Guidance in Giving

Chris Raun’s path to the Foundation was enabled by a diverse business career, encompassing roles as a business owner, marketing executive, new business developer, and insurance broker. However, it was his love for God and the Catholic Church that ultimately led him to a timely conversation and the opportunity to run the Foundation. Over the years, he has guided the staff and hundreds of donors in discovering meaningful ways to give back to God.

As the Executive Director, Chris has been instrumental in developing the resources and direction of the Foundation, and in identifying opportunities for donors to make impactful charitable contributions. “What I most enjoy about my work is witnessing the joy and fulfillment that a donor feels after making a charitable gift or completing a charitable giving plan,” he says. He views his role at the Foundation as a ministry, and feels God’s hand in his endeavors. “Helping people find or develop their charitable self,” he says, “is a mission blessed by God.”

Scott’s background at St. Teresa’s grade school, Pius X High School, and St. Gregory the Great Seminary instilled in him the profound meaning of using one’s gifts to glorify God. He saw firsthand how the priests and religious members of these institutions improved the parishes and schools. Scott says, “Their devotion and dedication are the reason our parishes and schools flourish and why the work of the Catholic Foundation is so important.”

As a Planned Giving Officer, Scott encounters countless charitable souls. His favorite aspect? Listening to the heartfelt reasons behind their desire to give. “People often give because they feel a personal connection to the causes they care about, and I find hearing the story behind the gift to be inspiring,” he says. The Catholic Foundation allows people to give in a way that is meaningful to them, and as Scott says, “It is humbling and rewarding to be a part of it.”

For Chaz Zurcher, serving the Church and helping others give generously is both a privilege and a calling. A longtime parishioner at St. Joseph’s, he was well aware of the Foundation’s mission long before joining the team. Now, as a Planned Giving Officer, he is honored to help fellow Catholics give back to the Church and those in need. “Facilitating someone’s generosity is humbling,” he shares. “It deepens my own desire to serve and to give more of myself to Christ’s mission.”

Chaz and his wife, Emily, are raising their five children in Lincoln, rooted in their faith and committed to a life of service. Before stepping into his role at the Foundation, Chaz spent over a decade as a teacher and coach, guiding students in history and mentoring young athletes in tennis, basketball, and baseball. His years in the classroom and on the court instilled in him a deep appreciation for listening, guiding, and building relationships—skills that now help him serve donors with care and understanding.

He sees charitable giving as an expression of faith, reflecting Christ’s own generosity. Inspired by Scripture, he often recalls the words of Luke 6:38:

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap.”

At the heart of his work is a profound trust in God’s providence. “God is never outdone in generosity,” Chaz says. “It’s a privilege to help others live out that truth.”

Born and raised in Lincoln, Melanie has been a devoted parishioner at St. Teresa Catholic Church throughout her life. Prior to joining the Foundation, she worked for nearly a decade in the Lincoln Catholic School system, and she continues to make a difference in the community with the Foundation. “I get to witness firsthand the hope, love, and joy people are pouring into the organizations and causes that are important to them,” she says. “Every day, I’m reminded that God is present and active in the hearts and minds of those who love Him. And that is a cause for hope.”

At the Foundation, Melanie helps donors realize possibilities. As they explore various avenues, they discover that partnering with the Foundation opens doors to impactful giving. “By partnering with us, donors see almost anything is possible,” she says. “We’ve found that while most donors start with something small or simple, as they see their gifts making a real impact, they become emboldened to do more and more.”