On September 13, 2024, the St. Coletta community came together for a truly special evening, marking 120 years of service and impact. The Saints and Sisters Celebration, held at the Brookfield Convention Center, was filled with heartwarming tributes, joyous reunions, and a deep sense of gratitude for the lasting legacy of St. Coletta’s mission.

This milestone event was not only a celebration of St. Coletta’s 120th anniversary, but it was also an occasion to honor the Sisters of St. Francis, who are celebrating 175 years of dedicated service. Their unwavering commitment has been the foundation of St. Coletta’s work, and this evening was an opportunity to recognize their profound contributions to education and care for individuals with developmental disabilities.

A Night to Remember

The evening began with a warm welcome from our Emcee, Vince Vitrano, who guided guests through a night of reflection, celebration, and giving. Benefactors, families, and friends joined together, participating in both silent and live auctions. Bidders competed for unique experiences, exclusive items, and generously donated packages, with all proceeds supporting the ongoing mission of St. Coletta.

Dinner was served as guests mingled, exchanged stories, and connected over shared memories of their involvement with St. Coletta over the years. The evening truly captured the spirit of community and dedication that has defined St. Coletta’s legacy for over a century.

Special Video Presentations

Two moving video presentations were shared with the audience. The first was a special tribute from the Shriver family (Timothy Shriver, PhD., Chairman Special Olympics International and Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder Best Buddies International), who have long been supporters of St. Coletta’s mission. Their heartfelt message underscored the deep personal and historical ties between the Shrivers with their aunt Rosemary Kennedy and St. Coletta.

In addition, we presented a full video honoring the Saints and Sisters of St. Coletta and the Sisters of St. Francis, celebrating their 175 years of service. This inspiring video took guests on a journey through the history, impact, and ongoing mission of the sisters, whose dedication has touched countless lives.

Both videos are available for viewing below, allowing the broader St. Coletta community to experience and reflect on this memorable evening.

A Community United in Giving

The auction, a highlight of the evening, was met with incredible generosity. Guests bid enthusiastically on a variety of items, knowing their contributions would directly support the services and programs that are vital to the individuals served by St. Coletta. The evening concluded on a high note, as we celebrated the outpouring of support from our benefactors.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate 120 years of service, we also look toward the future with hope and dedication. The Saints and Sisters Celebration reminded us all of the strength of our community, the importance of our mission, and the lasting impact of the Sisters of St. Francis. We are profoundly grateful to all who joined us, supported us, and continue to believe in the work we do.

To relive the memories from this special evening, be sure to watch the full video presentation and the tribute from the Shriver family, available on our website.

Here’s to the next chapter of St. Coletta’s legacy, as we continue to serve with love, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible!

Photos from the evening are being reviewed and will also be added below soon.