WESTPORT — Through the dedication and commitment of the Fall Scholarship Dinner Committee led by John Feitelberg, president of HUB International, and Janna Lafrance, of Lafrance Hospitality, more than $300,000 was raised in support of FACE student scholarships.
The evening began with a welcome back from Emcee Kait Walsh, WPRI anchor and Bishop Stang Alumna ’08. Walsh extended special thanks to Presenting Sponsors: BayCoast Bank and its subsidiaries — BayCoast Mortgage, Partners Insurance and Plimoth Investment Advisors; The Carney Family Charitable; and Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation and Rockland Trust Bank. To view a list of all of the event’s sponsors and donors, visit: www.face-dfr.org/2021-face-fall-dinner.
Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., offered a heartfelt opening prayer that acknowledged how wonderful it was that so many had come together to help children access a Catholic education. He also presented the Timothy J. Cotter Friend of Catholic Education Award to Dennis Kelly, FACE board member, chairman of the Bristol County Savings Bank Charitable Foundation, and former president and chairman of the Board of Bristol County Savings Bank, for his dedication and service to Catholic education in the Diocese of Fall River. Attendees heard from Margherita Spinelli, an eighth-grader at All Saints Catholic School in New Bedford, about how FACE has helped her and her six siblings attend Catholic school.
Welcoming award-winning guest speaker and performer Matt Maher was a special treat for all attendees. Maher shared some heartwarming words about the inspiration for some of his songs as well as the roots of his faith and his connections to this part of the country. His beautiful songs, including “Lord, I Need You,” “Your Grace is Enough,” and “My Brother’s Keeper,” were truly wonderful and his performance brought the crowd to its feet.
A return to White’s of Westport and a gathering of the generous FACE supporters in the Diocese of Fall River coming together to celebrate in-person was also noted at the end of the evening by Bishop da Cunha who shared not only stories of how his own life was touched by God’s grace, but how His grace was moving in all of those present.
If you have not made a gift in support of FACE scholarships, or if you would like to make an additional gift, please consider making a donation via Text to Give, text FACE 21 to 508-714-7921.
To watch a recording of the event and view more photos visit www.face-dfr.org/2021-face-fall-dinner or scan the QR code with your mobile device.
