RENEW International, a Catholic not-for-profit organization based in Plainfield, N.J., will hold its annual fundraising gala on June 4, 2020 at the Pleasantdale Château, West Orange, NJ.
“At this year’s annual gala, we will honor four dedicated Catholics who live their faith in their homes, parishes, and workplaces,” said Sr. Terry Rickard, O.P., RENEW International’s president and executive director. “Each of our honorees—Jeanette Walton and John Clark Walton; Bobby Gregory, and Theodore Musco—are models of Catholic values in their personal and professional lives.”
The President's Award will be given to John Clark Walton and his wife, Jeanette Walton. They are champions of Catholic education who support schools and students affected by poverty and volunteer their expertise and finance skills with the inner-city Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Newark and the Diocese of Brooklyn. Jack is the managing member of Keyland Polymer Materials, LLC, a chemical and coatings firm based in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a co-founder of the Appaloosa Management hedge fund. A candidate for a doctorate in molecular biology at Seton Hall University, Jeanette has written papers in the area of cancer research, particularly pediatric neuroblastoma. Jack and Jeanette live in Chatham, N.J. and are parishioners of Our Lady of Sorrows in South Orange, N.J. They have three children and two grandchildren.
Bobby Gregory will receive the Spirit of RENEW Award. He is a faithful Catholic, an avid citizen, and a supporter of community life. The president of New Jersey Tin and Galvanizing, he has generously shared his leadership skills, supporting youth activities and sports teams, and serves as a board member of several nonprofits. An active member of Holy Trinity Parish in Westfield, N.J., he has participated in RENEW small faith-sharing groups such as Healing Our Church. Bobby lives in Plainfield, where he and his wife, Jennifer, raised five children. They have two grandchildren.
RENEW will present the Msgr. Thomas Kleissler Award to Theodore Musco. Ted is a lifelong professional lay minister, a leader in Catholic education and evangelization. He is secretary for evangelization and catechesis in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Working in one of the most diverse areas of the country, Ted has used digital-learning technology to provide contemporary adult education and formation for teachers and catechists. A firm believer in RENEW’s mission, Ted is a champion of small faith-sharing groups as a key element in creating vibrant parishes. For over five years, Ted has partnered with RENEW and brought our programs to more than 60 percent of Brooklyn’s parishes, reaching more than 12,000 small-group participants. Ted lives in Connecticut.
The presentation of these awards will be the highlight of the gala: cocktails, a silent auction, and Super 50/50 begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and awards at 7:30 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the landscaped grounds and graciously decorated rooms of the Pleasantdale Château and enjoy the music of The Infernos Band in the ballroom.
RENEW International’s gala raises funds each year to support the organization’s mission of renewing personal faith and revitalizing parishes through small-group faith sharing. To attend the event, place a journal ad, or make a donation, contact RENEW’s Development Office (908-769-5400, x114; gala@renewintl.org) or visit www.renewintl.org/gala.