2024 Gesu Gala Program

JUNE 6, 2024 Citizens Bank Park

gesuschool.org

/gesuschool

@GesuSchool

Thank you, Sr. Ellen, for your incredible dedication to Gesu’s children.

Congratulations to the 2024 Gesu Graduates!

Susan Martinelli Shea

Cheers to Gesu School for 30 years of visionary and transformative education!

Congratulations to Daryl Shore and Sister Ellen Convey, IHM for your well-deserved honors!

With love, The Solomon Family

WELCOME TO THE 2024 GESU GALA! Dear Friends, Thank you for supporting our 30th Anniversary Gesu Gala! Tonight, as we celebrate this milestone, we acknowledge our blessings and our entire community.

Thirty years ago, the Gesu parish, once a thriving community, was forced to close due to financial struggles and urban deterioration.

The Archdiocese requested that the Jesuits and the IHM Sisters keep Gesu School open as an independent Catholic school, Philadelphia’s first of its kind. Gesu School remained to serve our North Philadelphia community and ensure the highest quality education.

Thanks to the contributions of so many over the decades, Gesu School is thriving as a national model for urban education. Your time and generosity have transformed thousands of children’s lives with faith, love, and learning.

Please take with you a commemorative 30th Anniversary book, which shares the full story of Gesu’s unique history and inspiring community.

This evening’s gala raises funds that are critical to furthering Gesu’s mission: providing an innovative education that empowers students to transcend all forms of poverty. Your support directly impacts 400 students.

We offer our sincerest thanks to all Gala sponsors for their generosity.

And we are grateful to our Gala Co-Chairs for their dedication: Tom & Beth Belmont, Molly Belmont, and Susan Martinelli Shea.

We hope you enjoy this special celebration!

Bryan Carter President & CEO

Sister Ellen Convey, IHM Principal

Alana Lee Principal

OUR MISSION

Inspired by the Jesuit and IHM traditions of social justice, faith, creative hope, and love, Gesu School helps students to transcend all forms of poverty by providing a comprehensive, innovative education. We empower our students to develop their strengths, overcome challenges, and become positive, engaged members of the community and the world.

OUR STORY

Gesu School was founded in 1873 as a parochial school. In June 1993, it was in jeopardy of closing, but opened three months later as an independent Catholic school governed by an ecumenical board of trustees.

Gesu blazed the trail for what a thriving urban school looks like and what our students can accomplish. Nearly 30 years later, thousands of children have received a quality education, and schools nationwide have adopted Gesu's model.

Aligned with the Jesuit belief in cura personalis, "care of the whole person," Gesu provides a holistic education, nurturing students academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. In the spirit of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Gesu affirms that "every child can learn." We welcome children of all ability levels, faiths, and ethnicities. In 2023-24, approximately 54% of Gesu families had a household income of less than $30,000. Gesu School qualifies 100% for free/reduced breakfast and lunch programs.

Gesu ensures students reach their full potential with resources including remedial to advanced classes, spirituality and wellness, our soft skills curriculum, and our Graduate Support Program. All gala proceeds directly support Gesu's 400 students.

ORDER OF THE EVENING Cocktail Hour – CP Rankin Club Awards Ceremony - Home Plate 30th Anniversary Video Welcome Master of Ceremonies, Rick Williams, 6abc Opening Prayer Fr. Mario Powell, S.J. & Sister Mary Ellen Tennity, IHM Gesu Gospel Choir Performance Recognition of Gesu Faculty, Staff, and Presidents Steve Piltch, Ed.D. – Chair, Gesu Board of Trustees Recognition of Past Gesu Board Chairs Bryan Carter, President & CEO, Gesu School Presentation of the James F Higgins ’45 Distinguished Alumni Award to Daryl Shore ‘94 Bryan Carter, President & CEO, Gesu School Gesu Gospel Choir Performance Presentation of 2024 Mark Solomon Gesu Spirit Medal to Sister Ellen Convey, IHM Win Churchill, Chairman Emeritus, Gesu School Closing Remarks Master of Ceremonies, Rick Williams, 6abc

Dinner – Main Concourse Special Presentation – Main Concourse Dessert and Dancing – Main Concourse

Videos produced by:

GESU SPIRIT MEDAL Gesu School is honored to announce that our highest honor, the Gesu Spirit Medal, will be re-named in memory of Mark Solomon, who passed away on September 30, 2023.

Mark, the very first Gesu Spirit Medalist (2006), played an integral role in helping to keep Gesu open and transitioning the school into an independent Catholic School 30 years ago. His kindness, generosity, and love for Gesu’s children was boundless. Mark proudly embodied the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, a commitment to actions that help to make a better world. His legacy of philanthropy and advocacy for those in need can be felt around the world, from Philadelphia to Israel, and beyond.

The “Mark Solomon Gesu Spirit Medal” will continue to honor individuals and organizations who have shown extraordinary commitment to Gesu School through their loyal advocacy and actions, and who have made a significant contribution to Gesu’s success as a model urban elementary school.

This year we are honored to recognize Sister Ellen Convey, IHM

PAST HONOREES 2023 Jonathan (posthumously), Gloria, & the Detwiler Family Peter & Kathy Linneman 2022 Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation H. Scott Miller 2021 The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust Stephen & Cheri Ziegler 2020 Rosemary Español, CFM Saint Joseph's University 2019 Winston J. Churchill 2018 J. Gordon Cooney, Jr., Esq. Steve Piltch, Ed.D. 2017 James F. Higgins '45 H. Chase Lenfest 2016 Peter G. Gould Rev. Stephen D. Thorne

2015 Tad Decker Keith Pension 2014 Mrs. Elizabeth R. Moran Rev. Neil Ver'Schneider, S.J. 2013 Rev. William J. Byron, S.J. Vivienne Lambert Ehret 2012 Robert M. McAlaine 2011 Christine S. Beck George W. Bur, S.J. 2010 John J. DiIulio, Jr., Ph.D. 2009 Aline & Al Martinelli Susan & Bill Shea 2008 Ralph Saul John J.F. “Jay” Sherrerd, (posthumously) 2006 Mark Solomon

MARK SOLOMON GESU SPIRIT MEDAL 2024 HONOREE

SISTER ELLEN CONVEY, IHM For the last 32 years, Sister Ellen Convey, IHM has served as Gesu’s tireless leader and ardent advocate for our students and families. First in the building each day and often last to leave, her dedication and generosity are exceptional. Sr. Ellen began her career in education at the age of 20 as a 4th grade teacher at an urban parochial school in Philadelphia. She later taught in elementary schools in Somerville, New Jersey; Athens, Georgia; and Reading, Pennsylvania.

During her career, Sr. Ellen has been recognized with several awards, including the inaugural Robert Molyneux, S.J. Award from the Center for Catholic and Urban Education at Saint Joseph’s University in 2013 for making “exceptional advances in innovation and efficacy for Catholic schools capturing the essence of the Magis - to do something of deeper worth, in the current moment, for the greater need.” The Please Touch Museum presented Sr. Ellen with the Great Friend to Kids Award for Education in 2001. In 2004 she was the first recipient of the Sherrerd Excellence in Teaching Award.

Over the past three decades, Sr. Ellen has made an immeasurable impact on thousands of Gesu children, their families, and across our North Philadelphia community. Her compassion, love, and commitment have been, and continue to be, felt by all of those in her presence and who have been blessed to know her.

As Gesu School celebrates our 30th Anniversary as an independent Catholic school, there is no one more deserving of our highest honor than Sister Ellen Convey, IHM.

JAMES F. HIGGINS ‘45

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD 2024 HONOREE Named for alumnus and 2017 Spirit Medalist James F. Higgins ‘45, this award honors alumni who embody Jim’s legacy through their success, heart, Gesu pride, and dedication.

DARYL SHORE ‘94 Daryl Shore, Gesu Class of 1994, currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Structured Finance at National Equity Fund (NEF), where he is responsible for overseeing NEF’s national lending and workforce housing investment platform, managing products, and engaging with investors.

Before joining NEF, Daryl accumulated significant experience at Prudential Financial, where he specialized in Impact Investments and later progressed to the role of Vice President of Inclusive Communities. During his time there, he played a pivotal role in structuring and executing Prudential’s inaugural Opportunity Zone investment. Daryl also brings a wealth of expertise from his tenure as Vice President in Business Banking, Community Development, and Global Philanthropy at JPMorgan Chase.

Daryl’s educational background is impressive, including a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Economics from Emory University. He continued his academic journey with an MBA in Finance from Clark university in Atlanta and holds an M.S. in Real Estate from Johns Hopkins University.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Daryl is actively involved in various civic and nonprofit organizations. He serves as a dedicated board member for Westtown School, Gesu School, and Community Housing Capital, contributing his time and expertise to support their missions.

GESU GOSPEL CHOIR DIRECTED BY H.L. RATLIFF

SOPRANOS

TENORS

Ariel M. Alayna-Joy G. Aleysha B. Nina W. Milan W. Zoe B. Laila G.

Symir R. Elijah C. Caleb N. Davian M. Cameron F. Gabriel C. Kaius J. Bryce C. Chase A. Joshua L. Eric C. Jeffrey A.

ALTOS Madisyn F. Nyvia H. Destini J. Demi J. Kennedy H. Zoe H. Mi'kel G. Ahvryn N. Saniyah W.

BARITONES A’Jani G. Amir T. Tyler B. Kharee W.

URBAN GUERILLA ORCHESTRA

The Urban Guerilla Orchestra, directed by trumpeter Henri McMillian, is made up of world-class professional musicians with decades of experience that record and tour with major label artists such as Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin, Boyz II Men, Alicia Keys, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Kool & the Gang, The Roots, and countless others.

The group is a full-time concert recording ensemble of the highest caliber, performing a wide-array of genres of a vast repertoire. UGO exemplifies versatility and sophistication and delivers an energy-packed musical experience that will rock you every second of the performance!

GIVE THE GIFT OF A CHILD’S EDUCATION AND RECEIVE UP TO 90% IN TAX CREDITS! Pennsylvania allows qualified individuals and businesses to receive tax credits (yes, tax credits, not deductions) for contributions of scholarship aid through the Educational Improvement and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Programs (EITC & OSTC).

Gesu School relies on EITC and OSTC donations from businesses and individuals across the region to help us continue our mission to serve low-income children and families in North Philadelphia. You can help! The impact is enormous.

To learn more, please reach out to Rob Weinstein, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at 215-763-9077 or rob.weinstein@gesuschool.org.

MAS

TE R O F C E R E M O NIES

Rick Williams 6abc News Anchor

THANK YOU TO ARAMARK FOR SPONSORING OUR STUDENT DINNER

THANK YOU TO OUR GALA VENDORS Choice Linens Events by Renee Helm Creative Studio Ready, Set, Balloons, LLC Synergetic Sound & Lighting Vision Furniture

THANK YOU TO OUR GALA CO-CHAIRS Tom & Beth Belmont Molly Belmont Susan Martinelli Shea

THANK YOU TO OUR GALA COMMITTEE MEMBERS Kathy Asta Kristen Barber Kimberly Brennan Rard Davies Linda Hartzell Kate Hovde Alana Lee

Byron McCook Allan Murphy Keith Pension H.L. Ratliffe Megan Ryan Mary Ryder Rob Weinstein Randi Zemsky

THANK YOU, SR. ELLEN!

Thank you to Sister Ellen Convey, IHM for 32 years of service to Gesu School and our students!

You have impacted thousands of children’s lives with your love, creative hope, and fidelity.

Our entire Gesu community loves and appreciates you!

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Gesu School is governed by a diverse, ecumenical board of trustees, a group of talented individuals united by their passion for creating a safe haven of learning for our children in North Philadelphia.

Steven Piltch, Ed.D., Chair Susan P. Manix, Vice Chair Greg Rigdon, Vice Chair Keith M. Pension, Secretary Gerard J. Davies, Treasurer Bryan H. Carter, President and CEO Jeff Armbrister Honorary Donna Bullock Rev. George W. Bur, S.J. Craig Burns Sr. Mary Sue Carwile, IHM Andrew Cavacos

Winston J. Churchill, Esq., Chairman Emeritus John J. Curry Sherri Darden Thomas A. Decker, Esq. Rosemary Español, CFM Tamika Evans ‘92 Peter G. Gould, Ph.D,, FSA Frances Gray Kellsey Guell Junior Board President Eve J. Higginbotham SM, MD, ML James F. Higgins ‘45 Katherine H. Hovde Rev. Daniel R. J. Joyce, S.J. Karen Lucey Nyree S. Lyons, RN ‘95 John Marinacci

Susan Martinelli Shea Robert M. McAlaine Byron A. McCook, Ed.D. Marie T. McCormick Allan C. Murphy Louis R. Pichini Sr. Stephen Anne Roderiguez, IHM Margaret Erin Rodgers Schmidt Eilise Rouse Angela Schwartz Desmond Shannon ‘02 Daryl J. Shore ‘94 Sylvia Spector Rasheed Stewart Sherman Washington Larry Wells, MD Aneka Williams

MANAGEMENT TEAM Bryan H. Carter, President and CEO Sr. Ellen Convey, IHM, Principal Alana D. Lee, Principal

Robert S. Weinstein, Vice President of Institutional Advancement Carolynn Thompson, Chief Financial Officer

Ed Beckett, Vice President for Mission, Identity, and Inclusion Mark Smith, Director of Facilities Rev. Raymond J. Donaldson, S.J., Chaplain

JUNIOR BOARD Kellsey Guell, President Molly Belmont, Vice President Kenyon Privott, Secretary

Kimberly Brennan, Gesu Staff Liaison Imani Briscoe ‘09 Joseph Caraway Daniel DiBerardinis Shawn Futch

Kristen Herrmann Mary Liva McNulty Courtney Stroud Mike Talvacchia Lily Walter

GESU GALA SPONSORS 30TH ANNIVERSARY HALL OF FAME SPONSORS The Maguire Foundation Susan Martinelli Shea The Solomon Family

WORLD SERIES SPONSORS The Connelly Foundation The H. Chase Lenfest Foundation

CHAMPIONSHIP SPONSORS Tom & Beth Belmont Craig & Jeannie Burns Gallagher Peter Gould & Robin Potter The James and Agnes Kim Foundation Kevin & Karen Lucey National Equity Fund Cozen O’Connor St. Joseph’s Preparatory School

HOME RUN SPONSORS Christine Beck Kate Hovde & Ken Kulak Allan & Pat Murphy Philadelphia Kids in Care Foundation Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

GESU GALA SPONSORS TRIPLE SPONSORS

VIP PATRONS

Germantown Friends School Bob & Anne McAlaine

Andy Anderson Ed Beckett Jim & Diane Brecker Geraldine Geckle Susan Manix & Glenn Gunderson Byron & Angela McCook Pat & Marie McCormick Mark Murphy Jerry & MM O’Neill Paul & Wendy Rosen Frank & Kathy Seidman Don Thompson William Untereker & Diane Semingson Paul & Lisa Welch

DOUBLE SPONSORS Arrupe House Jesuit Community John & Jennifer Curry Malvern Preparatory School Saint Joseph’s University Treasure Signs Dr. Lawrence Wells & Dr. Bernadette Wheeler Westtown School Drs. Frank & Eve Williams Vault Communications, Inc.

PHANATIC SPONSORS The Dorothy and Anthony Bardaro Foundation Brown Advisory The Carter Family Rard & Judy Davies Flynn O’Hara Uniforms Liguori Academy Keith Pension Steve Piltch & Sunny Greenberg PNC Bank Scott & Barbara Renninger Steve & Maria Schreder Schultz & Williams Toscani, Stathes & Zoeller LLC OIlie Young

DONATIONS $10,000+ The Convey Family

DONATIONS $1,000+ The Ellen Farber Charitable Fund Maryland Society of Jesus Adam & Sylvia Spector Randi Zemsky & Bob Lane

COMMEMORATIVE JERSEY SPONSOR Citizens Bank

DIGITAL PROGRAM BOOK & SIGNAGE UNDERWRITING Chuck & Carol Walsh

The Connelly Foundation congratulates the students and staff of Gesu School on thirty years of hard work and transformative love!

Our thanks to Sister Ellen for a lifetime of service to Gesu and the children of the community.

Your humanity, belief in what is possible, and commitment to make the possible into reality have defined the school. You are the Spirit of Gesu. We wish you a long life and fruitful next endeavors.

Peter Gould and Robin Potter

The Maguire Foundation is pleased to support Gesu School and the 2024 Gala.

Congratulations to the staff students, & alumni of the Gesu School on 30 years of creating positive, engaged members of the community!

Thank you Sister Ellen for your caring and leadership!

Congratulations, Daryl Shore on being such a positive force in the community!

The Belmont Family

Congratulations to the students and staff of Gesu School on 30 years of hard work and transformative love!

We also honor the Gesu Spirit Medalist Sister Ellen Convey and thank her for her many contributions to Gesu School.

Jeannie and Craig Burns

Congratulations to the Gesu Class of 2024 and to the fantastic teachers and staff, especially Sister Ellen, that support and lead the way!

Allan and Pat Murphy

Congratulations to the Class of 2024, and thank you to Gesu faculty and staff, especially Sister Ellen! We will miss both the graduates and Sister Ellen, but look forward to seeing you at many future Gesu events.

With great appreciation, Kate Hovde and Ken Kulak

A big thank you to Sister Ellen and all of the Gesu School faculty & staff for all you do for the students.

Congratulations on 30 years of high-quality education!

Karen & Kevin Lucey

Gesu works because of you, Ellen. All will miss you but now you can teach 8th grade!

Love and hugs forever!

Chris Beck

The James and Agnes Kim Foundation congratulates the Gesu School on 30 years of hard work and commitment to transforming the lives of its students through learning and love.

Congratulations and best of luck to 8th graders Jaelyn, at SJP, and Avi, at the Academy of the New Church.

The Jim and Agnes Kim Foundation

Arrupe Jesuit Community congratulates Daryl Shore and Sr. Ellen Convey.

Thank you for helping the souls of so many students of North Philadelphia.

Congratulations to Sr. Ellen and Daryl Shore on your much-deserved spirit awards, and to the Class of 2024 on reaching this exciting milestone.

Best wishes to all!

John and Jennifer Curry

We honor Sister Ellen Convey who inspires all who are lucky enough to meet her. Her dedication, hard work and love for the students and the entire Gesu family have made all the difference!

Randi Zemsky & Bob Lane

“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”

-Booker T. Washington

With Congratulations to the Gesu graduating class, Drs. Frank & Eve Williams

Thank you Sister Ellen and Daryl for your generous support of Gesu School.

Congratulations on this well deserved honor!

Bob & Anne McAlaine

Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

Dr. Bernadette Wheeler & Dr. Lawrence Wells

With great respect and boundless admiration, we thank Bryan Carter, Sister Ellen, Ms. Lee and all the colleagues (faculty and staff) who make Gesu run on a daily basis. Although it is the children of Gesu who tell the Gesu story, a wonderful story, special thanks goes to Sister Ellen for playing such an instrumental role shaping, writing, and editing the story for more than 30 years. Congratulations, Sister Ellen!

Happy 30th, Gesu!

Steve Piltch & Sunny Greenberg

Congratulations and thank you to the entire Gesu community.

Rard & Judy Davies

Gesu and Sister Ellen have helped so many children and families over the years. This is well deserved!!!!!

Janet Maldonado

Congratulations to Gesu School for a great 30 years! Here’s to 30 more.

Steve & Maria Schreder

Thank you for celebrating this milestone with us and supporting our 30th Anniversary Gesu Gala!

The Carter Family

We are proud to support Gesu School and its talented and committed faculty, staff, and students.

Congratulations on another successful year.

Scott & Barbara Renninger

Thank you to the faculty and staff at Gesu for their hard work supporting the students this year.

Best wishes to the Gesu Class of 2024.

Ollie Young

Congratulations to the entire Gesu School community for a successful 30 years!

Toscani, Stathes & Zoeller, LLC

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