BEACON OF HOPE FUNDRAISER

Beacon of Hope fundraiser and reception to benefit Catholic Schools scholarships on Friday, April 25, 2025, at June Farms in West Sand Lake, N.Y. Cindy Schultz for Catholic Schools (Courtesy photo of Cindy Schultz)

The Catholic schools in the Diocese of Albany held their 2025 Hope Reception on April 25 at June Farms in West Sand Lake. The annual fundraiser — which at last count has raised over $35,000 this year — supports the Beacon of Hope Scholarship Fund, which provides tuition assistance to families to send their children to a Catholic school in the 14-county Diocese.

The reception featured performances and demonstrations by Catholic school students and celebrated the Beacon of Hope Community Spirit Award honorees from each school. During the 2024-25 school year, the Beacon of Hope Scholarship Fund provided financial support to students in all Catholic schools throughout the Diocese.

 Students perform during the fundraiser. 

The winner of the 50-50 raffle celebrates.

Alphonse Lambert, athletic director and longtime baseball coach at Saratoga Central Catholic School, (c.) receives a Community Spirit Award and poses with Father Robert Longobucco, Vicar for Catholic Faith Formation and Education, and Christopher Bott, Superintendent of Schools. 

To donate to the Beacon of Hope Scholarship fund, please visit www.beaconofhopefund.org. For more information, contact Terri McGraw, at (518) 453-6602 or email [email protected]. 

(Cindy Schultz photos for The Evangelist)