Susan Gerrity organized a special fundraising event, the Commonwealth of Nations Gala, which took place on Sunday September 29th, 2024 at the Highlands Mansion in Fort Washington. The event was a smashing success with nearly 100 guests in attendance. Susan has spearheaded this gala event every two years for the past twenty years. On a biennial schedule, Susan has brought together the Commonwealth Committee whose members have come from a diverse group of 25 Commonwealth Organizations in Philadelphia. Organizations represented on the committee include: the English-Speaking Union (ESU), the DBE, the RHS, the Society of St. George, the St. Andrews Society, the Welsh Society, the Irish Center, Team Jamaica Bickle, Antigua & Barbuda, Trinidad & Tobago and others.
Early in January 2024, the Commonwealth Committee started planning this gala. The committee members first decided that the gala would be held at the Highlands Mansion on September 29th, 2024. Other details fell into place as more meetings were held. These committee meetings have always been held at Ormiston Mansion which has been a perfect central location for the diverse membership.
The very successful gala event benefited this year: Special Olympics Pennsylvania. Because of attendance ticket sales along with generous contributions of sponsors, a handsome amount was donated to the nonprofit Special Olympics Pennsylvania. Monies from silent auction items and raffle tickets to win donated baskets further enhanced the coffers. The Special Olympics provides year-round sports training as well as athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Congratulations go out to the Commonwealth Committee for their diligence in making the Commonwealth of Nations Gala such an overwhelming success.
Guests gathered inside the Highlands Mansion since the intended garden party moved indoors because of rain.