The net proceeds from this event raise vital scholarship funds to support students at Catholic schools throughout the area, including St. Timothy Middle School and Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford.

Submitted 

The Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools (FACS), will hold the 23rd St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast in person for the first time in three years, on Friday, March 17, 2023, 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Hartford Marriot in downtown Hartford.

The festive event will feature USMC (retired) veteran Johnny Joey Jones from Atlanta, Georgia, who has a compelling story and offers an inspirational message. Student singers and scholars will also be featured along with dancers from The Mulcahy Academy of Irish Dance and the sounds of bagpipes. Irene O’Connor from WFSB will emcee the event. Doors open at 7 a.m.

Jones is a retired Marine, who on a harrowing day lost both of his legs in an unexpected IED explosion in Afghanistan. He will share his experience as an EOD technician and the infectious positivity that has been capturing the hearts of so many who hear his story of resilience

“Johnny Joey Jones is a very dynamic speaker; his approach to challenges in this world reflects the remarkable fortitude, deep faith, bravery and positive outlook that true heroes display; just like students in Catholic schools who learn that the integration of knowledge and values as the foundation for unity of mind, body, and spirit is important, said Cynthia Basil Howard, the organization’s executive director and a West Hartford resident.

“Johnny was a past FACS speaker and was so well received that we chose to bring him back. People wanted more! And we are thrilled that Irene O’Connor, anchor and reporter, and a recipient of numerous journalism awards will be joining us. She knows first-hand the benefits of this outstanding education as a graduate of, and parent of students attending a Catholic school” Howard added.

Net proceeds from the breakfast will benefit Catholic schools in Hartford, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties. To date, for academic year 2022-2023, FACS has awarded over $714,000 in scholarships to students from not only this event, but also other scholarship funds held at FACS.

For information about the event including sponsorships, advertising, and tickets, please visit our website at FACSHARTFORD.org/st-patrick or call 860.325.5096. Tickets are $100 per person. Supporters should note that FACS has a Partnership Program which offers further benefits to sponsors and FACS friends. Partner sponsors will automatically receive admission for four to play golf at the premier FORE FACS Golf Classic to be held at the TPC River Highlands in Cromwell on Aug. 28, 2023.

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