Gala & Gesu Spirit Medal

2021 Gesu Gala: The Gesu Difference
The Gesu Gala is an annual fundraiser that supports Gesu School in its mission to help North Philadelphia’s children to transcend all forms of poverty through a comprehensive, innovative education. The Gesu Gala supports forward-thinking academic and extracurricular programming that empowers students to develop their strengths, overcome challenges, and become positive, engaged members of the community and the world.
Gesu has designed a fresh, fully virtual celebration featuring students and Spirit Medalists. Guests will enjoy food delivery from Di Bruno Bros. Sponsorship opportunities are available and include an exclusive online class with a master chef. Join us online to support Gesu’s 450 students and as we recognize our 2021 honorees:
Spirit Medalists
The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust
and
Stephen & Cheri Ziegler
James F. Higgins ’45 Distinguished Alumni Award
Jonathan Jackson ’99, Gesu School Lead Counselor
Sponsorship opportunities are available:
Gesu Gala sponsors support our mission to empower North Philadelphia’s children to transcend all forms of poverty through quality education. We are especially grateful for your continued investment during this difficult year for all.
While we will miss hosting our guests in person, Gesu looks forward to an engaging experience. On the evening of our Gala, Di Bruno Bros. will deliver to sponsors' homes and the homes of your guests the “Di Bruno Bros. Tasting Experience” – an impressive charcuterie board, dessert, and a bottle of wine selected by a Di Bruno Bros. master chef. In addition to the virtual Gala event, sponsors are invited to join Gesu and Jen Carroll, Celebrity Chef and Bravo Top Chef All-Star, for an exclusive online cooking class (date and time TBA).
Click here to purchase guest tickets.
Thank you to our Gala Co-Chairs--John & Jennifer Curry and Dr. Larry Wells & Dr. Bernadette Wheeler--and the 2021 Gala Committee for their efforts on behalf of Gesu students.
Event Contact
Kimberly Brennan
kimberly.brennan@gesuschool.org
215 763 9077
About the Gesu Spirit Medal:
The Gesu Spirit Medal honors 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 School’s success as a model inner-city elementary school.
Past Spirit Medal Recipients
2020 Rosemary Español, CFM
2020 Saint Joseph's University
2019 Winston J. Churchill
2018 J. Gordon Cooney, Jr., Esq.
2018 Steve Piltch, Ed.D.
2017 James F. Higgins '45
2017 H. Chase Lenfest
2016 Peter G. Gould
2016 Rev. Stephen D. Thorne
2015 Tad Decker
2015 Keith Pension
2014 Ms. Elizabeth R. Moran
2014 Rev. Neil Ver'Schneider, S.J.
2013 Rev. William J. Byron, S.J.
2013 Vivienne Lambert Ehret
2012 Robert M. McAlaine
2011 Christine S. Beck
2011 George W. Bur, S.J.
2010 John J. DiIulio, Jr., Ph.D.
2009 Aline & Al Martinelli
2009 Susan & Bill Shea
2008 Ralph Saul
2008 John J.F. “Jay” Sherrerd, posthumously
2006 Mark Solomon
About the James F. Higgins '45 Distinguished Alumni Award
To recognize alumni achievements, Gesu created the James F. Higgins ’45 Distinguished Alumni Award, named for beloved alumnus, 2017 Spirit Medalist, and Trustee James F. Higgins. We look forward to honoring many alumni who embody Jim’s legacy through their success, heart, Gesu pride, and dedication.
Past Alumni Award Recipient
2020 Imani Briscoe '09