FINANCIAL DISTRICT — Futures in Education’s Annual Scholarship Fund Dinner raised $1.75 million on April 29, thanks to the generosity of benefactors who value Catholic education, and not just for their own children.
That commitment was described by this year’s honoree, Ignazio Artale, who is founder and chief operating officer of On-Trac Construction Associates, Inc. in Richmond Hill, as well as chair of the board at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy in Middle Village.
“Tonight’s gathering is not just a celebration of my work,” Artale, a longtime supporter of Catholic education, told the audience. “[It is] a testament to the collective efforts of so many of you who believe in the power of education and the importance of nurturing the next generation.”
Futures in Education helps cover tuition for approximately 3,000 students in Catholic schools and academies in the Diocese of Brooklyn.
John Notaro, executive director for Futures in Education, announced this year’s proceeds at the end of the event in the grand ballroom at Cipriani Wall Street. The $1.75 million bested last year’s proceeds of $1.5 million.
An estimated 750 attendees filled the ballroom, including Bishop Robert Brennan, who gave the invocation. Also in attendance were Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Octavio Cisneros, and Auxiliary Bishop Witold Mroziewski.
Christine Persichette, anchor of Currents News, was this year’s master of ceremonies.
The evening’s spirited Angel Auction, handled by auctioneer Howie Schwartz, raised $250,300 from attendees.
Artale said a Catholic education is “the most important gift you can give a child.”
“It forms the foundation of morals, work, ethics, and friendships for life,” Artale added. “It builds character, strengthens communities, and creates a foundation for a lifetime of faith and purpose.”
That’s exactly what Neresa Gordon, this year’s featured parent, wanted for her family of an adopted daughter and four foster children. Gordon, a single mother, is not Catholic, but she desired a Christ-based education for the three girls and two boys at nearby Ss. Joachim and Anne Catholic School in Queens Village.
“I wanted a Catholic school for them, but financially, I didn’t know how to make that possible,” Gordon told the audience. “That’s when God intervened.”
She described how the school’s principal, Linda Freebes, told her about the “Angel” donors of Futures in Education. Their donations cover partial tuition for qualifying students at Catholic elementary schools in Brooklyn and Queens.
“As she explained it, I realized this was the answer to my prayers,” Gordon said. “I realized I was sitting across from an angel on Earth, and from our very first conversation, I knew I had found the right place.”
Next year, Gordon’s eldest child, Kendra-Lee, plans to attend St. Francis Preparatory High School in Fresh Meadows, Queens.
“You have transformed my family’s life, and you have given my children a chance for a bright future,” Gordon said. “Your support means more to us than words can ever express, and I am super grateful.
“God bless you.”