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The 2014-2015 school year got off to a fast and furious start with all Development efforts focused on the GMA Auction, The Great Gatsby Gala, which took place on October 25th.
Held every other year, the Auction is not only our largest fundraising event, but most importantly showcases the tremendous sense of community that is unique to GMA. The auction is an opportunity for the parents, friends and faculty to come together for an evening to support the education of our children.
The gym was transformed into Gatsby Manor with plenty of champagne for sipping, live jazz music for listening, appetizers for tasting, and exclusive items for bidding. The spirit was evident with so many embracing the Gatsby theme in tuxedos and flapper attire!
A few auction "firsts" were introduced, one being the use of the BidPal smartphone bidding system. The Technology Co-Chairs, Rosann Bird and Rebecca Villano, did an exceptional job researching and implementing the BidPal system, spending considerable hours
to make sure it worked seamlessly. This allowed the GMA community to not only bid from their handheld devices but also from their computers at home! Another first was the use of a pole tent outside for dining and the live auction. This allowed our silent auction to remain open longer as item tables did not need to be
broken down for dining purposes. Our prayers were definitely answered with beautiful weather! The Great Gatsby Gala was a night to remember. We are truly blessed to have a significant number of generous, talented, supportive parents that share of their time and expertise. An event of this magnitude could never be possible or a success without the efforts shared by so many, THANK YOU!
Development Council Members 2014 - 2015
Sister Anne Crampsie Principal
Margaret Farrell Director of Development
Ellen Roberts Chairperson
Roseann Bird Technology
Julie Cawley Peer Leadership 2015-18
Elizabeth Dessen Communications
Heather Hoover Peer Leadership
Kate Daniels Imbesi ’88 Foundations and Corporations
Tish Jackaman Communications
Maura LaGreca Director of Marketing and Communications
Kristin LaRocca Foundations and Corporations
Erik Link ‘88 Alumni
Shannon Murphy Lucente ‘87 Alumni
Rebecca Villano Technology
Development Office: 215-461-1022
Nina Tancredi and Lisa Salamone, our Decorating Co-Chairs, did an amazing job creating Gatsby Manor.
Ellen Roberts, Auction Chair, and Meg Borneman, Auction Co-Chair, enjoy the Gatsby Gala.
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Heather Hoover
Under the Leadership of Margaret Farrell, Director of Development, the Peer Leadership Program has kicked off for 2014-2015. You will be contacted by Peer Leaders, parents in your child’s grade, who will highlight the specific curriculum, professional development, technology upgrades and facility improvement projects that Gwynedd-Mercy Academy’s Annual Giving supports.
Our Annual Fund goal every year is 100% participation by GMA families, faculty and the Board of Trustees. We are looking to build upon your amazing generosity from last year. In 2014, Annual Giving received support from 87% of GMA families, 100% of the Faculty and 100% of the Board. Additionally, Gwynedd-Mercy Academy received the highest dollar contribution to date in 2014. Five grades reached family participation in the 90% range, and last year’s kindergarten reached an amazing 100% participation. Thank you for your wonderful support.
As we plan for the future of Peer Leadership, I am happy to welcome Julie Cawley, who will Chair Peer Leadership after this school year. Julie’s positive energy and planning skills will ensure that Peer Leadership continues to progress and evolve to best support the education of the students at Gwynedd-Mercy Academy.
Keep in mind that gifts can be made to the Annual Fund anytime during the year. Please visit www.gmaelem.org/giving or e-mail Margaret Farrell, at [email protected] to make a gift today.
Kate Daniels Imbesi ‘88 Kristin LaRocca Our Foundations and Corporations Co-Chairs Kate Imbesi and Kristin LaRocca, continue to identify and apply to foundations and corporations for donations and grants to benefit GMA. They are seeking funding to specifically target areas such as technology upgrades, music and arts development, and curriculum enhancements. Any of our GMA parents, etc., who know of foundations or corporations which might be willing to give to GMA are encouraged to please contact the Development Office or Kate Imbesi at [email protected] or Kristin LaRocca at [email protected].
Many thanks to those families who have already contributed to the Gwynedd Mercy Annual Fund! For your convenience, contributions may be made online at www.gmaelem.org/onlinegiving. Also, please check to see if your company offers a Matching Gift Program. Please inquire at the Human Resources Department at your place of employment.
The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) provides companies with a 75% tax credit for donations to a non-profit scholarship or educational improvement organization. The tax credit increases to 90% if the company commits to making the same donations for two consecutive years.
A business must be subject to one of the following Pennsylvania taxes to participate: Corporate Net Income Tax Capital Stock/ Franchise Tax
Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax Title Insurance Companies Shares Tax
Insurance Premiums Tax Mutual Thrift Institution Tax
Personal Income Tax on income from Partnerships/ LLCs and S-Corporations
If you would like more information on the EITC Program or if you would like to attend an informational breakfast meeting with a representative from BLOCS, please contact the Office of Development at (215) 461-1022 or [email protected].
Erik Link ‘88 Sharon Murphy Lucente ‘87 In December, the Alumni Co-Chairs presented Christmas ornaments to the 8th grade class. This is the
first official event welcoming the 8th grade as alumni.
Please remember to “like us” on our NEW Facebook page - Gwynedd-Mercy Academy Elementary Alumni!
GMA Alumni now has an email address at [email protected]. We ask all alumni to stay in touch by sending their latest news and contact information.
If anyone is interested in hosting a reunion or becoming a class representative, please email [email protected].
Alumni News Nikolas B. Novakovic, Class of 2011, was inducted into the National Honor Society at St. Joseph’s Prep. Ava Rosati, Class of 2012, has committed to University of Pennsylvania for Field Hockey. Villanova University freshman guard Alex Louin, Class of 2010, was named the Big East Rookie of the Week. Louin was the first Wildcat to earn league rookie of the week honors since 2012.
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Admissions Director, Mrs. Bethanne Connolly, is excited to begin her first year at Gwynedd-Mercy Academy Elementary. Mrs. Connolly comes to GMA from the Admission and Financial Aid Office at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, the Jesuit High School of Philadelphia. A graduate of Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School, Mrs. Connolly is excited to be back in the ‘Circle of Mercy,’ and helping new families come to know all that Gwynedd-Mercy Academy Elementary has to offer.
The Admission Process for the 2015-2016 academic school year is in full swing. Many prospective Kindergarten students and their parents have visited from a variety of pre-school programs. We look forward to welcoming a diverse group of kindergarten students into our school. We have also begun recruiting for the Class of 2024. Pictured here is William Devlin ‘34, grandfather of Maura Devlin Ciammetti ’01, and her son, Pasquale John Ciammetti III, future GMA Grad. If you know a GMA Alum who has recently had a baby and would like to send them a “Future GMA Grad” Care Package please call the Admissions Office at (215)646—4916.
Gwynedd-Mercy Academy Elementary P.O. Box 241 816 Norristown Road Spring House, PA 19477
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Fort Washington, PA
Permit No. 525
News from Margaret Farrell
Director of Development
Fall 2014 was certainly a busy and exciting time for the GMA Family! In addition to his/her individual responsibilities as Development Chairs, each directed efforts toward making our Great Gatsby Gala Auction such a success!
What a sense of community was generated by this event! A BIG “Thank You” goes to Ellen Roberts, Chair, and Meg Borneman, Co-Chair, for coordinating every facet, and assembling a team of hard-working, dedicated volunteers!
Our wish is that 2015 be a year of peace, health, and blessings for all of you!
Once again, GMA is providing the opportunity to commemorate a loved one and/ or a special occasion by the purchase of a brick. The Legacy of Mercy patio is a lovely setting for these bricks.
January 26-30 Catholic Schools Week
February 5th and 6th
Gotta Be Jazz Arts Show for grades 2, 3 and 4
February 26th Open House for Prospective Families
March 18th and 19th
The Wizard of Oz—Grades 5-8 Arts Show
April 24th Grandparents and Special Friends Day
May 8th May Procession
May 29th Kindergarten Celebration
June 2nd 8th Grade Graduation
