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School Sisters of Notre Dame Educational Center
On June 5, 2024 the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) Educational Center in Woodhaven, Queens, New York held a ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of 100 women, and the faculty who accompanied them, in achieving various levels of English speaking and writing skills, math and civics. Two classes are working toward their High School Equivalency Diploma. As one student speaker explained, “We came here to learn English. We found friendship, support, and the freedom to dream. I hope to be a nurse one day.”
The Ladies of Charity at St. John’s University is privileged to support this Center and these women in various ways.
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Lisa A. Gatti to be Honored with 2026 Spes Unica Award
The Ladies of Charity at St. John’s University will present the St. Louise de Marillac Spes Unica Award to Lisa A. Gatti, founder of Pal-O-Mine, at the annual “Evening of Hope” on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The event will take place at Terrace on the Park in Flushing, Queens, from 5:30 to 9:30 pm. Ms. Gatti will deliver the keynote address.
Lisa A. Gatti has had a lifelong love affair with horses — a passion that inspired her to launch Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, a nonprofit that provides a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning, and healing for children and adults with disabilities, veterans, people on the autism spectrum, individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, cancer survivors, and others.
The organization has grown enormously since its founding in 1995, with 25 horses, a vocational program, and much more at its 13-acre farm in Islandia, N.Y.
Gatti, who began her career as a special education teacher, helps local government identify the most crucial issues facing the special needs population as a member of the Town of Islip Disability Advisory Committee, and she chairs the Board of Directors of global equine-assisted psychotherapy organization EAGALA.
Gatti served on the board of Autism Communities, lending her expertise on vocational opportunities for those on the spectrum. These experiences helped Gatti shape Pal-O-Mine into one of the nation’s most-trusted therapeutic equine organizations. She has an 18-year-old daughter, the pride and joy of her life.
“Evening of Hope” begins at 5:30 pm. Participation will support the charitable works of the Ladies of Charity at St. John’s University.
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Evening of Hope
The Ladies of Charity at St. John’s University offers you the opportunity to sponsor the annual “Evening of Hope,” at Terrace on the Park in Flushing, NY on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 5:00 pm.
This year we are delighted to confer the “Spes Unica” Award on Alice McDermott, a distinguished professor and author whose prize-winning novels recognize the dignity of all people and the innate search for meaning and redemption.
According to Rev. Robert Lauder, Professor at St. John’s University, as an author, the “Catholic horizon of Alice McDermott’s novels gives profound meaning to her insightful and joyful attention to humanity.”
The Ladies of Charity at St. John’s University, a 501 (c) (3) organization, is dedicated to assisting those who are on the margins of society, with particular emphasis on the needs of women and children and their education. A few of our programs include:
- School Sisters of Notre Dame Educational Center, a literacy program for women in Woodhaven, Queens;
- St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children, St. Mary’s Kids, Bayside, NY; and the
- Rev. Michael D. Whalen, C.M. Award, given to a Junior Lady of Charity at St. John’s Preparatory High School who will attend St. John’s University upon graduation.
In addition to these local educational projects, we provide both hands-on and financial assistance to those on the margins, wherever the need arises. In the fall of 2023, the Ladies provided over 100 backpacks filled with school supplies for the children of migrants in Queens, NY. All donations are used to support our projects.
Please help us in our endeavors and sponsor our Evening of Hope! Together we can help those most in need and turn our Evening of Hope into a springboard for a Lifetime of Hope.
Please click to see several sponsorship opportunities and to pay online or to submit check with mail-in form. Kindly submit by March 20, 2024.
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3rd Annual “Evening of Hope”
On April 15, 2016 we held our third annual “Evening of Hope”. Sister Margaret John Kelly, D.C. was the honoree, receiving the “Spes Unica” award. Sister recently retired as the director of the Vincentian Center for Church and Society at St. John’s University. She was the force behind our formation into an association, and is our Spiritual Moderator Emeritus. Raffles, silent auction, horse races helped the event be a very successful fundraiser. Anna Rocchio served as the event’s chairwoman.
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Junior Ladies of Charity Receive Bridge to Life Award
On Saturday, April 5th, Pat Mulé and Anna Rocchio, Junior Ladies of Charity Moderators at St. John’s Prep, attended the Bridge to Life Gala at Leonard’s Palazzo. It was a beautiful afternoon celebrating life, hope, service, and the power of faith in action.
As moderators, Pat and Anna were overjoyed to see the girls recognized for their compassionate service and unwavering commitment to living the Gospel. The award presented to them read:
“In recognition for your unwavering commitment to the mission—serving rather than to be served. Guided by the virtues of Humility, Simplicity and Charity, you bring the Gospel to life, seeing Christ in the poor through service, education and advocacy. Your dedication to uplifting the most vulnerable is an inspiration and a testament to the power of faith in action.”
This recognition is a testament to the heart, dedication, and joyful spirit these young ladies bring to every act of service. The moderators and all Ladies of Charity at St. John’s University are beyond proud!
LCSJU extends its deepest gratitude to Bridge to Life for this honor and for all they do to support women and families.
Photo: The Junior Ladies of Charity of St. John’s receiving their award from Francesa Yellico, at the 2025 Bridge to Life Gala.
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4th Annual Evening of Hope
The Ladies of Charity at St. John’s University are proud to present an “Evening of Hope,” our annual Spes Unica Award dinner and fundraising event. This year we honor Susan Gordan Ryan as the recipient of the Spes Unica Award. The event ticket price of $75 includes, Dinner, Raffles, “Wall-of-wine” and silent auction opportunities. Please note that all net proceeds raise funds for programs/projects that the LOC at SJU sponsor to combat poverty among women and children.
More details to follow! Registration is open, please click on the invitation below to register or follow this link: https://goo.gl/pu6R9E
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