Why we built Steeple Cards
Steeple Cards began with one council in Burlington, Vermont, and Christmas card sales that were declining.
How it started
I'm Dan St. Hilaire. I'm an entrepreneur and part-time software developer, and for more than ten years I've been a member of our Catholic men's fraternal council, DeGoesbriand Council #279 in Burlington.
Our council does a lot of good, and we volunteer many hours. We support our Catholic parishes and the people of our community through programs like Boxes of Love, which helps people who are unhoused, and our annual Winter Coat Drive for that program. Boxes of Love has earned our council national recognition. We also give thousands of dollars a year to Joseph's House, our community outreach center. Like most councils, we pay for our work and our donations with fundraisers.
Over the years, our fundraising had become repetitive. Our Christmas card sale in particular brought in a little less every year. Our sale was about keeping Christ in Christmas, not about profit, but we still had to spend hundreds of dollars up front on Catholic cards that, honestly, hadn't changed in decades, all while hoping we could cover the cost. Fewer people were mailing cards, and more were sending their greetings by email. We needed a new idea.
So, I built Steeple Cards. I wanted cards that are easy to send from a phone, and just as easy from a computer. I pictured beautiful classic sacred art alongside modern designs that are kept fresh. The cards needed to carry a real Catholic message inside, along with a personal message from the sender. And I wanted every card to help a Catholic organization raise money for its own worthy programs, without the up-front cost. Steeple Cards is, first and foremost, a fundraiser.
Who we are
Steeple Cards is a family business, run from our home in Milton, Vermont. I designed and built the site myself, and I keep it running. My wife, Michelle, is co-founder. She takes care of our customers and runs our fundraiser support. She gets to know each parish, council, and school that raises money with us, helps them get started, and is there when they have questions.
Family is at the center of all of it. We have three children, two of them in college, two grandchildren, and a golden retriever named Koda, who supervises most of our work from under the desk. We know what it's like to keep up with a long Christmas list, and how much a card from home means to a student far away.
If you write to us with a question, Michelle is very likely the one who writes back.
- Milton, Vermont
- Three children
- Two grandchildren
- Koda, our golden retriever
Where your money goes
Half of every card, after processing fees, goes to a Catholic organization.
If a parish, council, or school shared its Steeple Cards link with you, your cards support that organization and the program it has chosen.
If you found us on your own, your cards support DeGoesbriand Council #279's community programs, like Boxes of Love and the Winter Coat Drive.
Why our council? Because it's where Steeple Cards began, and we'd rather tell you plainly than leave you guessing.
We give, too. Each year, we give 20% of what Steeple Cards earns after its costs to Catholic charities. That comes from our own share, separate from the half that goes to your organization.
Buying cards is a purchase, not a donation, so it isn't tax-deductible.
Raise money with us
Does your parish, council, school, or ministry need a fundraiser that fits how people send greetings today? There are no boxes to order, no cash to count, and no table after Mass. Your supporters send cards, and half of every card comes back to your program.
Steeple Cards is an independent, family-run business. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by any national Catholic organization or diocese. Questions? Write to us at hello@steeplecards.com.