Sponsorship opportunities are available.

The 2023 Gesu online auction opens on May 16! 
You can support Gesu by bidding on artwork or exclusive items, such as trips and event tickets. Through the auction, you can also make a direct impact gift to underwrite student programs, extracurriculars, and capital needs at Gesu.

Visit our online auction pages to view:

• Artwork by Gesu students 
• Exclusive trips, tickets, and experiences
• Direct impact opportunities 

View the 2023 Gesu Gala Program Book.

Sponsorship Contact
Kristen Barber 
Director of Annual Fund and Special Events 
kristen.barber@gesuschool.org
215 763 9077

Event Contact
Kimberly Brennan
Senior Director of Advancement
kimberly.brennan@gesuschool.org
215 763 9077
 

About the Gesu Gala

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 academic and extracurricular programming that empowers students to develop their strengths, overcome challenges, and become positive, engaged members of the community and the world.

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.

Jonathan (posthumously), Gloria, and the Detwiler Family

Jonathan and Gloria Detwiler launched their legacy of philanthropy at Gesu School in 1994. In 2009, they committed to Gesu’s Sponsor a Child program and have remained steadfast in supporting multiple students. Their care and dedication shined through in their many visits with Gesu students. Sadly, in 2020, Jonathan passed away. His enduring legacy of generosity continues with the Detwiler Family Foundation. The Foundation, managed by Gloria and their children, invests in local organizations to enrich children’s lives in our community. It supports programs that improve children’s health, safety, and welfare, with a focus on facilitating access to education and the arts. Recently, the Foundation made a leadership endowed gift of $500,000 to support Gesu’s “Miracle on 17th Street Campaign,” further solidifying Jonathan’s, Gloria’s, and the entire Detwiler family’s legacy and impact on our school for generations. Gesu is honored to present the 2023 Spirit Medal to Gloria, the Detwiler family, and the lasting memory of Jonathan Detwiler.

Peter and Kathy Linneman

Peter and Kathy Linneman have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Gesu’s children and mission for more than a decade. They have supported the Sponsor a Child program, and, in 2020, contributed a $2.2 million leadership gift to Gesu's "Miracle on 17th Street Campaign," the largest of the campaign to date. Peter's ongoing business career is highlighted by his role as Founding Principal of Linneman Associates, LLC, a leading real estate advisory firm, and its affiliates. For more than 40 years, he has advised leading corporations and served on over 20 public and private boards. After receiving both his Master’s degree and Doctorate in Economics, Peter had a distinguished academic career at both The University of Chicago and the Wharton School of Business. For 35 years, he was the Albert Sussman Professor of Real Estate, Finance, and Public Policy at Wharton. Kathy is a graduate of Ashland University and has been a partner in Linneman since its founding in 1979. She is responsible for financial oversight. Of their philanthropic efforts, she is the “heart and soul” of their efforts to Peter’s “arms and legs.” They remain committed to education through their SAM Elimu educational charity for orphans and children of extreme poverty in rural Kenya. Peter and Kathy will be happily married for 50 years this June.

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.

Nyree Lyons '95, MS, BSN, CMSRN, RN

Nyree Lyons, MS, BSN, CMSRN, RN was born and raised in North Philadelphia. She graduated from Gesu School in 1995 and from John W. Hallahan High School in 1999. She received a full scholarship to Temple University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2003.She furthered her education to earn a Master of Science in Forensic Medicine and a Master of Science in Nursing. In her current job as a Clinical Nurse with Penn Medicine, Nyree teaches simulations to prepare for Clinical Emergencies and was recently selected to join the Diversity Nurse Leader Fellowship Program. This program assists nurses of diverse backgrounds with communication and leadership skills in the hopes of climbing the clinical ladder. Nyree also teaches clinical and lab to nursing students at Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania. In 2015, Nyree was accepted into the prestigious Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc, a professional Sorority of Nursing whose motto is “Service for Humanity.” Her membership duties include providing services to the community, like giving survival kits to the less fortunate and providing information and facilitating CPR training at community events. During her spare time, Nyree enjoys spending time with her daughter, Madisyn, a rising 8th grader at Gesu School. She is a dedicated Gesu Trustee. She also enjoys being an event photographer, going to brunch, and traveling.

Thank you to the 2023 Gesu Gala Sponsors:

Gesu Gala sponsors support our mission and our 400 students. We are grateful for your investment in Gesu School!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Peter & Kathy Linneman

Maguire Foundation

MISSION SPONSORS

Anonymous

Craig & Jean Burns

Peter Gould & Robin Potter

Susan Martinelli Shea

SCHOLAR SPONSORS

Allan & Pat Murphy

EDUCATORS CIRCLE

Christine & Leif Beck

Cozen O'Connor

Brendan & Kerry Sword

INNOVATION SPONSORS

James F. '45 & Donna M. Higgins

Kate Hovde & Ken Kulak 

Vault Communications, Inc.

Veritable, LP

Dr. Lawrence Wells & Dr. Bernadette Wheeler

IMPACT SPONSORS

Rard & Judy Davies

Jack & Tammy Dodds

Liguori Academy

The Liva Family

Marie & Pat McCormick / Insyte Partners

Steve Piltch & Sunny Greenberg

Eilise & Bill Rouse

Saint Joseph's University

Schultz & Williams

Kathleen & Frank Seidman

St. Joseph's Preparatory School 

William J. Untereker

Anonymous

Harold Anderson

Academy of Notre Dame de Namur

James M. Becker

Ed Beckett 

Charles Capaldi

Geraldine Geckle

The Hamilton Family Foundation

Kevin & Jennifer Kolmer

Mimi Mara 

Sam S. McKeel 

David Stuart 

DONATIONS OF $1,000+

Gloria Detwiler & the Detwiler Family 

Susanna Lachs & Dean Adler 

DIGITAL PROGRAM BOOK UNDERWRITING 

Chuck & Carol Walsh