QUINCY, MA — The Quincy College Foundation welcomed more than 230 guests to its fundraising gala on April 8 at Granite Links, raising over $320,000 to support scholarships for Quincy College students. The event underscored the Foundation’s mission to make higher education affordable and accessible, ensuring that students have the opportunity to pursue their academic and career goals without financial barriers.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors and supporters, this event will have a lasting impact on the lives of Quincy College students,” said Paul Barbadoro, Chairman of the Quincy College Foundation. “These funds will provide critical scholarship support, helping students stay enrolled and focused on completing their education.”
The evening’s highlight was the presentation of the 2026 Quintessential Award to Mayor Thomas P. Koch, recognizing his leadership, service and longstanding commitment to Quincy College and the broader community.
Mayor Koch expressed his gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to expanding educational opportunities. “Quincy College plays a vital role in opening doors for students in our community,” said Mayor Koch. “I am honored to receive this award and proud to support an institution that creates opportunity and strengthens our local workforce.”
The evening was emceed by Norfolk County Treasurer and Quincy College Foundation Member Michael Bellotti who helped guide the program throughout the evening. Guests also enjoyed games and raffles, trying their luck to win prizes generously donated by several local businesses, including Rogers Jewelers and Masons Steakhouse.
The Foundation recognized the invaluable contributions of its generous sponsors whose support was instrumental to the event’s success. Among them, Quirk Auto served as the Quintessential Sponsor. Foundation Sponsors included Karen and Rob Hale, while Granite Sponsors were Suffolk Construction and the Cook, Feeney, Marshall, Page and Thompson families.
Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, President of Quincy College, emphasized the importance of the Foundation’s work. “For many of our students, financial assistance can be the deciding factor in whether they are able to continue their education,” said DeCristofaro. “We are grateful to our Foundation, the sponsors and to all who contributed to this extraordinary evening for helping to expand access and opportunity.”
The Quincy College Foundation is a not-for-profit foundation established to receive endowment funds, charitable donations and gifts in support of Quincy College and its mission to provide an affordable and accessible post-secondary education to its students.
For more information about the Quincy College Foundation or to make a donation, please visit: quincycollege.edu/foundation
From left: Quincy College Foundation members Kara Bobrov, Mark Brewster, Dolly Di Pesa, and Steve Dooner; Mayor Koch; Quincy College Foundation member Sean Galvin; Quincy College Executive Vice President and General Counsel Jessica Cherry; Quincy College Foundation members Peter Thompson, Paul Barbadoro, Ken Quigley, and Michael Bellotti; and Quincy College President Richard DeCristofaro.