LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. — The first Beacon of Hope Ball to raise scholarship funds for low-income Catholic school students in the Capital region is being held this Saturday evening.
Serving as honorary co-chairs of the ball are Siena’s president Kevin Mackinand Dr. R. Mark Sullivan, president of The College of Saint Rose in Albany.
The presidents of the two colleges, men who fully appreciate the value of a high quality education, announced plans on Feb. 22 for the first-ever Beacon of Hope Ball to raise scholarships for students attending the 31 Catholic schools of the Albany Diocese.
Kevin said, “The Beacon of Hope Scholarship Fund, launched just last September, has already raised over $100,000 in support of this brand new program aimed at easing the tuition burden for students who might not otherwise be able to afford an education at all the fine Catholic schools in the Albany Diocese. We are hopeful that the upcoming ball will raise an additional $30,000.”
Dr. Sullivan added, ball represents a major effort at supporting high quality education for as many students as possible. We are both very proud to be playing this role as honorary co-chairmen.”
The Beacon of Hope Ball, expected to become an annual event, will be held at the National Museum of Dance in Saratoga Springs at 6:30 p.m. on March 3. It will include dinner, dancing, cocktails and entertainment featuring the Big Band Music of the Georgie Wonders Orchestra.
Expressing great enthusiasm for the early success of this new program was Sister Jane Herb, superintendent of schools for the Albany Diocese.
She said, “With the enormous support we’ve received already, we’re really on a roll. It’s obvious that Beacon of Hope has provided a wonderful opportunity for many concerned, committed and generous members of our community who see the great benefit in supporting this very tangible cause. People really care about supporting Catholic education, and we are very grateful to them.”
Tickets for the Beacon of Hope Ball are $100 and may be purchased through the Catholic Schools Office in Albany or by calling 518-453-6676.
The two college presidents also presented Beacon of Hope candles to Catholic school principals for display in the reception areas of their schools, as a reminder to all of what this program will mean to so many Catholic school students.
In making their announcement, Kevin and Dr. Sullivan expressed their appreciation to the three major area organizations that are sponsoring the Beacon of Hope Ball. Fidelis Care is the presenting sponsor, with Weatherguard Roofing and Bank of America identified as supporting sponsors.
The first Beacon of Hope scholarships are to be awarded to more than 25 students in May.