Originally published on anchornews.org
By Joan Warren
OSTERVILLE — The 28th Annual FACE Summer Gala, held August 7 at the picturesque Wianno Club in Osterville, was more than just a sold-out fundraiser; it was a vibrant celebration of community, commitment, and the enduring value of Catholic education.
With breathtaking views of the Atlantic as the backdrop, guests gathered in full support of scholarships that help make Catholic education accessible for students from kindergarten through high school across the Diocese of Fall River. The spirit of generosity and faith filled the air as attendees mingled on the oceanfront patio, enjoying hors d’oeuvres and beverages. The evening’s opening prayer was offered by Deacon Peter Schutzler, new principal at St. Pius X School in South Yarmouth.
Graciously welcoming guests were Event Chairs Tom and Pat Marmen, joined by enthusiastic student ambassadors from St. Pius X and St. John Paul II Schools, in South Yarmouth and Hyannis, respectively. Their presence highlighted the very mission of the evening, supporting the next generation through scholarship opportunities.
Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Al Makkay, Sr. Award, honoring outstanding contributions to Catholic education on Cape Cod. This year’s recipient, Alan Lynch, was recognized by Bishop Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V. for his remarkable 35-year career as a Spanish and Theology teacher and campus minister, many of those years spent inspiring students at St. John Paul II School.
Lynch’s impact extended far beyond the classroom. In 1989, his passion for faith and service led him to Ecuador, where he brought his first group of students to serve with Rostro de Cristo. The experience, he said, taught students that dignity and honor are defined not by material wealth, but by faith and respect for others.
In an emotional speech, Lynch reflected on the honor:
“I am feeling a little overwhelmed getting a reward for doing something you love,” he shared humbly, giving heartfelt thanks to his colleagues and especially to his wife, also a teacher, “whose coattails I’ve been riding on for years.”
Among those in the audience was one of Lynch’s former students, Father Christopher Hughes, administrator at Our Lady of the Assumption, Osterville, and Our Lady of Victory, Centerville, and last year’s award recipient.
“I had him for theology all four years,” said Fr. Hughes. “He was an incredible teacher who took the time to get to know us. He showed us very real support and encouraged us to ask questions.”
The evening’s magic was further elevated by voices from the community, including Maria Roncelli, a student at St. Pius X who will begin 8th grade at St. John Paul II this fall. Maria spoke passionately about how her Catholic education has shaped both her academic life and spiritual growth, a moving reminder of the evening’s purpose.
In attendance were two beloved lifelong educators, Maureen Sullivan, 91, a retired Catholic school teacher originally from Brighton, and her dear friend Mary Callahan, 95, who taught first grade in the Watertown public schools for 36 years.
“As a former Catholic school teacher for 37 years, I fully support raising money to help kids go to our schools,” said Sullivan. “My own children attended Catholic schools and are thriving today.”
Callahan reflected on her teaching years with pride: “Three of my former students became priests, one is a deacon, and another a retired U.S. Air Force chaplain. Although it wasn’t a Catholic school, many of my students were Catholic and they still check in with me to this day.”
The pair, now close friends, first met at Our Lady of the Assumption in Osterville.
Adding a truly heartwarming moment to the evening was the presence of Mary Cashin, a cherished parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Mary was honored with a bouquet of flowers and warm wishes for continued blessings, love, and happiness.
The night was filled with opportunities to give — from sponsorships and exclusive raffle items to a silent auction and an energetic live auction, hosted by the ever-charismatic John Terrio, serving as Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneer. The live auction featured unforgettable prizes: a private dinner for six with Bishop da Cunha, a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Dromoland Castle in Ireland, and tickets to the Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins.
One of the most impactful parts of the night was the Fund-a-Scholarship portion, which alone raised over $137,000, with contributions ranging from $10,000 to $100, a true testament to the community’s generosity.
A total of nearly $250,000 was raised from the event through sponsorship and donations.
Since its founding in 1991 as the St. Mary’s Education Fund, FACE has awarded over $1.2 million annually in scholarships, supporting more than 1,000 students each year across southeastern Massachusetts. The Summer Gala continues to play a vital role in sustaining this mission — one scholarship, one student, and one story at a time.