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The Habib family

The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo announces Catholic Education Award winners, honored guests for GALA 22:6

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Tue, Jan 12th 2016 04:50 pm

Local supporters of Catholic Education to be recognized by The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese at annual dinner

The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo today announced it honorees for the 16th annual Catholic Education dinner - GALA 22:6 - to be held Thursday, Jan. 28, at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. The 2016 honorees are:

Bishop's Medal Honorees

•The Habib family - Amy Habib and her family have made a significant impact on Catholic education in the community. Since the dinner's inception, the Habib family has given graciously to help hundreds of children receive a quality, faith-based education and build a deeper relationship with the community. Their steadfast generosity, including establishment of the Amy J. and Halim A. Habib Endowment Fund, has touched the lives of many.

•Judith A. Nolan Powell - Judi is deeply committed to her faith and community, in addition to being a friend to Catholic education in particular. She serves as the current chairwoman of the board at Niagara Catholic Junior/Senior High School, is a former trustee and chair for the Canisius College Women's Business Center, past chair of the advisory board of Catholic Academy of Niagara Falls; and was a member of the Diocese of Buffalo's board of Catholic education (and chaired its marketing committee that began the annual Catholic Education dinner).

Sr. Lucille Socciarelli/Fr. John Sturm Making A Difference Award recipient

•Judith M. MacDonald - Judith, a principal at Southtowns Catholic School, will receive this award because of her love for God, love for children and love for her staff. She puts her heart and soul into Southtowns Catholic School and into the effort to make it a school where children can learn in a safe environment, where parents can be assured of a quality educational experience, and where a community can see Catholic values and beliefs in action.

The keynote address for the 2016 dinner will be delivered by The Most Rev. Richard J. Malone, bishop of Buffalo, who will mark his fourth year celebrating Catholic schools in the Diocese of Buffalo. Pia and Eugene O'Connor will serve as the chair couple of this year's dinner, and Laura Zaepfel is the vice-chair.

Proceeds from the dinner will be used to fund needs-based tuition assistance for students attending Catholic elementary schools throughout the eight counties of Western New York. The 2015 event raised more than $330,000. More than 1,200 guests are expected to attend the event, which is The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo's largest annual fundraiser for Catholic education.

GALA 22:6 will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.

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