NIAGARA CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Foundation gala celebrates leaders, raises funds for students

The Niagara Foundation for Catholic Education's Annual Benefit Gala is a tradition at Niagara Catholic.

This year, it had a bit of a twist.

The event is the night when recipients of the Niagara Catholic Education Award of Distinction are recognized for the ways that they have enriched Catholic education locally, and beyond.

This year, the Foundation's Executive Director Jim Marino was one of two pillars of Catholic education celebrated at the gala. He was recognized for his dedication to raising funds to support students, from financial help for families in need, to scholarships for graduating students, and for his many years as a current and past Catholic school board trustee.

Fellow recipient Joseph McDonald was honoured posthumously for his years as an educator and as president of OECTA's Niagara Elementary Unit.

The formal part of the evening began with a blessing from Fr. Paul MacNeil, followed by welcome remarks from Director of Education Camillo Cipriano, and Chair of the Board of Trustees Danny Di Lorenzo, as well as Bishop Bergie and Foundation board member Gord Sheehan.

Then, it was time to celebrate the 2026 Niagara Catholic Education Award of Distinction recipients.

In his acceptance speech, Marino credited his parents for his commitment to his faith.

"My Catholic faith was triggered and firmly planted by my parents, plain and simple Italian immigrants who came from towns side by side in Italy, met and married in St. Catharines and never had an opportunity to return for a visit to their homeland to meet relatives they never knew," he said. "My mother was very religious. When I was a young boy growing up in Niagara-on-the-Lake, she took me to serve weekday morning Mass before I headed to school. In the dead of winter when the snow was deep, she insisted that I walk across the lawn from the rectory to the church so the parish priest could follow my trail of imprints. That was quite an honour for me."

He credited his brother Nick, a former Chair of the Lincoln County Catholic School Board, for his commitment to service and the community.

"In various employment and community service careers, I have attempted to put into practice the teaching of my Catholic faith, with a special penchant of assisting the vulnerable and less fortunate, and those children and students with special needs."        

Joe McDonald's wife Virginia was visibly moved as she accepted the award, thanking the nominators and the selection committee for honouring him, before rejoining her family.

The event was attended by many Niagara Catholic staff, trustees, and supporters, including local MPPs Jennie Stevens and Wayne Gates, Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini, and leaders from Family and Children's Services, the Niagara Children's Centre, and Niagara Nutrition Partners, and members of the Club Roma board, where the event was held. It began with a cocktail and antipasto reception, with music provided by Niagara Catholic Itinerant Arts teacher, Dr. Christina LeRose, and included a silent auction and raffle.

Highlight quotes:

Danny Di Lorenzo

I'd like to acknowledge my fellow trustees here this evening. Thank you for being here tonight, not only to support the Foundation, but to support our colleague around the board table Jim Marino, one of two people recognized here tonight with the Niagara Catholic Education Award of Distinction.

I'd also like to recognize Jim's family, and the family of our other Award of Distinction recipient, Joe McDonald. I'm sure this evening is a moment of great pride for you.

Gordon Sheehan

On a personal note, I would like to tell you, as a strong advocate of Catholic education, why I am so committed to the Foundation. Over many generations, the Sheehan family has been dedicated to community service, religious life, and religious education.

We have heard Jim on various occasions remind us that although poverty is often associated with developing countries, it also exists right here at home. The Foundation receives requests for assistance to students in need for a variety of reasons. An excellent quote from one student sums up the thoughts and gratitude of many students who have benefitted from Foundation supporters: "When I graduate, I hope I can make a difference in people's lives like you have in mine."

Camillo Cipriano

This evening is always a meaningful one for all of us who believe in its mission. tonight plays a vital role in supporting children across our communities - children who attend our schools, worship in our parishes, and are an important part of Niagara Catholic. Because of the Foundation, these students are better able to learn, grow, play, and pray alongside their classmates."

Bishop Bergie

Studies tell us that our youth are in trouble for several reasons. A significant one is that they feel they are being robbed of something that has always been associated with youth. That is the feeling of confidence - to believe rather than have self-doubt and fear of the future.

As persons intimately connected to Catholic education, you have the task of helping to inspire confidence in the hearts of the young people. This is an awesome responsibility that I know you take seriously.

Our Catholic schools are situated to build confidence in our youth because of the faith we share in Jesus Christ. It is this faith that unites, strengthens, and inspires us to greatness. It is a gift our schools should never take for granted.

My dear friends, our constant message to our youth should be "Don't lose hope, don't give in, don't give up!"