Futures in Education, the scholarship fund of the Diocese of Brooklyn, set a record when it raised over $2.2 million in scholarships for the deserving students of low-income families. The annual Scholarship Fund Dinner was held Oct. 14 at the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria, Manhattan.

The dinner, the biggest event of the year for the nonprofit organization, welcomed more than 1,000 guests.

“Your generosity has a goal, and the goal is to help our children in Brooklyn and Queens. I thank you personally from the bottom of my heart for this wonderful show of support for our mission,” said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.

In its 25-year history, Futures in Education has raised a total of $70 million for students in Catholic schools in Brooklyn and Queens. More than half of that has been raised in the last five years.

“We have a lot to be thankful for tonight. Over the years, so many people have helped us achieve so much by giving their time, talent and treasures so that we can do what we do,” said Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello, diocesan vicar for development. “We hope to give the next generation the same opportunity that was given to us and our grandparents, who came here with nothing but a dream for their children.”

This year’s dinner honored Domenick A. Cama, senior executive vice president and chief operating officer at Investors Bank; Richard J. Daly, president and CEO at Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.; Joseph M. Mattone Sr. Esq., chairman and CEO at The Mattone Group; and Lester J. Owens, global head of Wholesale Banking Operations at JP Morgan Chase & Co.

Futures in Education strives to ensure a Catholic education as a viable option for current and future generations of deserving students in Brooklyn and Queens. Through endowment funds and different fundraising programs, the organization provides assistance to the neediest students. For more information, visit www.futuresineducation.org.