La Salle Academy honored Brother Ralph J. Darmento, F.S.C., deputy superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn and member of La Salle’s board of trustees, at its 27th annual spring gala at The Pierre Hotel in Manhattan.
Nearly 700 guests attended the May 10 event, which raised close to $1.8 million and counting for student scholarships, compared to just over $1 million generated at last year’s gala. As a result, La Salle is on pace to cap off the 2017-18 academic year with approximately $2.7 million in total fundraising revenue, making it the most successful funding period in the school’s 170-year history.
The gala honored four distinguished men for their constant support and commitment to education at La Salle. They were: Brother Ralph; Deacon James A. Detura ’74, Robert G. Schoenberger ’68 and T. Howard McGee ’58.
The evening also celebrated the school’s successes over the past year, including a 99-percent college acceptance rate for the Class of 2017; an additional floor of the school building; a third consecutive wait-list freshman class; accreditation as a National Blue Ribbon School from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and an exceptionally positive review by the Christian Brothers of the District of Eastern North America in the Lasallian Mission Assessment Process.
“La Salle’s 27th Annual Spring Gala was a major success thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our alumni, donors and friends,” said Dr. Catherine Guerriero, school president.
“They allow us to relentlessly and successfully carry out the school’s mission to provide a high-quality Catholic education to young men most in need. Our goal is to make sure that no young man is turned away from La Salle because of his family’s inability to pay.”
Salvatore LaRocca ’82, chairman of La Salle’s board of trustees, served as emcee for the evening as well as co-chair of the event alongside fellow La Salle alumnus Vincent S. Tese ’60, executive chairman, Florida Community Bank.
“The hard work and tireless efforts of Dr. Guerriero and her team are incredible,” said LaRocca. “I am beyond proud to serve my alma mater as Board Chair and especially proud to be part of this fantastic event each year.”