‘Defying the Odds’ Dinner Brings San Miguel Academy Closer to Home of Its Own

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A total of 430 people, the largest crowd ever, attended the “Defying the Odds” dinner benefiting San Miguel Academy Oct. 25 at Westchester Country Club in Rye.

Proceeds will go toward the purchase of the academy’s school building in Newburgh.

San Miguel Academy is an independent, faith-based fifth-grade through eighth-grade middle school for boys from underserved families residing in Newburgh. Students are empowered to focus on educational achievement and character development as a means of self-efficacy.

Ann Mara Cacase, the daughter of the late Ann T. and Wellington Mara, accepted the IMPACT Award at the dinner. The Mara family has been synonymous with New York football for generations, as Wellington and now his son, John, have served as team owners.

Ms. Mara Cacase continues her family’s tradition of support for San Miguel’s human services program, which continues through college.

Vanessa Williams and Ann Mirable were the dinner committee chairs.

Father Mark Connell is executive director of San Miguel Academy, and Kerry DiMeo is principal.