FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 15, 2020
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org
John Quaglione
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org
FUTURES IN EDUCATION CATHOLIC SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP DINNER VIRTUALLY MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER
The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing the Annual Futures in Education Scholarship Fund Dinner will take place next Tuesday, October 20, 2020, for the first time ever virtually, with all proceeds to support the financially disadvantaged students attending, or applying to, Catholic grammar schools and academies in Brooklyn and Queens.
This year’s Mistress of Ceremonies will be a longtime Futures supporter and the co-host of Fox 5 NY’s Good Day New York, Rosanna Scotto. Two members of the Board of Trustees, who have served since the program’s inception in 1989, John A. Loconsolo and Joseph M. Mattone, Sr., will share their testimonial of their long-standing commitment.
During the past 2019-2020 school year, Futures in Education awarded over $7.5 million in scholarships to more than 5,000 students. Additionally, due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the devastating economic effect, an additional $900,000 was raised and awarded to over 1,000 families in need through the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund.
Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, Vicar for Development for the Diocese of Brooklyn, stated, “Since our dinner last year, so much has changed and our need has grown so much larger. This year, while surely in a different fashion, we continue to ask for the support of our loyal donors, and of new ones, to achieve our mission. With your help, we will continue to break down any economic barriers that stand in the way of a highly-valued Catholic education.”
The featured parent speaker for the evening will be Chere Dyal, who has benefitted from the Futures in Education’s Angel Program since 2017 when a degenerative disorder that affected her Cornea and vision forced her to stop working. Through the efforts of Futures in Education and their Angel Donor Program, Chere’s children have been able to continue their Catholic education despite the unexpected financial hardship.
“I honestly believe that my children are going to do amazing because they attended Catholic school. Futures in Education really builds the foundation for the children’s future,” said Chere Dyal whose two children are on track to graduate from a Queens Catholic grammar school in June 2021.
To view the live stream or donate to support this year’s Futures in Education Virtual Gala, individuals are invited to visit www.futuresineducation.org, or text, FIE20 to 76278. To participate in the live Angel Auction on October 20th, from 7 PM to 8 PM, supporters can contribute via text or by calling (718) 965-7394.
Since its inception, Futures in Education has awarded over $120 million to over 32,000 students.
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