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.

Join us for the 2023 Gesu Gala at Vie by Cescaphe in Philadelphia. Our newly formatted in-person event is Thursday, May 18 at 6pm and includes:

• Recognition of the 2023 Gesu Spirit Medalists: Jonathan (posthumously), Gloria, and the Detwiler Family and Peter and Kathy Linneman
• Presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Award to Nyree Lyons '95, MS, BSN, CMSRN, RN
• Cocktail reception, dinner, and dancing
• Inspiring performances by the Gesu Gospel Choir and featured band The Urban Guerilla Orchestra
• Auctions, including silent auction of artwork by Gesu students and once-in-a-lifetime experiences
• Appearance by special guest Patty Jackson from WDAS FM 105.3 Philadelphia

Sponsorship opportunities and guest tickets are available.
Gesu Gala sponsors support our mission and our 400 students. We are grateful for your investment in Gesu School!

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

Guest tickets will be available soon!

Event Contact
Kimberly Brennan
Senior Director of Advancement 
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

2022    Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation
2022    H. Scott Miller 
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

2022    Tamika Evans, Ed.D. ’92
2021    Jonathan Jackson '99
2020    Imani Briscoe '09