Inaugural Event Celebrating Academics, Philanthropy, and Service in Philadelphia-area Catholic Schools
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office of Catholic Education (OCE), Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS), and Faith in the Future Foundation (FIF) are proud to jointly announce the CAPS 2016 event.
The acronym stands for “Celebrating Academics, Philanthropy, and Service in Philadelphia-area Catholic Schools.” The event’s goal is to raise funds supporting Catholic education through scholarships for students, along with instructional materials and classroom resources geared to providing a 21st century education.
The inaugural event will be held on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at The Fillmore Philadelphia. Mr. Bob Kelly, Traffic Anchor for Fox 29 & Good Day Philadelphia, and proud Catholic school graduate of All Saints Elementary School in the Bridesburg section of Philadelphia and Northeast Catholic High School for Boys in Northeast Philadelphia, will serve as the master of ceremonies. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. and Bishop Michael Fitzgerald, the Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia who oversees Catholic Education, will attend the event and lead guests in the opening and closing prayers.
Archbishop Chaput said, “I look forward to attending the inaugural CAPS event this year. It promises to be an enjoyable evening filled with opportunities to learn about the value of Catholic education, support its mission, and recognize exemplary graduates.
The elementary, secondary, and special education schools in our Archdiocese provide the lifelong gift of a quality education centered on the model of Christ to all those who seek its benefits. They form future leaders who will be poised for individual success while serving the good of the world around them. It would not be possible for these schools to provide educational and technological resources or financial aid without the generous support of those who believe Catholic education is a sound investment—and it is.
Please consider joining me and helping to provide a bright future for our young people.”
During the celebration three Catholic school graduates from the Philadelphia area who have demonstrated philanthropy and service within the community will be honored. Mr. Daniel J. Hilferty, President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross and a graduate of Saint Augustine Preparatory School in Richland, New Jersey; Mrs. Donna Crilley Farrell, former Executive Director of the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 and a graduate of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Elementary School and Cardinal O’Hara High School both in Springfield, Delaware County; and Mr. Ray Didinger, Pro Football Hall of Fame Writer, sports and talk radio personality, and a graduate of Saint James Catholic High School for Boys in Chester and of Our Lady of Peace Parish School in Milmont Park, both in Delaware County, will receive the inaugural CAPS 2016 Awards.
Patrons of the event will have the ability to support Catholic education in additional ways throughout the evening at several stations. They can choose to designate their support for key areas, including: Student Scholarships, Programmatic Support, Special Education, and Technology. The funds raised will be distributed through a collaborative effort by OCE, BLOCS, and FIF. Three students who currently attend Archdiocesan schools and benefit from BLOCS scholarships will share stories of the personal impact Catholic education has made on their lives and how grateful their families are to receive financial assistance.
In anticipation of this inaugural event, organizers have launched the www.phillycaps.org website, which includes information on the honorees, how to purchase tickets, and provides the option to make a donation towards support for students in the 121 elementary schools, 17 high schools, and 4 special education schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
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Editor’s Note: The CAPS 2016 event is the successor to the Distinguished Graduate Awards hosted by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Office of Catholic Education, and the BLOCS Dinner hosted by BLOCS. Previously, both were celebrated annually to raise funds for Catholic education.
Contact:
Contact: Kenneth A. Gavin
Chief Communications Officer
215-587-3747 (office)