Event at Detroit’s Masonic Temple includes VIP reception, live entertainment, student showcases from robotics and cheerleading, plus inspirational presentation from leading tech exec

Media Contact: Lucie Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; lucie@eafocus.com; 248.925.6726; Nicole Gize, Detroit Cristo Rey; ngize@detroitcristorey.org; 313.843.2747 ext. 121

Detroit, Mich. — May 3, 2023 — Detroit Cristo Rey High School, located in the heart of southwest Detroit and providing an exemplary college preparatory education in the Catholic school tradition for grades nine through 12, is pleased to announce its annual gala, themed this year as ‘Caring for Creation,’ is happening on Friday, May 19, in the Crystal Ballroom at the Masonic Temple Detroit. This year, Detroit Cristo Rey is pleased to welcome Marcela Alava as the keynote guest speaker. Alava, a tech veteran and STEM mentor, serves as Special Assistant to the President of the United States and Deputy Director of White House Information Technology. Also new this year, the event will be emceed by Megan Woods from WDIV Local 4.

The gala is one of the school’s chief fundraisers and critical to its ability to support the enrollment of nearly 300 students of all faiths who attend Detroit Cristo Rey on some level of scholarships to offset the cost of their education. Coincident with the gala, the school has been chosen as the recipient of a $150,000 matching gift from an anonymous donor, with all gifts to the school matched from now through May 30. Detroit Cristo Rey High School’s President Christopher Lynch made the gala and matching gift announcement.

“The gala celebrates the heart, spirit, and mission of the Detroit Cristo Rey community. We’re thrilled to bring our friends and supporters together in a festive setting to highlight the impressive accomplishments of our students – including 100% college acceptance of our seniors for 12 years running – and to build capacity to allow even more hard-working students to benefit from a Detroit Cristo Rey education,” Lynch noted. “The added excitement of the matching gift will take the spirit of the evening to new heights, as we can make a true impact on the students we serve.”

Detroit Cristo Rey is part of a national network of Cristo Rey schools that serve economically disadvantaged families. The cost of each student’s education is earned and paid through three sources: the majority is funded through a student’s work-study position; financial gifts and scholarships through school’s fundraising efforts also assist; finally, a portion comes from the student’s family, with the actual amount based on household income.

Caring for Creation will also feature a VIP Cocktail Hour, wine pull, silent auction and paddles up fundraising session, which will be met by the matching gift. Live entertainment will be provided by the Paul King Trio, and guests will enjoy a strolling dinner through the Masonic Temple’s iconic Crystal Ballroom. The school’s robotics and cheer teams will also be in attendance to show off their accomplishments from the school year.

General admission tickets are $150 per person and VIP tickets are $250 each. The VIP Cocktail Hour begins at 5:30 p.m. before the main event at 6:30 p.m. More information, including a link to purchase tickets and review sponsorship packages for the event, is available here.

About Detroit Cristo Rey High School
Detroit Cristo Rey High School provides excellent college-preparatory Catholic high school education, in the Cristo Rey Model, to students from economically disadvantaged families in Detroit. The school emphasizes faith, morals and service to the community. Through its work study program, the school fosters skills and attitudes important in the workplace, such as responsibility, determination, and respect for self and others. In the finest tradition of Catholic outreach, it welcomes families of all denominations. With a challenging and supportive college preparatory program, Detroit Cristo Rey High School equips students with the core knowledge and competencies needed for college and the workplace. The school’s ultimate goal is to enable students to gain the skills to be successful in life and the commitment to make a difference in their families, their neighborhoods, and the world. For more information, visit the website at www.detroitcristorey.org.

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