The Christmas Benefit Gala

Emma Berardelli '26

On December 10th, 2025, Fontbonne Hall Academy hosted its annual Christmas Benefit Gala, and it was truly a night to remember. Members of the Fontbonne family, new and old, gathered at Russo’s on the Bay for a night of laughter, joy, and Christmas cheer. The festive atmosphere of the night reflected the spirit and strength of the Fontbonne community. 

This event celebrated three distinguished individuals, who work and live out Fontbonne’s mission of leadership, community, and service. The honorees for this year are Rose Marie Borg ‘67, Rosanna Conenna ‘80 P’22, and Gino Fazio. 

Rose Marie Borg ‘67, a proud alumna of Fontbonne Hall, was honored for her inspiring career in healthcare leadership. Borg earned an AAS in Nursing from Staten Island Community College, a BS in Recreation Therapy from St. Joseph’s University, and a BSMA in Therapeutic Recreation from New York University. Throughout all of her schooling and career at large, Borg stayed active in New York and Brooklyn, serving many leadership roles in the healthcare community.

Rosanna Conenna ‘80 P’22, a second alumna of Fontbonne Hall, was also honored at the gala. Connena was recognized for her commitment to education and community. She currently, and proudly, serves as the Assistant Principal at Mark Twain Intermediate School for the Gifted and Talented. Connena received her BA from St. Francis College and a post graduate degree from Brooklyn College. She is deeply dedicated to many organizations in the Brooklyn area, and is also a proud Fontbonne parent. Her daughter, Giuliana, graduated from Fontbonne recently in 2022. 

Gino Fazio, the founder and president of Fazio Construction, was also honored during this event. Since he founded his company in 1987, he has been a strong advocate for Catholic education and community service – both of which are pillars of our Fontbonne mission. Today he works closely with the Sisters of Saint Joseph, and particularly enjoys working with Sister Maria Pascuzzi. More than anything he loves giving back, and he extends his service to numerous communities and organizations, including Archbishop Molloy High School, the Italian Cultural Association of New York, and many more! 

The gala was made possible through the generosity of its supporters. A special thanks to Dr. Marie Marrone-Moriarty and Mr. Jim Moriarty, who were the event’s premium sponsors, as well as the numerous sponsors that include the Fazio Construction, St. Joseph’s University, BayaBar, Vesuvio’s, Peppino's Candy Shop, and more. Every group’s support was vital to the success of the night. Also, equal gratitude goes to the Gala committee who worked extremely hard. The Development Office also played an instrumental role in planning this memorable gala. Ms. Maldari and Ms. Curreri’s dedication does not go unnoticed. 

Members of the faculty and staff of Fontbonne joined in on the celebration as well. Ms. Cirelli, Head of Admissions and Social Media – and a proud member of the class of 2011 – reflects on the evening: “The Gala this year was really special. As my first Gala, the energy from the moment you walked in until the moment you left reflected how beautifully the Fontbonne community comes together to celebrate.”

On a personal note, I was grateful to attend the gala sitting alongside my mom and my grandma, a Fontbonne alumna from the Class of 1966. Sharing this experience with my grandma, Linda Marmone Farrell, felt extremely special. Reflecting on the evening, my grandma shared,“The gala was beautiful, festive with superb inspirational singing and lifelong friendships, which was especially emotional to me as an alumna.”

Watching her reconnect with her “old Bonnies” as if no time has passed warmed my heart. As I entered into my last semester at Fontbonne I was comforted seeing that the sisterhood truly lasts a lifetime.

I was also deeply honored to be invited to sing for the guests that evening. I performed  “O holy night,” a mashup of “I’ll be home for Christmas/Darilng,” and “Do you hear what I hear?” There is truly no better way to connect during this season, then through classic carols.

The Christmas Benefit Gala was a wonderful celebration for all who attended. It was lovely getting to celebrate the honorees, learn more about their missions, and support the larger Fontbonne community at the same time.