The Power of Community: Valla Match Success

During the month of November, with the partnership of longtime donors Gene and Suzanne Valla, we kicked off a very special campaign, our COVID-19 Relief Match. Gene and Suzanne have been involved with De Marillac Academy since our inception, and recognizing the pandemic’s financial impact on families, the Valla’s generously donated $10,000 for a match to provide direct support to DMA families for rent relief, food security and other economic hardship. 

We received many wonderful gifts and collectively we raised a little over $29,000! Together we created $39,000 of direct support for our families. 100% of the funds are being distributed as cash grants to De Marillac families identified by our school administration. 

The success of this campaign was a community effort, and we are appreciative for everyone’s participation. From alumni, former and current staff to new donors and friends of friends, thank you for your generous donations to support DMA families that have been impacted by the pandemic.  And to all our new donors, welcome to the DMA family!

"The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted so many families,” says Suzanne and Gene Valla. “We are so pleased to support and encourage others to support DMA families during this challenging time. We continue to be inspired by the students, families and faculty of DMA.”

Gene, while serving on the then Louis R. Lurie Foundation board, was first introduced to the Nativity Miguel school system in Chicago. It was then that he learned about De Marillac Academy. He visited DMA in 2002 and that was the beginning of the commitment to DMA by Suzanne and Gene. They have been dedicated partners of De Marillac since. We are fortunate to have them as members of our community.   

We are still overwhelmed with joy, gratitude and pride, thank you!