Brooklyn, NY (January 7, 2010) – The Alive in Hope Foundation celebrated its fourth Annual Bishop’s Christmas Luncheon at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach, NY on Monday, December 14, 2009.
His Excellency Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, and Honorary Co-Chair, Chef Michael Lomonaco of Porterhouse New York in Columbus Circle, NY, joined Co-Chairs Mary Ann Mattone and Susan Rohan, distinguished Hosts and Committee members to honor brothers Gino Fazio and John Fazio, with the Emma A. Daniel’s Benefactors Award, and couple, Peter and Karen Labbat, with the Pope John Paul II Distinguished Stewardship Award.
This year’s Luncheon raised $750,000, up from last year's $624,000. As in the past, proceeds were directed towards the Bishop’s Scholarship Program (BSP) a collaborative effort. Thanks to this year’s luncheon over 750 new students will have the opportunity to sit in classrooms across Brooklyn and Queens.
Rocco Papandrea, David, his mother
and Danielle Papandrea
Close to 700 individuals attended, representing corporations, foundations, local businesses, parishes and schools. Our Lady of Guadalupe School in Brooklyn opened the afternoon with a medley of bells, and Josephine Sanges of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Jackson Heights, entertained the crowd with beautiful song. The program featured a short film on the Foundation’s work in Catholic Education, followed by a touching first meeting between donors Rocco and Danielle Papandrea, and students David, who they assist through the Bishop’s Scholarship Program (BSP). Families assisted through the BSP are the neediest in the Diocese of Brooklyn, having an average household income of $27,000.
The Labbats and Fazio brothers delivered poignant remarks about their faith, education and family. Maurice DuBois, co-anchor of the “CBS 2 This Morning” led the program as Master of Ceremonies. Students from Cathedral Prep Seminary and The Mary Louis Academy volunteered their time to assist with the day.
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and Karen and Peter Labbat
Leland Harrs, Managing Director of the PrinceRidge Group commented "it was touching to see the deep personal commitments that the honorees have made to giving generously to the Diocese in recognition and thanks for the blessings of education that they have received. It is clear that this generosity is making a difference in the lives of those in need throughout Brooklyn and Queens."
The Alive in Hope Foundation was created in 1998 to support the social, spiritual and educational needs of the people of Brooklyn and Queens. Since 1998, over $28,000,000 in grant and aid has been awarded in support of this diverse, urban community. This assistance is made possible thanks to the generosity of thousands of donors to the Foundation. For additional information on the Bishop's Christmas Luncheon and the Alive in Hope Foundation contact Marion Boteju at 718.965.7375 or email info@aliveinhope.org.
