"Educating Our Athletes" 8th Annual James Gillespie Sr. Memorial Benefit In Support Of Camden's Catholic Partnership Schools

We are pleased to announce the 8th Annual James Gillespie Sr. Memorial Benefit and this year promises to be our biggest and best one yet! After Mr. Gillespie passed away in October 2005, some of his relatives and his children's friends created a memorial benefit to raise money for scholarships for students from St. Lawrence School to attend Catholic high school. After St. Lawrence closed a few years ago, the proceeds from this benefit have been directed towards the Catholic Partnership Schools Basketball Program, which consists of both boys and girls from all 5 of Camden's Catholic grade schools. Since the inception of the basketball program in 2006, which was founded by the Gillespie family, it has been completely free for the children and over 600 youths have participated. Other sports have also been included such as cross country and baseball, with plans for more. This year, along with funding the various CPS athletic programs as it has done traditionally, the benefit aims to raise additional money to award scholarships to students whose families may struggle to send them to Catholic school. The theme of the event is "Educating our Athletes" since we believe that a Catholic education is invaluable, most especially to the inner city youth we serve and coach. The 5 schools compromising the Catholic Partnership are beacons of light to the various neighbors they are located in and we feel strongly that it is our responsibility to help them to continue to provide a high quality education in a safe environment for over 1000 of Camden's children. We ask that you please join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Mr. Gillespie, while benefiting children of Camden's Catholic Partnership schools, on Saturday February 28th 2015 from 2-6 pm at PJ Whelihan's located at 1854 Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill. The tickets are $35.00 each which includes live Irish music by The Hit the Bottle Boys, beer, food, a great auction and a 50/50. For further information, please contact Judyann McCarthy at 215-901-6398 or jmccarthy@centerffs.org. If you would like to donate a basket or item for the auction, please contact Judyann as well. Checks can be made out to Catholic Partnership Schools, which is a 501(c)3 non-profit and sent attention to Judyann at 560 Benson Street, Camden, NJ 08103. Come have a great time while giving to these very deserving children. Hope to see you!!!!