SAPPHIRE — The Diocese of Charlotte recently reached a new milestone, its 55th gift of $1 million or more, from a couple whose generosity crossed continents.
Thomas Giesey, a traveling salesman for Goodyear Tire Co., and his wife, Gretchen Giesey, spent their nearly 63 years together sharing what they had with others – whether close to home or across the globe. Gretchen passed away on June 26, 2024, and her husband followed seven months later on Jan. 18, 2025.
The couple spent their summers in Sapphire, attending St. Jude Church for more than 24 years. After their deaths, the diocese received a $1.125 million gift from their estate. A portion of that gift will fund the Thomas and Gretchen Giesey Memorial Endowment Fund, which was established for the general needs of the Sapphire parish.
The remaining money will go toward “Building Our Future Together,” St. Jude’s capital campaign, which has a goal of raising $9 million toward a new church and campus improvements.
Current campus buildings are more than 50 years old and require updates to serve a community that is anticipated to grow by 10% to 13% in the next five years.
The Gieseys are two of the donors across the diocese who have given one-time gifts of $1 million or more either by cash or stock, pledged to capital campaigns or special projects, or left gifts in their estate plans. Such gifts benefit parishes, Catholic schools, the diocese’s foundation and St. Joseph College Seminary.
“The Gieseys left their mark in this community and were dedicated to securing the future of the parish,” said Father Jason Barone, pastor of St. Jude Parish. “We are thankful for their service and their intentional gift that was in keeping with their generous spirits.”
While Thomas Giesey’s career took the couple around the world, what they recalled most about their journeys were shared memories of helping others. During a life-changing trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, they became a second family to a young girl in need, cooking meals for her ailing father while keeping her and her siblings entertained with stories.
Beyond their travels, they believed in the power of education and consistently supported the academic pursuits of loved ones, assisted homeless children and young adults seeking opportunity, and gave to churches and ministries.
As Jim Kelley, diocesan development director, said, “Generous parishioners like the Gieseys have changed the lives of countless people, parishes and ministries across our diocese.”
“We are grateful for gifts of any amount,” Kelley said. “Couples like the Gieseys who chose to leave significant gifts of $1 million or more are demonstrating their confidence in the Church’s leadership and their commitment to carrying their faith forward to future generations.”
— Courtney McLaughlin
Fund an endowment
Interested in setting up – or adding to – an endowment to benefit your parish? Establish an endowment in the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation by leaving a bequest in a will, a beneficiary designation from a retirement plan, a trust or annuity, or a gift of real estate, life insurance, cash or securities.
Join more than 1,800 people who have informed the diocese they plan to remember the Church in their estate plans. For details, contact Gina Rhodes at 704-370-3364 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..