A NIGHT OF HOPE

The Beacon of Hope Ball was held Saturday, Feb. 29, at Peter D. Kiernan Plaza in Albany. All proceeds from the event will go to supporting the Beacon of Hope Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to families of students attending Catholic schools in the Diocese of Albany.

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger was the honorary chair and gave the invocation, while Josie Pienkosz and Kathleen Yanas were co-chairs of the event. Jerry Gretzinger of WNYT-13 emceed, participated in the live auction and announced the Beacon of Hope Community Spirit Award winners.

The winners, shown with Father Robert Longobucco, Vicar for Faith Formation and Education, Bishop Scharfenberger and Giovanni Virgiglio, superintendent of schools, were: Lucinda Barney, All Saints Catholic Academy; Peter Krasher, Blessed Sacrament School; Mary Jo Verdichizzi, Bishop Maginn High School; Philip Parella, Jr., Catholic Central High School; Theresa Girvin, Holy Spirit School; Dick Hedderman, Mater Christi School; Lisa Gaffney, Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School; Eileen Foley, Sacred Heart School; Mary Fornabia, Saratoga Central Catholic School; Cathy Viola, St. Ambrose School; Dan Kumlander and Rick McGinn, St. Clement’s School; Mary Diehl, St. Jude the Apostle School; Laurene Arsenault, St. Kateri Tekakwitha School; Thomas Tegiacchi, St. Madeleine Sophie School; Gina Johnson, St. Mary’s Institute, Amsterdam; Kathryn Fowler, St. Mary’s/St. Alphonsus School; Courtney Commisso, St. Mary’s School, Ballston Spa; Patty Merola, St. Mary’s School, Waterford; Thomas Shields, St. Pius X School; and Kim and William Rucinski, St. Thomas the Apostle School. (Katie Costello photo)