Over 250 guests gathered at the Union League on Monday May 21, 2018 for the 4th Annual Dr. Audrey Evans Scholarship Benefit, celebrating “The Sound and Spirit of St. James School.” The joyous event included an orchestra performance by St. James students, recognition of two praiseworthy honorees, and culminated in a live scholarship auction with over 60 guests pledging over $70,000. All together, the event raised an incredible $257,000 in scholarship funds for students.
This year’s honorees were the People of St. Peter’s Church in the Great Valley, and Maestro Louis Scaglione, President and Music Director, Philadelphia Youth Orchestra. Both have been steadfast champions of the the school, and were recognized in two touching videos, highlighting the many ways they have benefited the St. James community. Click here to view the video featuring St. Peter’s Church in the Great Valley and click here to view the video about Maestro Louis Scaglione.
Tynae, a St. James School graduate from the Class of 2016 who currently attends Cristo Rey Philadelphia School, returned for her third year as emcee of the event. She delivered a powerful testimonial on the power of a St. James School education. “At St. James, all the teachers and adults love and accept us, just the way we are,” she told the crowd. “They don’t try to change us — they try to help us become the best versions of ourselves. They see the best in us. They listen when others won’t. Trust me – it helps.”
Dr. Audrey Evans, St. James School’s co-founder, and the event’s namesake, delivered opening remarks thanking attendees for carrying on her vision.
Co-Founder The Rev. Sean Mullen, Rector of Saint Mark’s Church (Locust Street), returned as “auctioneer” of the scholarship auction, and announced that three generous donors had set a $40,000 matching gift challenge: Lori and Matt Espe, Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, and his own parish, Saint Mark’s Church. The crowd more than surpassed the challenge, pledging over $70,000 for scholarships.
The evening was a resounding success thanks to the generosity of many friends and supporters. A tremendous thank you to all who contributed for making a huge impact on the education of our students.
Thank you to our sponsors!
$10,000 – Magna Cum Laude
The Curran Foundation
Josephine Templeton
$5,000 – Cum Laude
Argosy Capital
Patricia & Gordon Fowler
The Rt. Rev. Daniel G. P. Gutiérrez & The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania
Jacqueline R. Jefferson & Randall G. Jefferson
Jeffrey & Gillian Waldron
Bob Warski & Laurel Vietzen
$3,000 – Honor Roll
American Sitework, LLC
Bill & Laura Buck
Di Bruno Bros.
Drexel University
Pamela & Kevin Hicks
Peter & Sally Hillyer
Eric Lien & Winnie Anderson
Joseph & Deedee McPeak
Kathryn & Mark Miani
St. David’s Episcopal Church (Radnor)
Dana & Craig Toedtman
$1,500 – Maroon and Gold
David Adams & Rob Jennings
Betsy & Jay Aikens
Dr. Audrey E. Evans
Elizabeth Dobson Jeffords
David Kasievich & The Rev. Andrew Kellner
Michael & Susie Lastowski
Dr. Steven & Charlotte Mark
Moore Brothers Wine Company
Richard & Ann Mullen
The Reverends Abigail & Mark Nestlehutt
The Philly Pops & Atlantic Trailer Leasing
Sara Ridenour & Robert Lawrence
Steve & Allyson Ross
The Church of St. John (Lower Merion)
The Rev. Marie Swayze
George & Ronna Tyndall
Elizabeth C. Walbridge
Margaret B. Wallis
Wilding Family Foundation
