By Emily Drooby
On Oct. 20 a virtual version of the annual Futures in Education gala was thrown. The event usually raises millions of dollars in scholarships — it’s money that’s crucial in helping to give kids a Catholic education in the Diocese of Brooklyn.
“To lose it would be a disaster,” Monsignor David Cassato, the Vicar for Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn, told Currents News.
“We give out every year, about eight million dollars in scholarships, so we cannot have something like this just pass by,” explained Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello. “Two million dollars is like 25 percent of our yearly donations. So, it’s very important that we have this.”
The money goes to those who need it the most.
“Many people want to come to our schools but what’s the issue? Tuition, can’t afford it,” said Monsignor Cassato.
Over 30 percent of their families live at or below the poverty line and have a median income of $35,000 per year. This year even more families have been hurting because of financial strain caused by the pandemic.
“The need is greater, there’s more kids who have been affected and families, by the pandemic and they don’t have the funds to attend our schools so we really have to help even more children,” said Monsignor Gigantiello.
With unemployment skyrocketing during the pandemic, families need more help. Futures in Education has seen more requests for aid.
The gala featured an appearance by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, singing, an inside look at Catholic schools, a testimonial from a family helped by Futures, and of course, fundraising.
Even with the gala completely reimagined, they still hit their two million dollar fundraising goal. It’s a major triumph and one that will help the kids.