We celebrated in 2004.
And in 2014.
And now in 2024!

Frank, you are wonderful!

The story of Padre Wasson’s family wouldn’t be the same without Frank Krafft and his late wife, Polly. Since they first met the Mexican children in 1968, they have been unwavering supporters, cherished family members, and dedicated fundraisers.

I first met Frank in 1985, at the 30th-anniversary celebration and annual meeting of Our Little Sisters & Brothers in Mexico. As a volunteer on the event team, I had the chance to witness his commitment firsthand.

Five years later, at Padre Wasson’s request, Frank entrusted me with the leadership of the fundraising office in Germany. For decades, Frank was not only my boss but also a trusting mentor, guiding me with kindness and wisdom. His calm demeanor, combined with his unwavering determination, made him an incredible professional to learn from.

Here is an example: every year, Frank used to invite all meeting participants to a Chinese restaurant. When we met at my home town, I had plans to eat Mexican, since that was a great connection to our work. So I suggested “El Taquito” to Frank. With a kind smile on his face he replied: “Of course we can eat at El Taquito, but then I won’t pay”. Well, we did have tasty Chinese food that evening.

Frank’s fundraising efforts, both in the US and Europe, were so successful that they enabled the founding of new branches of Padre Wasson’s family in eight more countries across Latin America. I lost count of the total amount of funds raised by the offices he established, but it certainly exceeded half a billion dollars. However, the real measure of his success isn’t just the financial contributions. It’s the countless children who found safety, health, education, and a true family, growing up in an environment shaped by Padre Wasson’s vision of love and care—where everyone looks after one another like brothers and sisters.

As Padre Wasson once said, “A person is only good because of somebody.” Thank you, Frank, for being that somebody—for being my role model, my hero in fundraising, and my guide in recognizing opportunities, overcoming obstacles, and persevering through setbacks. The Padre Wasson Foundation is just one of many outcomes inspired by your example.

Happy 100th Birthday, Frank! I wish I could celebrate with you and your wonderful family today!

Stefan Graefe
Trust Director

Padre Wasson and Frank Krafft

Frank with his wife Pauline