Tickets now available for eighth annual Night of Hope gala event in support of student tuition assistance
PHOENIX (Oct. 19, 2015) — The Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools Office announced today that Margaret Gillespie and Cecilia and Michael Frakes will be honored as its 2015 Guardians of Hope, an honor that will be bestowed at the 8th Annual Night of Hope gala event, 6 p.m., Nov. 7, at Xavier College Preparatory, 4710 N. 5th St. in Phoenix.
The Guardian of Hope award recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to Catholic education and to students through selfless gifts of time and resources.
“We are honored to recognize the outstanding gifts of self and the long-lasting impact on our community made by Margaret Gillespie and Cecilia and Michael Frakes,” MaryBeth Mueller, superintendent of the Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools, said. “They have been inspirational in their dedication to providing quality education and resources for students and their families.”
Mrs. Gillespie spent 12 years on the Diocesan School Board, served on the board of directors for Catholic Education Arizona, and still serves in an advisory capacity. She has also represented diocesan schools at the state and national levels.
The Frakes will be honored posthumously following their unexpected death in May. Mrs. Frakes devoted 35 years to Catholic education in the Diocese of Phoenix at two campuses in teaching and administration, then nearly a decade as assistant superintendent before her retirement last year. Mr. Frakes is being recognized for his leadership in Catholic schools throughout the years.
Catholic education is vital to the future of the Church and the community. The mission of Night of Hope is to provide additional funding for students in families in need.
“Our schools integrate our faith, values and culture. We need to keep our doors open for those families who truly want to bring up their children in a loving, faith-filled environment,” Mueller said.
Tables may be purchased for $1,500, and individual tickets are available for $150. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Visit catholicschoolsphx.com/noh.php for details. Proceeds from the Night of Hope event benefit the Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools Endowment and Tuition Assistance Fund.
The Diocese of Phoenix engages in the faith formation of the young through Catholic schools by leading them to an encounter with the living Christ and by integrating faith throughout an educational process that promotes academic excellence, moral values and lifelong service.
There are 14,575 students enrolled in one of the 28 preschool programs, 28 elementary schools and six high schools throughout the Diocese of Phoenix.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix was established Dec. 2, 1969, by Pope Paul VI. Led by the Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted, more than 1.1 million Catholics make this diverse, vibrant and faith-filled diocese their home.
Media Contact
Robert DeFrancesco
Director of Communications
rdefrancesco@diocesephoenix.org
(602) 354-2130
