For many families, conversations about legacy, charitable giving, and end-of-life planning are easy to postpone. The decisions can feel emotional, complicated, and difficult to navigate.
On Thursday, May 21 from 8 AM-2 PM at and in partnership with the Malvern Retreat House, The Catholic Foundation will create a space where those conversations can begin with guidance, clarity, and faith at the center.
The Legacy Conference will bring together Catholic leaders, financial professionals, philanthropists, and families for a day focused on stewardship, planning, and building a lasting legacy rooted in Catholic values. The event is designed not only to educate attendees, but also to encourage meaningful reflection about how faith can shape decisions that impact future generations, charitable causes, and the church itself.
“It is said that in life’s most important moments, preparation matters,” said Jim Cantrambone, Director of Development for the Malvern Retreat House. “That is especially true when contemplating end-of-life planning. This conference will provide the faithful a free opportunity to learn how they can center their faith during these important discussions, while also experiencing the welcoming beauty of our campus.”
The conversations will be particularly meaningful for families that are navigating questions surrounding wills, charitable giving, estate planning, and long-term care while also seeking ways to ensure their values continue long after they are gone.
“As Catholics, we have a sacred responsibility to prepare for our journey home, to prepare for heaven,” said Ted Qualli, a 15-year Malvern retreatant and President and CEO of The Catholic Foundation. “Many families want the values that have guided their life to be reflected in their end-of-life planning, but the process can be overwhelming.”
Qualli said the conference was created to help attendees approach those decisions through the lens of Catholic teaching while learning from trusted voices across the region.
“This event offers a space to explore these questions through the lens of Catholic teaching, to learn from trusted voices in our community, and to begin or continue important family conversations about legacy, stewardship, and care for the church,” he said. “Our hope is that every attendee leaves feeling both inspired and equipped to take meaningful next steps rooted in faith.”
One of the featured panelists will be former Wawa CEO Howard Stoeckel, who said the conference’s mission closely reflects values that have guided his own family.
“I’m honored to take part in this event because these conversations matter deeply,” Stoeckel said. “My wife Marietta and I believe the charitable investments we make are an important part of the legacy we leave for future generations of our family, the Church, and those less fortunate.”
Stoeckel said that charitable giving has played a major role in his life and that he hopes sharing his experiences will encourage other families to begin having similar discussions.
“Philanthropy and stewardship have been meaningful parts of our lives, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share our experience if it encourages other families to begin having these same conversations,” he said. “I also look forward to learning from my fellow panelists and presenters and leaving with a renewed appreciation for faithful stewardship and planning with purpose.”
Sponsorship opportunities and program ads are still available, as they help to expand the event’s reach while aligning companies and organizations with a mission centered on faith, family, and service.
Register for the Legacy Conference at The Catholic Foundation and seize this opportunity to begin discussions that can often be difficult to start but are deeply important.
