47th Annual Friends of Inner-City Scholarship Fund Gala: A Night of Celebration and Support
The 47th Annual Friends of Inner-City Scholarship Fund Gala was a night filled with hope, generosity, and a shared commitment to supporting educational opportunities for low-income students in New York City. Hosted on April 30, 2024, at the prestigious Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan, the gala successfully raised over $1.3 million to benefit students attending Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of New York. This event is part of the fund’s ongoing efforts to ensure that children from financially challenged backgrounds have access to a quality, values-based education that can change their lives.
About the Inner-City Scholarship Fund
The Inner-City Scholarship Fund is New York City’s leading non-profit dedicated to providing tuition assistance to students attending Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York. Founded in 1971, the organization has helped thousands of students from diverse backgrounds receive an education that equips them for academic success and leadership roles in their communities.
The Fund operates on the principle that every child deserves the opportunity for a quality education, regardless of their financial circumstances. By offering tuition support, scholarships, and enrichment programs, the Fund has made a significant impact on countless lives, helping students realize their full potential both academically and personally.
Highlights of the 47th Annual Gala
The 47th Annual Gala was attended by more than 420 guests, including prominent figures from various sectors of society. His Eminence, Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan, Archbishop of New York, graced the event, underscoring the Archdiocese’s commitment to the scholarship fund’s mission. The evening’s emcee was Martha MacCallum, a news host for Fox News, adding a touch of elegance and enthusiasm to the proceedings.
Key moments of the event included:
- The Founders Award for Lifetime Service: This year’s gala introduced the Founders Award for Lifetime Service, honoring Ruth Woolard for her unwavering dedication to the Inner-City Scholarship Fund. Woolard has been a pillar of support for the Fund, playing a crucial role in the success of the gala for the past 46 years. Her late husband, Paul P. Woolard, was one of the founding members of the Fund’s executive council in 1971.
- Student Speeches and Performances: A highlight of the evening was a speech by Gianna Raldiris, a scholarship recipient and senior at Preston High School in the Bronx. Gianna shared her heartfelt gratitude for the opportunities made possible by her scholarship, which allowed her to participate in numerous school activities and prepare for her future. She expressed her excitement about attending Pace University to study nursing, an aspiration that aligns with the values of service and care instilled through her Catholic education.
Guests were also treated to student performances from schools such as All Hallows High School, Cardinal Spellman High School, Notre Dame School, and St. Raymond Elementary School. The talented performances underscored the positive impact that the Inner-City Scholarship Fund has on the lives of these students, fostering not just academic success, but also personal growth and artistic expression.
The Impact of the Funds Raised
The $1.3 million raised at the gala will directly support the tuition assistance and enrichment programs provided by the Inner-City Scholarship Fund. The money will help cover tuition costs for students from low-income families, allowing them to receive a values-based, high-quality education in the Archdiocese of New York. By supporting these students, the Fund is not only investing in their individual futures but also strengthening the broader community by cultivating well-rounded, compassionate, and educated leaders.
Jill Lloyd, the Executive Director of the Inner-City Scholarship Fund, emphasized the importance of the gala’s success, stating, “Through this successful event, we are able to further our mission of providing low-income families the opportunity to give their children a quality, values-based Catholic education in the Archdiocese of New York. All of us at Inner-City, and most importantly the children and families we serve, are grateful for the generosity of all who have and continue to support us.”
How to Support the Inner-City Scholarship Fund
The gala is just one of the many ways that individuals and organizations can support the mission of the Inner-City Scholarship Fund. Donations, sponsorships, and participation in future events are all ways to contribute to the Fund’s ongoing work. By investing in the education of underprivileged children, donors help create a ripple effect of positive change in the community.
For those interested in learning more about the Fund or how to contribute, visit the Inner-City Scholarship Fund website for information on upcoming events, donation options, and scholarship programs.
Final Thoughts
The 47th Annual Friends of Inner-City Scholarship Fund Gala was a powerful reminder of the impact that collective generosity and a commitment to education can have on young lives. The funds raised at this year’s event will help ensure that more students have the opportunity to attend quality Catholic schools, empowering them to achieve their academic and personal goals. With continued support, the Inner-City Scholarship Fund is poised to change even more lives for the better in the years to come.
