The Archdiocesan Catholic Youth Organization in conjunction with the Philadelphia 76'ers will celebrate the 11th Annual Hall of Fame Awards Dinner on

Monday, March 1, 2004
5:30 p.m. Silent Auction
7:00 p.m. Dinner
8:15 p.m. Awards Ceremony
Adam's Mark Hotel
City Line and Monument Road
Philadelphia

The purpose of the banquet is to raise funds for the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) programs and to honor adults who espouse the virtues and values of the CYO and the Catholic Church. The CYO utilizes sports and coaching to develop the spiritual and character formation of young people and help to prepare them for the challenges of today and tomorrow. For more information on the CYO Hall of Fame Awards, call 610-649-9410.

This year's Hall of Fame inductees are:

Al Gabriele graduated from Trenton Catholic High School in Trenton and went on to St. Joseph's University, graduating with a BS in Accounting in 1956. Since his semi-retirement in 1992, Al has put his business expertise to work for Greater Philadelphia's non-profit sector as both a philanthropist and volunteer. He serves on a number of Boards at Immaculata University, LaSalle College High School and Roman Catholic High School and formerly served on St. Joseph's University Board. A member of the Board of Trustees at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Al was on the Leadership Committee for the recent $38million capital campaign for the Institute for Cancer Prevention at Fox Chase. He recently joined the Board of Young Scholars Charter School. Al won the Fund Raising Volunteer of the Year Award at the 1999 National Philanthropy Day Awards. Al and Barbara started the Gabriele Family Foundation in 1997, a small charitable foundation administered by their children and their spouses. "We wanted our kids to understand how many people are less fortunate than we, and the great feeling of joy in giving to others; it has been very rewarding to see the involvement of the kids in the foundation's activities." Al and Barbara have been married for forty years, and have been blessed with three children John, Jim and Gina and have five grandchildren. They are members of Saints Simon and Jude Parish in West Chester, PA.


Martie Gillin grew up in a large Catholic family where she was taught the value of St. Francis' words "for it is in giving that we receive." As she raised nine children, Martie taught these same values by her example of her faith. Her devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Little Flower helped her survive both breast cancer and the death of her son, Bob, to AIDS in 1992. She and her husband Robert turned their tragedy into a vehicle of hope and comfort for HIV/AIDS patients and their families. Eager to educate, protect and comfort those infected or affected with this modern-day plague, Martie founded AIDS Alive. Among AIDS Alive's activities are "Hoops for Hope," the Red Ribbon Ball; and the Stay@Home Ball, 30 simultaneous theme dinner parties to support persons infected and affected by AIDS. Martie Gillin also founded SpeakUP!. SpeakUP! emphasizes the development of communication skills to foster productive dialogue at home, at school, and within the community to enable individuals to make positive choices. Martie is the Vice President of Business Development and Customer Service at Carey Limousine. Martie serves in an Advisory/Board capacity to such organizations as Siloam Ministries, Melmark Home Inc., St. Edmond's Home for Crippled Children and Prayer Power. Martie Gillin was also presented with the Caring Award in 2000.
Martie and her husband Robert are members of Saint John Vianney Parish in Gladwyne, PA.


Phil Martelli graduated from Widener University in 1976. Martelli began his coaching career as the junior varsity coach at Cardinal O'Hara High School in Springfield for the 1976/1977 season. Martelli's next stop was Bishop Kenrick High School in Norristown.. He still holds Kenrick's all time mark for wins with 108. Phil Martelli began his career with St. Joseph's University as an assistant coach for the 1985/86 season. Ten years later, he took the head coach position at St. Joe's on July 20, 1995. He has lead St. Joe's to three NCAA and two NIT tournament appearances as head coach. Martelli is a two time Atlantic 10 Conference and three time Eastern Basketball Coach of the Year. Last season, St. Joe's earned the program's second at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. This season the 20-0 Hawks, one of seven undefeated teams in the nation as of February 11, 2004 are ranked 3th in both the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today polls with their best start in school history. ESPN.com's Jay Bilas recently named Phil Martelli the top "Coach of Non-Conference Season." Not only is Phil a great basketball coach, he works hard with "Coaches vs Cancer", gives many talks at Communion Breakfasts and other events for youth. He is well known for his strong faith and commitment to the Church. He resides in Delaware County with wife Judy, sons Philip and Jimmy and daughter Elizabeth. They are members of Saint Mary Magdalen Parish in Media, PA.


###

Contact
Marie Kelly
Associate Director
215-587-3747