The Catholic Education Foundation’s annual Salute to THE GAME luncheon, held on September 25, raised a record $675,000 in support of Catholic education. The event celebrates the longstanding football rivalry between Trinity and St. Xavier high schools and surpassed last year’s fundraising total of $650,000.

The upcoming rivalry game is scheduled for September 26 at 8 p.m. at the L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.

Foundation president Richard A. Lechleiter commented on the significance of the event: “This hallmark community event continues to lift our mission to incredible new heights like no one ever thought possible. And we couldn’t do any of this without the support of all our friends in the Saint Xavier and Trinity communities who have allowed the Foundation to benefit from this storied rivalry.”

Since its inception in 2008, the luncheon has generated more than $6.2 million for the foundation. The organization provides tuition assistance to students attending Catholic schools and grants for parishes and schools in need. For the 2025-2026 academic year, $8.6 million in tuition assistance was awarded to 3,700 students.