strategy. When discussions began about launching a planned giving program, she saw the opportunity but knew she needed support.
“I didn’t want to become an expert in estate planning,” Teresa said. “I needed a way to communicate about legacy giving confidently without having to create everything myself.”
That’s where Planned Giving Marketing (PGMarketing) stepped in.
Through customized direct mail, branded emails, and a planned giving website aligned with OMPH’s identity, PGMarketing created a system that keeps legacy messaging consistent and professional — without adding to Teresa’s workload.
“I really don’t have to do anything except approve the materials,” she said. “It looks like us. It sounds like us. And it runs in the background without me having to think about it.”
For a small advancement office, that consistency has been transformational.
“PGMarketing is like having another employee without hiring another employee,” Teresa said.
A Shift Toward Mission-Focused Giving
At the same time, Teresa worked alongside Partners in Mission and consultant Zane Gizzi to strengthen the school’s overall advancement approach. Through strategic planning and unified messaging, OMPH shifted from transactional fundraising to mission-centered investment.
“Nothing changes if nothing changes,” Teresa said. “We stopped asking people to buy things. We started asking them to invest in Catholic education.”
The results have been remarkable. Since Teresa implemented this strategic shift, OMPH has seen more than a 750% increase in annual fund revenue, along with sustained growth from its signature events.
Planned giving added something new: long-term stability.
Quality over Quantity
OMPH recently launched its planned giving society, The St. Alphonsus Liguori Society, named for the founder of the Redemptorist priests who established the school in 1957.
Within its first year, the society grew to double-digit documented legacy commitments, with more conversations underway. Early realized estate gifts demonstrated the power of even a single legacy commitment.
“Planned giving is about quality, not quantity,” Teresa said. “It only takes one commitment to show what’s possible.”
A donor recognition wall now stands in a prominent location connecting the parish and school making legacy visible and tangible for the entire community.
Consistency Builds Confidence
For Teresa, one of the greatest benefits of working with PGMarketing is knowing that legacy communication continues—even during her busy seasons.
While she focuses on major initiatives and personal outreach, planned giving emails and mailings go out steadily each month. Quarterly dashboard reviews help identify engaged donors and guide follow-up conversations.
“I know professionals at PGMarketing are handling the technical side,” Teresa said. “If a donor has a question, I have experts I can turn to. That gives me confidence.”
Jeff Stein, Founder and President of PGMarketing, said OMPH’s success is no accident.
“Teresa is doing a phenomenal job,” Jeff said. “Our role is to support her with consistent, strategic marketing that amplifies her outreach and keeps legacy giving top of mind. It’s been a pleasure partnering with her and OMPH.”
Looking Ahead
Today, planned giving is no longer new at OMPH—it’s a permanent part of the school’s advancement strategy. With continued support from PGMarketing, and guidance from Partners in Mission, Teresa is focused on building steady momentum year after year.