Gesu School hosts 15th Annual Gala honoring donors, students, teachers and volunteers

The Gesu School, an independent Catholic school in North Philadelphia, will host its 15th Gesu Gala on Thursday, June 3rd. Many people don’t know, but Gesu happens to be one of the most unique pre-K through 8th (grade) schools in North Philadelphia, specifically due to the fact that they empower impoverished youth by providing them with a comprehensive and innovative education.
The Gesu Gala is an annual fundraiser that supports Gesu School in its mission to help North Philadelphia’s children. For the last 15 years, teachers, donors, and volunteers have been celebrated for the positive contributions made at the Gesu Gala. Although this year’s Gala will be virtual, the mission still remains. Gesu hopes that this annual fundraiser will help support the lives of 450 children in grades pre-K through 8. Since the event is virtual, one would assume that many of the amenities of a Gala would be missing, but not at this Gala. Adding to this engaging experience, on the evening of the Gala, Di Bruno Bros will deliver an exclusive food package to our sponsors and guests. All guest ticket holders and sponsors will be invited to a “virtual toast to Gesu” at 6:30 pm on June 3, followed by the Gala video premiere at 7:00 pm.
Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Gesu’s president/CEO, Bryan Carter. Mr. Carter was extremely excited to tell me about the Gala and its impact on the community: “Within the Gesu community, our children are in the spotlight. They’re continuing to grow confidence via our educational programs and extra-curricular actives that include sports (basketball, baseball, and soccer) and gospel choir, to name a few. In the Gala, they’re recognized for their achievements.” Carter hopes that the Gesu community will continue to expand so more parents will follow along with their mission of helping kids overcome various challenges.
This year, Gesu School will recognize their Gesu Spirit Medalists: The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust and Stephen & Cheri Ziegler; and the James F. Higgins (Gesu class of 1945) Distinguished Alumni Award honoree, Jonathan Jackson (Gesu class of 1999). “They’ve all played a significant role in the school, and they actually want to celebrate our children,” said Carter. These medalists have helped Gesu in various ways, such as sponsoring the school or even launching literary programs for students who had trouble reading. The James F Higgins Award honoree, Jonathan Jackson, has played a major part in Gesu’s success. He’s the school’s lead counselor, an alumnus, and a Gesu parent. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Jackson built personal connections with parents, students, and staff. He also directly addresses community issues that can affect families, from poverty to systemic racism.
By holding the Gesu Gala, Bryan Carter hopes that more people will know the availability of Gesu. He stressed that the work Gesu is doing should be recognized by more parents. “I want more parents to know that they CAN send their kids here,” said Carter.
For more information on the Gesu Gala and Gesu School educational programs and enrollment, visit Gesu’s website, https://www.gesuschool.org, or call the office at 215-763-3660.