Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Honors Philadelphia Leaders in Business, Military, and the Community at 39th Annual Philadelphia Celebratory Ball
Robert Ciaruffoli and Dick Knobel Honored for Service to Country and Corps
ALEXANDRIA, VA (May 21, 2014) –The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, the Nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children, hosted the 39th Annual Philadelphia Celebratory Ball on May 10, 2014. Local leaders in business, military and civic life were recognized for their investment in the higher education of thousands of sons and daughters of Marine and Navy Corpsmen. This year, with Chairman LtGen Martin R. Steele USMC (Ret), Co-Chairs Kathleen Finnerty, Paul Garvey, Marc Hembrough at the helm, and the 346 attendees, the 2014 Philadelphia Campaign raised a grand total of $709,774 to benefit scholarships.
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation honors the selfless service of Marines by providing post-high school scholarships to their children, with particular attention given to those whose parent has been killed or wounded in combat, or who have demonstrated financial need.
“At the heart of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation’s history and success are those members of local communities who inspire others to invest in our mission,” said Margaret B. Davis, President and CEO, Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. “With their steadfast support we were able to award 193 scholarships to students in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey for the 2013-2014 academic year.”
The Philadelphia Celebratory Ball honored two outstanding citizens who exemplify Marine Corps values with the Semper Fidelis and Globe & Anchor Award. The Semper Fidelis Award was presented to ParenteBeard CEO Robert Ciaruffoli as an individual who has demonstrated reoccurring commitment to an effort which contributes to the betterment of our society. The Globe & Anchor Award was presented to H.H. Knoebel Sons Inc. & Knoebel’s Family Amusement President Dick Knoebel as an individual who has built a foundation of service that has had an impact around the globe.
Scholarship recipients in attendance at the Philadelphia Celebratory Ball shared their remarkable stories of perseverance, resilience, and faith. One such story is that of Kris Martin, senior at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania who graduated on May 18 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics. Kris’s father, Gunnery Sergeant Gregory Martin served in the Marine Corps for over 20 years.
“One of the toughest decisions I’ve made in life was to forego scholarship offers to come to Penn, and receive a top-notch education in spite of the notoriously high tuition rates of Ivy League schools. With financial help from the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and the support of my family and friends, the toughest decision of my life transformed into the best decision I’ve ever made.” Martin, shared about his journey toward a higher education at the Philadelphia Celebratory Ball.
The evening also celebrated the Ball’s military guest of honor General John M. Paxton, Jr. USMC, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, as well as a performance by the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corp.
About the Foundation: The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is the Nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children, with particular attention given to those whose parent has been killed or wounded in combat, or who have demonstrated financial need. Since its inception in 1962, the Scholarship Foundation has awarded over 30,000 scholarships valued at more than $80,000,000. In the 2013-2014 academic year, the Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than $6,600,000 in scholarships to 2,040 students. For more information on the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation please visit www.mscf.org.