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The night began with a choir from Our Lady of Guadalupe
School singing God Bless America. This was
followed by children from St. Nicholas of Tolentine, St.
Francis Xavier, Our Lady of Angels and Immaculate Heart of
Mary, directed by Father Patrick Burns, who sang and danced on
stage and through the audience intermittently throughout the
evening. The children were joined in “Rockette style” by
the evening’s honorees.
The success of this event was due to a
tireless effort by the Board, staff members, and volunteers
who understand the importance of providing an educational
opportunity to needy students in Brooklyn and
Queens . The spirit of the
evening was captured by the words of several speakers,
beginning with
Flatbush
Catholic
Academy
student,
Kawana Matthew and her “Angel” Susan Carusi. Advisory
Board Chair, Charles B. McQuade picked up on this spirit when
he called upon the audience to understand the impact their
generosity has on the children supported by Futures.
So often an evening of entertainment and fun can be more
about the honorees and the music than it is about the
mission. Mr. Piazza and Mr. Bastianich made certain that
all roads led to the children, with their remarks and by
interacting with the children. The Bishop of Brooklyn, the
Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, offered final remarks and
stressed the importance of Catholic education and the support
of the many families who need our help. Even excellent
performances by musical guests, Michael Amante and Wade
Preston, seemed to augment the focus of the evening rather
than distract from it. There was never a doubt that the
evening was about the children.
World renowned restaurateurs and television and culinary
celebrities, Mario Batali and Lidia Bastianich were also
active participants and contributors toward the evening’s
success.
Proceeds from this celebration will go toward current and
future student financial assistance for children from
low-income families who attend the 113 Catholic elementary
schools of Brooklyn and Queens.
To View all of the Pictures from the 2008 Annual Scholarship
Dinner
click here.
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