Robert and Virginia wanted a lasting memorial and an ongoing remembrance for their little Bobby. The couple decided that something for Rockhurst College (now Rockhurst University), would be a wonderful way to honor the memory of Bobby and also honor and affirm their deep esteem and friendship both felt toward the Rev. Joseph M. Freeman, S. J., who had really remained steadfast and true with them in the depths of their sorrow and loss, and Father had comforted each one of them so lovingly and so devoutly.

Thus began the wonderful and ongoing friendships with Rockhurst, the Jesuits, and the Greenlease Family that continues to this day. Virginia and Robert endowed funds for the construction of the Greenlease Library on the campus of Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri. This beautiful four-story edifice was dedicated on the Rockhurst Campus on October 12, 1967  in the presence of  Father Freeman, S. J., and the large Rockhurst Jesuit Community and with His Excellency Charles H. Helmsing, Bishop of the Kansas City-St. Joseph Roman Catholic Diocese presiding. Bishop Helmsing, a close family friend, was also present for the laying and consecrating of the cornerstone on October 17, 1966. The entire Greenlease Family, including Robert and Virginia, Virginia Sue, and others in the family, and those who had so generously committed to the Library, all were in attendance, and Virginia said she and her family felt the “living closeness of  Bobby’s Spirit,” on that joyful special day of dedication of the Library bearing his family name.

and is known as the “Greenlease Gallery.” This Gallery features permanent historic and inspiring  early Christian  art and icons, and also provides space for so many educational art showings. This Gallery has emerged as a most notable and popular gallery, and not only for Rockhurst University, but for the entire fine arts educational scene in the Kansas City area. The Robert Greenleases also endowed a “Chair” in Philosophy in honor of Father Freeman, S. J.

Virginia Greenlease has also endowed large gifts to many other worthy endeavors including numerous Catholic Churches, Opus Dei, the Children’s Mercy Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Little Sisters of the Poor, Conception Seminary College Fund for the education of Priests in  Conception, Missouri, Conception Benedictine Abbey Restoration, Catholic Charities, St. Jame’s Food Kitchen, the Salvation Army Food Services, expansion of the world renowned Nelson-Atkins Gallery of Art, Union Station Restoration, the National World War I  Liberty Memorial Restoration, Kansas City Museum Restoration, the Kansas City Symphony, the Kansas City Ballet, and many, many others.

And today, there is the Central City School Fund or CCSF (now known as the Strong City School Fund) in Kansas City, Missouri. Virginia believed that ALL children who wanted and needed a solid Roman Catholic education were entitled to such an education. She helped establish the CCSF funding along with Bishop John Sullivan, for this express purpose. This Fund provides funds to assist and enable the wonderful inner-city Catholic Schools to provide for the education for children who otherwise could not afford tuition to attend a Roman Catholic School. The Central City School Fund was very near and dear to Virginia’s heart, and especially did she desire for this fund to find and realize success as she neared the end of her earthly life’s journey. Virginia placed great emphasis on funding the Central City School Fund both during her lifetime, and following her passing from this life, with a permanent endowment. The CCSF has expanded upon its intended mission and outreach under the leadership of The Most Reverend Robert W. Finn, D. D., the Bishop of the Kansas City-St. Joseph Catholic Diocese. While Virginia never personally met Bishop Finn, she would have most likely been very pleased with his leadership, especially in relation to the CCSF.  Bishop Finn is a very strong advocate for the Central City School Fund and he has affirmed and even expanded the CCSF original mission. Bishop Finn is a wonderful and inspired leader for the Diocese and he is a great example for each one of us. He is a Priest in Opus Dei. He is completely devoted to each one of the “life matters” affirmed by the Roman Catholic Church and every devout Catholic of good will and conscience hopefully affirms a man like Bishop Finn!