The Celebrate Gala

Just as each child is unique, each child experiences success in his or her own way. Our calling as a community of parents, educators, and supporters, is to celebrate their successes every step of the way. 

Once a year we come together for a special event that unites our community to support our JB kids. The Celebrate Gala raises funds that directly benefit our students’ JB experiences. Proceeds are used to support tuition assistance for students, ongoing professional development for faculty and staff, and learning environments that help our students succeed. 

We are grateful to have been able to offer our 2021 Gala both in-person and virtually. No matter how you joined, our incredible community showed up to support our kids in big ways. In total, the virtual event raised over $200,000 for the families of Julie Billiart Schools. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. 

If you weren’t able to make a gift during the virtual event but would still like to contribute, you can do so, here. Please stay tuned for more details about the 2022 Gala, which we hope will involve more handshakes, hugs, and time to come together as a JB family. This event is continuously improving and changing form to better suit our generous donors. You’ll love the exciting changes and incredible packages that we’ll roll out soon.

Our 2021 Award Recipients and Honorees

The Spirit of St. Julie Award stands as one of the highest honors we bestow in our Julie Billiart Schools family. In word and symbol, it represents the founding vision and dedicated leadership of the Sisters of Notre Dame, who through abiding faith, selfless leadership, outstanding service, and unwavering commitment to the truth, have inspired generations of Julie Billiart Schools’ alumni, parents, and friends. For this, Julie Billiart Schools is delighted to honor The Favazzo family as the 2021 recipients of the Spirit of St. Julie Award.

The Favazzo family has, for generations, supported Julie Billiart Schools. They have played many roles in our schools, as alumni, parents, friends, and advocates. They have attended galas, sat on committees, and are responsible for bringing our Lyndhurst playground to fruition. They have offered unwavering support of the programs and the children of JB Schools. Their belief in and commitment to education, particularly the JB education, has spanned generations. It is for these reasons that we were thrilled to award the Favazzo family the 2021 Spirit of St. Julie Award. Thank you, Favazzo family, for your unwavering support of all that we do. We are so grateful.

The Community Partnership Award recognizes the individuals, businesses, and organizations that partner with Julie Billiart Schools to enhance the work that we do.  It takes a village to create a nurturing and safe environment for students with special learning needs. Julie Billiart Akron would not exist without the collaboration and support of Father John Valencheck and the entire St. Sebastian Parish.

As a ministry of St. Sebastian Parish, Julie Billiart School Akron has received guidance and direction from the church and its parishioners. St. Sebastian Parish provides support for monthly Mass and the sacraments while the schools often share resources and have organized learning and service activities together.  Father Valencheck’s leadership and collaboration has been instrumental in bringing JB to Akron and helping us grow. In gratitude, we recognized Father John Valencheck and the St. Sebastian Parish with the 2021 Community Partnership Award. 

Thank you to our 2021 Celebrate Gala Sponsors