The 2018 Scholarship Gala, held May 5, was a star-studded affair, with Chris Matthews, of Hardball fame, and his wife Kathleen Matthews, former television news anchor and marketing and public affairs expert, as the evening’s honorees.
More than 200 people attended and a record amount — more than $300,000 — was raised, all of which directly benefits student academic scholarships.
Slices of Bailey’s chocolate cake ended what could only be labeled a scrumptious meal featuring wedge salad and filet Oscar. Music was supplied for the second year by DJ LaRue, and the gold and red theme extended to hand painted centerpieces. The evening’s signature cocktail was the Queen Kathleen, (for Kathleen Matthews) made with Stateside Vodka, a Philadelphia native.
For their service, support of education and dedication to Chestnut Hill College, the Matthews received a specially designed mirror, imprinted with the image of St. Joseph Hall at the top, and a first-edition stamp featuring Bobby Kennedy, in recognition of the best-selling book written by Chris Matthews, “Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit.”
In addition to the traditional Tower of Treasures and the popular Wine Toss (added last year), this year’s event included a VIP reception held in St. Joseph Hall's Dwight V. Dowley Art 
Gallery. A gift of a signed copy of Chris Matthews’ book was given to each couple and a new category was added to the live student support auction.
“This year, it was possible for a donor to provide a semester of study abroad that includes travel, room and board, and tuition, for $20,000,” said Kimberly Yost Moyer, senior director of development. The next level, $16,000, pays for a full semester’s tuition for a student. Gifts are still being accepted toward the Scholarship Gala by contacting Moyer at 215-248-7089 or
.
The two live items that were auctioned were a “Phillies Suite” that included 20 tickets to a Phillies game and food, in a special suite at Citizen Bank Park, and two tickets and a tour of a live taping of Hardball.
Many student scholarship recipients were in attendance and some of them had contributed to a special video shown during the evening.
“This event was a great example of the college community joining for a common cause,” said Moyer. “It was an excellent showing of the Board, Gala Committee and the CHC community working together to ensure students have opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t have.”
— Brenda Lange
