School of the Holy Child’s One Starry Night Annual Gala and Auction April 18 at Westchester Country Club will celebrate its close-knit community and honor two longtime supporters, Peggy and Al Kelly, who have championed the school for the better part of four decades.
By Janice Llanes Fabry
School of the Holy Child’s One Starry Night Annual Gala and Auction April 18 at Westchester Country Club will celebrate its close-knit community and honor two longtime supporters, Peggy and Al Kelly, who have championed the school for the better part of four decades.
“The auction for Holy Child is an important fundraiser for the school, but it is not about Al and me,” said Peggy, a 1977 alumna. “It is about a wonderful school. It is about the sisters of the Society of Holy Child Jesus, the administration, the faculty and staff, the alumnae, the parents, past and present, and most importantly the girls. They are what makes Holy Child such a special place.”
Head of School William C. Hambleton said the Kellys are “inspirational in their commitment.”
Gala and Auction Co-chairs Liz Curtis and Laura Erlick say the fundraiser celebrates “the constellation of those who represent the school’s shining past, stellar present, and bright future.” The starry theme will radiate throughout the entire evening’s program, from its raffle, live and silent auctions to its journal and décor.
Mr. Hambleton adds, “The funds raised significantly contribute to our ability to provide a unique and innovative school environment. This year’s event not only contributes to the education of the girls currently enrolled, but helps to ensure that future generations of students have access to the same quality of education.”
Shining luminously among those who propel the school’s mission, Peggy and Al have been tireless advocates for its advancement. Arguably the couple holding the record for most years at Holy Child, the Kellys met at the senior prom in 1977. They may have attended the dance with other dates, but before long they gravitated towards one another and became the school community’s dynamic duo.
As a trustee, Peggy has worked painstakingly to expand the alumnae program with Sr. Anna Daly, SHCJ ’43. And through volunteering at countless school activities, she has forged enduring friendships.
“Holy Child gave me more than an education; it gave me the gift of friendship. My closest friends today are the girls that I met in September of 1973. We started out as friends and have become family,” she said.
As Chair of the Board of Trustees, Al has provided extraordinary leadership in enhancing Holy Child’s profile. He has paved the way for the future success of the young women educated there, including their three daughters, Kaitlin ’07, Maggie ’09, and Elizabeth ’22.
“When I graduated in June of 1977 I thought my affiliation with Holy Child was complete,” remarked Peggy. “Never did I think it would play such a big part in my life.”
Beyond the Holy Child campus, the Kellys, who also have two sons, Alfred and Jack, extend their philanthropic support to Catholic education and health care, the Church of the Resurrection, the Archdiocese of New York, Iona College, Boston College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
For information on One Starry Night, call 967-5622 or email gala2015@holychildrye.org.
