WARWICK, RI – Mark DeCiccio ’03, Principal, is pleased to announce the formation of The Development Council, a volunteer-based group of alumni, parents, and supporters who will assist in philanthropically engaging the community to benefit Bishop Hendricken. The Council was launched and met for the first time last Thursday evening on campus.
The Development Council is led by Mark DeCiccio ’03, Principal; Jamal Gomes ’91, Athletic Director; Brandan O’Donnell, Director of Finance; Christopher Sheehan, Jr. ’09, Assistant Principal; James Black, Jr. ’07, Alumni Relations (Volunteer); and Earl “Buddy” Croft ’70, Alumni Relations (Volunteer). Over 70 alumni, parents, and supporters attended the first meeting on Thursday, both in-person and virtually across the country.
“Our philosophy to advancing Bishop Hendricken’s mission is a team approach; the Hendricken way,” DeCiccio shared. “I’ve created this Council to help me connect with as many community members as I possibly can in order to help Bishop Hendricken reach new heights. As principal, my sole focus is to provide the most positive student experience to each young man we serve. The Development Council will be critical to ensuring we have the resources to do so for the next 65 years and beyond.”
As part of the Council launch, DeCiccio identified three areas of immediate need for students: the Tuition Assistance Fund to help make Bishop Hendricken more accessible and bolster enrollment; The FUND for HENDRICKEN which serves as an unrestricted fund and impacts the areas of greatest need, and Hawks Feeding Hawks which provides lunch daily for students facing food insecurity.
As defined by DeCiccio, The Development Council’s role will be to serve as brand ambassadors, share the school’s fundraising initiatives, and most importantly, connect Bishop Hendricken’s leadership with members’ networks. Those interested in learning more about the Council, or serving on it, are encouraged to contact one of the following lead members:
Mark DeCiccio ’03
401.736.5987
mdeciccio@hendricken.com
Buddy Croft ’70
401.889.5416
bcroft@hendricken.com
James Black, Jr. ’07
401.889.5416
jamesblack@hendricken.com
The first major fundraising initiative of the Council is Bishop Hendricken’s Day of Giving set to take place on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. All proceeds from the 24-hour campaign will benefit the Tuition Assistance Fund. More information will be released soon.
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