Catholic Partnership Schools to Fete Legendary Youth Coach at Beef & Beer Event Feb. 25

Catholic Partnership Schools will honor Joe Ranoia, who has coached basketball in the Camden County Catholic School Independent Boys Basketball League for 40 years, during its 11th Annual James Gillespie, Sr., Memorial Beef and Beer fundraiser Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, at P.J. Whelihan’s in Cherry Hill, N.J.

The all-you-can-eat event includes beer, soft drinks, a 50-50 raffle, and a silent auction. All funds will support youth sports programs at the Catholic Partnership Schools’ five schools in Camden.

Ranoia is a five-time championship-winning basketball coach at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Regional School in Berlin, N.J.. He has served as Director of the Camden County Catholic School Independent Boys Basketball League for 37 years – taking over as director just a few years after he first started coaching basketball at Mount Carmel in 1974.

“Joe’s energy, dedication and commitment to the league are legendary. We’re thrilled to be honoring him at this fun event,” says Sister Karen Dietrich, executive director of Catholic Partnership Schools. “The funds we raise, and the support of the community, are also vital to giving our kids the opportunity to attend our schools and participate in sports.”

James Gillespie, Sr., for whom the event is named, was a long-time youth baseball, softball and basketball coach and mentored many young people in South Jersey. The Beef and Beer fundraiser was established by his children to helps at-risk youths and families who elect to send their children to one of the five Catholic Partnership Schools, with an emphasis on those involved in school athletic programs, namely baseball, basketball, and cross-country track.

The Beef and Beer fundraiser runs from 2-6 p.m. Feb. 25, 2017. P.J. Whelihan’s is located at 1854 Marlton Pike in Cherry Hill. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. To purchase tickets in advance, or to sponsor the event, go to www.catholicpartnershipschools.org.

Catholic Partnership Schools is a 501c3 nonprofit organization committed to strengthening and sustaining the educational excellence of the Catholic, K-8 schools that serve the children of Camden. This network of five partnership schools nurtures communities grounded in faith and values. They provide enriched, student-centered programs that prepare their graduates for successful transition into rigorous, college preparatory or technical high schools. For more information, visit www.catholicpartnershipschools.org.