Gala & Gesu Spirit Medal

2022 Gesu Gala: Rooted in Faith, Emerging in Hope
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 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.
Join us for the 2022 Gesu Gala at Fairmount Park’s Water Works, along the Schuylkill River between Boat House Row and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The in-person event is outdoors on Thursday, June 9 from 6pm-9:30pm and includes:
- Presentation of the Gesu Spirit Medals to the Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation and H. Scott Miller
- Recognition of alumna Tamika Evans, Ed.D. ’92 with the Distinguished Alumni Award
- Cocktail reception with hors d'oeuvres and sit-down dinner outdoors
- Inspiring performances such as the Gesu Gospel Choir
- Live auction with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities
- Silent auction of student artwork
Sponsorship opportunities are available:
Gesu Gala sponsors support our mission. We are especially grateful for your continued investment during these challenging months for all.
Click here to purchase guest tickets.
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
2021 The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust
2021 Stephen & Cheri Ziegler
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 Mrs. 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 Recipients
2021 Jonathan Jackson '99
2020 Imani Briscoe '09