Sacred Heart's Fairfield Gala Raises $750,000 For Scholarships

FAIRFIELD, CONN. -- Sacred Heart University’s annual Discovery Gala has raised more than $750,000 for student scholarship programs -- the highest amount to date, said school officials.

From top left, clockwise: Honoree Anthony Scaramucci gets the 2016 Discovery Award; President Dr. John Petillo with scholarship students; pianist Bruce Hornsby performs; and guests gather at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield.
Photo Credit: *Sacred Heart University*

Carol Reif

05/26/2016 4:30 a.m.

More than 300 people attended the recent Southern hospitality-themed soirée at the Linda E. McMahon Commons.

The university also said the number of sponsors this year broke previous records.

It said “significant support” came from the gala’s honoree, Anthony Scaramucci, co-managing partner and founder of SkyBridge Capital investment firm and host of Wall Street Week.

Gala guests mingled with the student scholars who benefit from the university’s scholarship programs.

Participants later moved on to the university’s Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts for an award ceremony and a concert by Grammy Award-winning musician Bruce Hornsby.

“We are thrilled with the support we’ve received from this year’s gala,” said William Reidy, vice president of University Advancement.

Many young people would not be able to afford to go to college were it not for donors to the scholarship program, he said.

“It’s wonderful that so many people recognize the importance of a SHU education and want to donate,” Reidy added.

According to Reidy, in just three decades, the gala has raised millions of dollars for student financial aid.

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