Our single-day record from last year has already been shattered! Thank you for coming together to raise $200,000 in just a few minutes.
The Joseph Fund Annual Back to School Fundraiser and Celebration felt right at home in our new venue, the Collingswood Grand Ballroom. At the start of the cocktail hour, community members were greeted by volunteers from Camden Catholic High School. The balcony area buzzed with enthusiasm as fellow education advocates celebrated the start of another school year. There, attendees admired projects from Catholic Partnership School (CPS) students ranging from Pre-K self-portraits to eighth graders’ reflective essays—showcasing the strides they are making in their educational journeys.
After getting settled, guests moved to the historic Scottish Rite auditorium. The program officially opened with the inaugural Faith in Action Award presented to Jim Wujcik, Past Chair of The Joseph Fund Board of Trustees. Next, Marie Quigley reflected on her time with our founder, Msgr. Robert McDermott, as she graciously accepted her Faith in Action Award.
Many in the crowd were delighted to witness a full-circle moment as Msgr. Andrew Martin received the Msgr. Robert T. McDermott Philanthropy and Community Service Award. As lifelong friends and even former roommates, Msgr. Martin captivated the audience and highlighted the lasting impact of The Joseph Fund on Camden students, as well as Msgr. McDermott’s enduring legacy.
Before returning to the ballroom, guests were treated to a surprise performance! The newly formed CPS Cheer Squad ran up the tunnel and burst onto the stage, performing their routine with energy and pride. It was their first time cheering in front of a crowd this size, and they did a fabulous job!
With the help of our volunteers, everyone made their way back into the ballroom following this electric performance. There, attendees had the chance to meet several of our current scholars: Dauda from Camden Catholic, Cassandra from Lincoln Tech, and Ruth and Fernando from Gloucester Catholic. Each expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to pursue their education and interests at their respective schools as they prepare for life beyond graduation. We also heard from Alexa Salva, a parent of Summer Enrichment scholars, who shared how this program has been monumental for local families.
Year over year, we continue to provide a hand-up to help others rise. From the Community House to the Collingswood Grand Ballroom, our community has shown up strong for Joseph Fund Scholars across Camden. The fundraising portion of the night was nothing short of miraculous. Not only did we unlock a $50,000 match from The Ralph L. & Florence A. Bernard Foundation, but another member of the crowd also stepped up and rallied everyone to achieve an additional $35,000 match.
To date, we have raised over $420,000 from the 2025 Back to School Celebration! Thank you for making life-changing opportunities possible for these bright, active, and ambitious learners.
