Bishop Buddy established the University Foundation Fund in November 1947 and sought the help of pastors from parishes in the diocese. When speaking to one pastor he inquired, “How many families have you?” The pastor replied, “Fourteen.” The bishop asked, “Can you raise $1,400?” The pastor’s response was, “We will raise $2,800.”

One of the most touching gifts, according to an account in the Southern Cross newspaper, came from a 5-year-old girl who approached the bishop at a local Christmas party in Old Town. She opened her small palm, sticky with Christmas candy, to make her offering — two bright copper pennies.

The diocese held a month of prayer throughout the Catholic churches and schools for the success of the fund drive. San Bernardino businessman and investor Emmett J. Culligan announced a donation of $50,000 before the end of the month. Bishop Buddy’s effort helped him collect nearly half of his first campaign goal of $2.5 million in less than a year.