CLEVELAND — With Presenting Sponsor Joseph Scaminace ’71 leading the way, supporters of Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School spoke with one resounding voice at the school’s “Continue the Dream” benefit on Saturday night, April 2.
What they said was: Records are made to be broken. They made their declaration by raising a total of $470,000, significantly exceeding the amount raised at last year’s
Scaminace got things started with his recent announcement that once again he would be the event’s Presenting Sponsor, this time with a gift of $250,000. In an address to the crowd, he spoke of the school’s mission to serve students in an increasingly challenging world.
“These beautiful young men and women need what I received and many of us received at St. Joseph High School and Villa Angela Academy,” Scaminace said. “We received a faith-based education, a nurturing culture, a committed faculty and a spirit of cooperation and teamwork. In short, these students need to know that they are valued. They need to know they are important.”
Students are the first to say that the nurturing culture and family spirit are very much present at today’s VASJ. Each student has a life-changing story about the school. One such story was shared at the event. Sean Johns, a senior and a member of the Marianist Urban Students program at VASJ, was featured in a video that highlighted his experience. This is his story:
Nearly 400 guests – including faculty, staff, students, parents,
It was the most successful fundraising event in the history of the school and its predecessor schools, Villa Angela
In her opening prayer, Ursuline President Sr. Susan Durkin honored the memories of those who came before us. “Through the intercession of our founders, Blessed Chaminade and St. Angela, we remember with grateful hearts the contributions of past faculty,
Incoming VASJ President William Cervenik ’72 also addressed the crowd and spoke of his appreciation of the opportunity to serve his alma mater. “I am proud to be the next president of VASJ and look forward to working with all of you here tonight who support VASJ,” he said. “It is clear that you understand the importance of a Catholic education and the teachings of the Ursulines and Marianists.Our students really get it, they understand it and they live it, and for
Following dinner, the program consisted of a parade of celebrations. In honor of Scaminace’s 63rd birthday, the gathering joined in a rousing rendition of the “Happy Birthday” song.
The Viking Men’s Choir took to the stage to sing a special arrangement of “My Girl” to honor members of the Ladies Night Out Committee who pledged $10,000 to the “Continue the Dream” program. Also honored was the school’s Oarsmen booster organization, which pledged $15,000. (Complete list of “Dream Maker” donors of $10,000 or more are listed below.)
“At VASJ, we always have emphasized our sense of family,” said retiring VASJ President Richard Osborne ’69. “Certainly that sense was on full display in the tremendous outpouring of support we experienced throughout this magnificent evening.”
Additional donations can be made online (click here) or mailed to the Advancement Office at 18491 Lakeshore Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44119.
Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School is a Catholic, comprehensive, co-educational high school committed to academic excellence and the development of student gifts. With a college preparatory curriculum rooted in Ursuline and Marianist core values of education, service, justice and diversity, VASJ strives to bring each student to a deeper commitment to Jesus Christ and Gospel values.
For more information, contact Emily Robinson at 216-481-8414, ext. 235, or erobinson@vasj.com.
Click here to view more pictures from the event.
Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor: Joseph Scaminace ’71 ($250,000)
Platinum Sponsors:
Scholarships
Sandra ’66 and Jeff Turner ($10,000)
The Melaragno Family ($20,000)
Jamie’ 76 and Josie Myers ($10,000)
Chemistry Lab
The Spotila Family ($25,000 matching grant)
Chemistry lab matches ($25,000)
80 donors with lead gifts from Jamie Myers ’76 and Daniel Doyle ’58
The Prince Family ($10,000)
More Dream Makers
Ladies Night Out ($10,000)
Don ’70 and Mary Jo Dailey ($10,000)