FIE 10th Anniversary Growing Together Gala 2025
July 8, 2025 | Foundations in Education | General Media Mentions News
Foundations in Education Inc proudly announces the resounding success of its 10th Anniversary Growing Together Gala held on May 1, 2025. This milestone event brought together friends and supporters from across the Diocese of Bridgeport and beyond, to celebrate the transformative power of Catholic education. The celebration included the recognition of the honorees, the Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano and Thomas E. McInerney, noted for their significant contributions to the mission of supporting students in need.
In recognition of 10 years of supporting Catholic schools in the Diocese of Bridgeport through tuition assistance and innovation grants for teachers, Foundations in Education held the annual fundraising event at Woodway Country Club in Darien, Connecticut. Board of Trustees Chair, Joe Purcell, hosted the evening’s festivities and recognized notable attendees, including honorees, current and former Board members, student alumni who served as the annual event’s speakers over the decade, and Gala Co-Chairs, Allison Reiling and Michele Mitola. Joe framed the purpose of the evening by saying “we come together tonight to celebrate Catholic education, our esteemed honorees, Bishop Frank Caggiano, and Tom McInerney, and the incredible 10-year journey leading up to tonight’s celebration….Friends, we align in our values and share a belief in the transforming power of Catholic education. We believe in the mission of Foundations in Education, and know that our generosity tonight, will help transform lives by making this education possible for even more students.”
Attendees were greeted at the door by Kolbe Cathedral Preparatory School student volunteers. They further enjoyed the music of the Kolbe Cathedral Preparatory School Chorus, as well as the Pro Player Chorus made up of former members of the NFL.
In his remarks, the Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano shared, “I am deeply honored and thank you for the recognition. From my vantage point standing here, after 38 years of priestly ministry, when I see the marvels and the miracles that God performs, and remember the journey we have walked for 10 years, this is a miracle of God’s blessing and grace…We are committed to grow together to continue that for the next generation of those who are in need. This night is all about those kids and giving them what we had. It is an honor to be recognized, but this is an honor to be shared, because the miracle has many hands that we are working together to continue.”
Thomas McInerney in speaking of the children we serve added “No matter where they are from, what they look like or the name they carry, every one of these children are God’s children. We owe it to the kids from families who don’t have the best shot at life. It is personal for me. As a nervous 5-year-old kid, I was launched into 16 years of Catholic education… I was taught by the nuns, brothers, and laypeople and what they taught me transformed my life. I feel sometimes we aren’t doing enough and more can be done. The journey here has brought me a lot of happiness and also brought happiness to the people we have been able to help over the years.”
The 275 attendees were further inspired by a remarkable student speaker, Greyce, who exemplifies student leadership and educational excellence and whose life has been positively impacted by the tuition assistance provided by Foundations in Education. Greyce shared –“ Over the last seven years, I’ve been blessed to have wonderful teachers who put Christ first in all they do. My school provided me with an environment to quickly learn English, have fun with my friends at recess, and learn about what I might want to be in the future… I have learned to be a leader not a follower and how important it is to be kind…I realize without the scholarship assistance provided to my parents that receiving a Catholic education may not be possible without the Bishop and Board of Directors of the Foundations in Education. I want you to know of my deep gratitude. “
Auctioneer Pat Tully lead an exciting auction and the highly anticipated “Raise the Paddle” segment, where guests rallied to support the Leaders of Tomorrow initiative, sponsoring student leaders. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of attendees, the gala raised $2 million which will support Foundations in Education’s mission to strengthen and transform the mission of Catholic education in the Diocese of Bridgeport by providing tuition assistance to families in need, supporting innovation in academic programs, and fostering opportunities for the professional development of school leaders.
Holly Doherty-Lemoine, Foundations’ Executive Director, reflected on the evening’s significance by sharing: “Bishop Frank, you have provided our vision, and Thomas McInerney, our heart. It has been the privilege of my lifetime to serve you as your first Executive Director. Together, with our donors, we have transformed thousands of young lives through Catholic education, and I am grateful to each of you for your unwavering support. I am eager to see what the next decade holds.”
With continued support from the community, Foundations in Education Inc. looks forward to the future, where it will expand its impact and provide even more resources for students and educators alike. The success of the Growing Together Gala stands as a testament to the power of collective action and shared values in creating a brighter future for all students in our Catholic schools.
