By John Rohlf, The Message Assistant Editor
Marian Educational Outreach exceeded their goals at the Raisin Buck$ on a Bull fundraiser.
Marian Educational Outreach, an organization that provides opportunities for Diocese of Evansville Catholic students with unique special needs, held their annual fundraiser Feb. 28 at Warehouse 410 in Evansville.
Prior to the event, MEO Executive Director Emily Schnapf said they were planning for about 320 guests in attendance, along with several others joining through their late-night ticket option. Their fundraising goal for the event was $80,000.
“We exceeded our goals, had a rowdy great time and celebrated some amazing children because of generous donors who chose to spend their night with Marian Educational Outreach at Raisin Buck$ on a Bull.
Kent Scheller was the highest fundraiser among bull riders at the event, raising over $12,000 to MEO from his supporters. Trent Engbers reigned as the strongest bull rider, with a time of 24 seconds. Other participants in the bull riding competition were Ben Fleming, Justin Marshall, Ryan Nowak, Mahlon Parkinson, Todd Schimmell, Aaron Schmitt and Zachary Watson.
This year, a new component was added to the event to award staff in the diocese who live out the MEO mission. The 2026 Living the Mission Award was given to Lisa Mohr from St. John the Baptist School in Newburgh and Andrea Greeney from Corpus Christi School in Evansville.
“They were recognized for their work and dedication, received a standing ovation and will receive a $500 stipend to fulfill any of their classroom resource needs for the remainder of the school year,” Schnapf said. “Marian Educational Outreach is so thankful for so many incredibly talented and passionate teachers and administrators. Our work wouldn’t be possible without them.”
In his message played at the event, Bishop Joseph M. Siegel said he regretted that he could not be in attendance in person at the event, as he was conferring the sacrament of Confirmation in Vincennes. He thanked those in attendance at the MEO fundraiser for their presence at the event and for their generous support of their work with the children in our Catholic schools who have learning challenges. He said through their prayerful and financial assistance, countless students over the years have benefitted from this outreach. It was his prayer that God may continue to bless the efforts of all those associated with MEO, as well as the students, families, teachers and administrators, Bishop Siegel said.
Meghann Muncy, a member of the MEO Board of Directors, said while this event helps them raise funds to support the schools and students, it more importantly allows them to interact with donors in a fun and unique way. It provides the opportunity to showcase students, teachers and projects MEO has supported throughout the school year.
Muncy stressed supporting MEO means allowing families the opportunity to receive a Catholic school education while still meeting the individual needs of the child. It also means becoming a part of the child’s success story while still putting God first, she said.
“Our donors consist of parents, grandparents, teachers, principals, priests and even friends who each have a reason or story of why they support MEO,” Muncy said. “Their reasons, their passion and their love for our students with unique learning experiences are the reasons MEO is able to help provide support to all 26 schools in the diocese.”
Schnapf said the event is made possible by the generosity within their community of donors, who are passionate people who take the bull by the horns, as well as the open hearts and minds of all who pray for the work of Marian Educational outreach.
Schnapf said each year, the event welcomes new faces, for which they are deeply thankful.
“It’s a reflection of the growing awareness of our work to support children with disabilities and the dedication of the school staff who serve them so faithfully,” Schnapf said. “Our partner schools do extraordinary work, collaborating with us to ensure that children of all abilities are seen, supported and given every opportunity to thrive.”