Support a Cause
In this month’s edition of the Friends of Ryan newsletter we focus on giving back to the Ryan community and supporting a cause. Each and every one of us has benefitted from our Catholic education through Archbishop Ryan by building strong character and the necessary tools to make our mark on the world. Whether finding success financially, academically or socially, Archbishop Ryan was the staging point setting us on a course to demonstrate to all the benefits of receiving a Catholic education, and the values that education instills to this day. Today we ask our Alumni to reflect and consider giving back whether by volunteering your time, supporting a cause that aligns with your values or simply spreading the word on the great things that are taking place.
George Karusky IV Memorial Foundation
The George P. Karusky, IV Memorial Foundation (GK4 Foundation) was created from overflowing love for “Georgie” who passed away suddenly on April 23, 2020. Georgie was a loving son, grandson, nephew, cousin, sweetheart to Samantha, friend to many and best friend to the lucky few! He was a proud Archbishop Ryan Raider, Class of 2020, three-sport athlete. People were drawn to Georgie, he was kind, easy going, hilarious, and loyal.
To honor Georgie, one of his closest friends, Steven Neilson, started a fundraiser to collect money for the installation of a stained-glass window in the chapel of Archbishop Ryan High School. At the request of Georgie’s dad, all excess monies would be put towards scholarships. Through the outpouring of support and generous giving of the community, the collection well surpassed the goal of the stained-glass window installation! Additionally, the Archbishop Ryan High School Family and Leadership joined the quest to raise funds. Their goal also exceeded expectations! With overwhelming generosity and support from many collectively, the GK4 Foundation was created.
The George Karusky, IV Memorial Foundation is a legacy fund that will help children for generations to come. The GK4 Foundation will provide opportunities for children in multiple ways while supporting the community at the same time. Your support will be the cornerstone of the success of the foundation, and we will be forever grateful. It should also be said that 100% of all funds collected will go to put smiles on children’s faces as Georgie always did in more ways than one.
The George Karusky IV Memorial Foundation is hosting their 2022 5K Run / 2K Walk in April. On Sunday April 17, 2022, through Saturday April 23, 2022, the virtual 5K Run is open to all ages far and wide and the Foundation ask that you post your experience and photos to the GK4 Foundation, Facebook and Instagram.
On Saturday April 23, 2022, at 1PM the in-person 2K Walk will be held on the grounds of Archbishop Ryan High School with a short program to award scholarship winners for the 2022-2023 school year. Sponsorship, volunteer opportunities and tickets are available at Run The Day.
Gym Bleachers Capital Improvement
This past month, the first phase of the capital improvement effort to replace the bleachers within the boy’s gym came to a conclusion. The new bleachers replace the bleachers that have been in place since the inception of the school. The new, branded ARHS bleachers are made out of aluminum with handrail and handicap access. Several additional phases over the summer and into next year are in the pipeline to replace the remaining bleachers in the boys’ and girls’ gyms.
Alumni Demonstrate Values of Ryan with New Trophy Cases
With the new bleacher section in place and the old bleacher section completely dismantled, the question was raised on what to do with all that wood. Joe Zeglinski approached the administration about re-purposing the wood to create new trophy cases along the corridor of both gyms.
With the help of the Ryan Football Alumni Association work began with 8 individuals to start construction. Realizing this was a large effort and additional support was necessary the call went out for more volunteers to assist and with the help of the In Vite Mane Alumni Group spearheaded by Dave Bontempo the call was answered. The following weekend, 34 individuals along with teachers, administrators and students arrived with whatever tools they could salvage, and the team was able to install all the wood into the designated areas. The next stage will consist of installing lighting and glass casings.
It was truly a site to see, and it represented the values Archbishop Ryan has instilled in all of us. Special thanks to the Ryan Football Alumni Association, Joe Zeglinski, Dan McDade, Mrs. Joanne Clothier, In Vite Mane, Dave Bontempo, Coach Wiiliam Murphy, current Ryan football players, Dave Greenhalgh, Dan Kalai, Al Colombo, Shawn Dixon, Bob Raucheisen, Mike Pierce, Bob Rickerl, Joe Mair, Mark Adams, Charlie Fox, Bill Bell, Joe Weltz, Neil Brassell, Tom Dooley, Tim Lederer, John Del Ricci, Jerry Gontz, Chris Gress, Gary Ming, Mike Nelms, Joe McFadden, Brandon Rapone, Chris Raucheisen, Connor Golden, McDermott Murphy, Ajani Gaye, John Giuffre, Ethan Large, Nick Rogers, Bryan DaSilva, Bob Clothier, Ed Macko and the Saturday Morning Detention Crew.
2022 Friends of Ryan Winter Social
This past weekend over 700 fellow Alumni and friends joined us to celebrate the Friends of Ryan Winter Social. An amazing night of fun re-connecting with old friends and dancing the night away for a great cause. Entertainment was provided by the Juliano Brothers and DJ Bobby Sacco. Food was sponsored by Marinucci’s Deli, beverages were sponsored by City Distilling, Penn Beer and Liberty Coke. Numerous donors participated in Raffle Baskets that seemed to span the entire corridor. The Friends of Ryan would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who attended, sponsored, donated and volunteered to put on such a great event. We will get the photos posted online as soon as we can, and we will provide the overall details of the event in a future edition.
Upcoming Events
Visit Friends of Ryan Events page www.friendsofryanalumni.org/events for the latest information on events.
The George Karusky IV Memorial Foundation is hosting a 5K Run / 2K Walk on Saturday April 23 at 1PM EST at Archbishop Ryan High School to celebrate the memory of George Karusky IV. The Virtual Event will start on April 17 through April 23, the in-person event will be held on April 23 starting at 1PM at Archbishop Ryan High School. Event details can be found at Run The Day
Class of ‘72 50th Reunion scheduled for Friday June 10, 2022, at the Philadelphia Ballroom, details provided soon.
Save the date!! The first annual classic car show is scheduled for Saturday June 25, 2022, from noon to 5PM EST. A great event for the entire family. Further details will follow.
Friends of Ryan Summer Social scheduled for Saturday July 30, 2022, at the Seaport Pier, Wildwood New Jersey, details provided soon.
Friends of Ryan Alumni
Interested in joining the Friends of Ryan Alumni and mailing list for further updates, visit the Alumni section of www.friendsofryanalumni.org/alumni and Join Now.
Interested in giving back and becoming an Archbishop Ryan Ambassador, visit www.friendsofryanalumni.org/ambassadors to Join Now.
Thank You from the Friends of Ryan Team
Board President Tim Lederer ‘90 and Board Vice President Ed Hughes ‘79