Donor Recognition Wall Unveiled

17 Mar Donor Recognition Wall Unveiled

On February 27, 2014, Hope Partnership for Education honored donors who made gifts to the Capital Campaign by unveiling its donor recognition wall in the main lobby of the Education Center. Executive Director, Sr. Rose Martin marked the occasion with a statement of thanks, ”We are particularly grateful to those who have contributed to our first Capital Campaign, allowing for purchase and partial renovation of this beautiful home for Hope.”

Two plaques were unveiled. One plaque acknowledges the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and The Society of the Holy Child Jesus, American Province who partnered to found this education center. They have offered quality, compassionate service to the North Philadelphia Community for over one hundred years.

The second plaque celebrates the individuals and organizations who have seen the impact that Hope Partnership has had among the poorest neighborhoods of Philadelphia for more than a decade and who have made significant contributions to make the dream of Hope Partnership Education Center a reality.

Hope Partnership middle school students greeted all event visitors with a firm handshake and an introduction. Later, these students proudly provided tours of their new school. During the luncheon held after the unveiling, six middle school students spoke about how important Hope is to them. Eighth grade student Kenny was the first to speak, “I have learned from my teachers that I should never, no matter what, quit or give up on myself or school. I should work very hard at becoming successful in life. Thank you all for coming here and for supporting our education…and believing in us so that we can be here.”

Prior to the luncheon Monique McCoy, Hope’s seventh and eighth grade teacher sang an a cappella blessing for the meal.

The luncheon also featured comments from Nina Zuccarelli, Chief Operating Officer for Meyer Capital Group and Secretary of Hope’s Board of Trustees. She and her husband Frank have been associated with Hope Partnership almost since its inception and she shared a personal story of the impact Hope has had on their lives. “Years ago at the annual Friendraiser, Frank and I bid on a piece of art created by a quiet, shy young girl. As the bidding for the piece increased throughout the evening, her family member who was in attendance was brought to tears seeing someone recognize the accomplishment and beauty created by this young, aspiring child. Years later, this confident, successful young woman won a scholarship to a local art college.”

“We never dreamed we could get SO drawn into a mission, and an organization, and what they do for the children and families of Eastern North Philadelphia.”