Foundations in Education Embraces “To Make All Things New” with upcoming Spring Benefit
February 26, 2021 | Foundations in Education | News
In the spirit of “To Make All Things New” Foundations in Education has embraced this theme in providing a new approach to our premiere fundraising event. This year may look different, but friends and donors of Foundations in Education will help celebrate Catholic education on May 6 with a re-imagined Virtual Hybrid Benefit!
The Benefit Committee met recently by Zoom to confirm details of this year’s event. Led by Co-Chairs Barbara Ripp and Xandy Duffy, and facilitated by Executive Director Holly Doherty-Lemoine, the committee enthusiastically agreed to move forward with a virtual “hybrid” program, with optional small group hosted gatherings and auction, led by auctioneer Pat Tully.
The Committee, made up of volunteers from across Fairfield County, are positive this year’s event will be elegant, fun and successful. The safety of all our guests and students is the most important factor. Yet we still want everyone to be able to fully participate in this critically important fundraising event. The annual benefit brings together business, political and charitable leaders throughout Fairfield County, and this year will be no exception.
We invite sponsors to host small gatherings at their home on May 6, where your guests will enjoy home delivery of a delicious dinner for 10 prepared by Marcia Selden catering, two bottles of premiere wine donated by Paula and Tom McInerney, and a unique New York Giants centerpiece. Individuals purchasing individual virtual tickets too are encouraged to participate from home. Gather your friends and family for an event to remember!
Join us online at 6:00 p.m. for our moving and educational program, featuring Bishop Frank Caggiano, honorees Lynn and Frank Mara and Dr. Julia M. McNamara, a student chorus performance, video and live auction! Join together as a community to celebrate Catholic Education and participate in the live auction featuring several unique items and our all-important “Raise the Paddle” to support Leaders of Tomorrow and the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund!
Our honorees, Frank and Lynn Mara are longtime supporters of the Diocese of Bridgeport, and active parishioners at St. Paul Catholic Church in Greenwich. Currently, Frank serves as vice president of community relations for the New York Football Giants. Lynn is a member of our Benefit Committee and an artist who was recently accepted into the Silvermine Art Guild in New Canaan. Lynn and Frank have four sons, Sean, Jack, Frankie and Owen, all alums of Greenwich Catholic School.
Dr. Julia McNamara served as professor of French Language and Literature and as Dean of Students at Albertus Magnus College. In 1982, the college’s trustees selected her to serve as president of Albertus, the position which she held until her retirement in 2016, at which time the trustees voted to confer on her the honorary title of president emerita.
Along with the Maras, Dr. McNamara, and the Benefit Committee, Foundations in Education is committed to making this year’s program, interactive, entertaining and inspirational.
Please join us! The proceeds from the event benefit Foundations in Education, including the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund and Innovation and Leadership Grant Program. This year Foundations awarded 1,276 children $2,705,053 in tuition assistance to attend Catholic schools throughout the Bridgeport Diocese. The Foundation also makes grants to teachers for innovative and leadership initiatives in our Catholic schools. This year, in recognition of the heroic and extraordinary efforts made by all teachers and staff to provide an exceptional educational experience for their students, Foundations in Education recognized all teachers and staff with an Amazon gift card for their Innovation and Leadership in teaching throughout the pandemic.
If you wish to volunteer, sponsor, contribute or learn more about Foundations in Education or the Gala, please visit www.foundationsineducation.org or contact Megan Quinn at 203-416-1671 or mquinn@foundationsineducation.org.
We look forward to seeing you May 6 as together we strive “To Make All Things New”!