Sold-out Alleluia Ball raises funds to support tuition assistance for Catholic education throughout Northeast Ohio
A sold-out crowd of more than 800 guests gathered at the 2023 Alleluia Ball, a themed event to ‘Let Their Dreams Soar,’ on Oct. 28 at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown. The Catholic Community Foundation, the organization that supports the mission of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland by encouraging faithful philanthropy, organized the gala and announced that funds raised will go toward assisting students in the 2024-2025 academic year.
Within the 106 Catholic schools in the diocese, more than 4,000 students currently benefit from tuition assistance through the Diocesan Tuition Assistance and Fund A Dream programs. Both programs provide families with access to a Catholic education. Diocesan Tuition Assistance funds both general tuition assistance as well as special scholarship programs. Through the “Fund A Dream” initative, $2,500 in tuition assitance is provided to individual students identified by schools through the scholarship application process. Students communicate with their donor throughout the year, providing them updates on how their year is going while thanking them for their support.
Legendary football coach, analyst, and author, Lou Holtz was the featured speaker at the gala. He captivated the audience with stories about his own Catholic education run by the Sisters of Notre Dame. He offered thoughts about life being a matter of choices, and suggestions on how to make good decisions. He challenged guests to ask themselves, “If you didn’t show up, who would miss you and why?”
Bishop Edward C. Malesic thanked Governor Mike DeWine, who was in attendance, for all his work in expanding state scholarship options which now benefit many more students. Bishop also thanked all sponsors and guests for supporting students throughout our diocese who might not be able to attend Catholic schools without their help.
Event Chairs were Mary Lynn and Mike Silvestro, Co-Chairs were Beth and Mike Valentine, and Honorary Chair was Lorraine Frankino-Dodero.
The Alleluia Ball has a rich history. Since its inception, the Alleluia Ball has raised more than $10 million to support Catholic schools and families who seek a Catholic education for their children. Information about supporting Catholic education can be found at www.CatholicCommunity.org/CatholicEducation, and information about Fund a Dream can be found at www. CatholicCommunity.org/FundADream.
About The Catholic Community Foundation
The Catholic Community Foundation is dedicated to enriching lives by encouraging faithful philanthropy. The Foundation supports the mission of the Diocese of Cleveland to provide for the spiritual, educational and charitable needs of people throughout Northeast Ohio. Since its inception in 2000, the Foundation has raised more than $465 million to support Catholic Charities, Catholic Education, Priestly Formation, and other ministries in the Diocese of Cleveland.
Contact: Lisa King, Catholic Community Foundation
Phone: (216) 696-6525 ext. 1042
Email: lking@catholiccommunity.org