In just over three weeks since plans were unveiled and invitations mailed to an event honoring retired Marian Catholic High School Principal John P. “Jack” Malarkey, over $100,000 has been raised.

The event is scheduled for April 30, at Marian and will honor Jack Malarkey formally with the naming of the school’s historic gymnasium, the John P. “Jack” Malarkey Gymnasium.

“The outpouring of support from alumni, current Marian parents, parents of alumni, grandparents and friends of Marian has been incredible,” said Janet Bonenberger, chair of the school’s Advancement Committee and a member of the board of directors. Janet’s husband, Bill, is a 1976 graduate of Marian.

All proceeds from the reception will be directed toward the gymnasium renovations underway and the ability for future students to receive a Catholic and Marian education. The goal of this initiative is to raise $150,000 for the gymnasium renovation and to establish a full-endowed scholarship in the name of Jack and his wife, Jane.

“Gifts have been received from alumni from California to Massachusetts and nearly every class from 1955 to 2020,” said Jim Sauka a member of the planning committee, a 1966 graduate and the parent of four Marian graduates.

Opportunities for sponsorships of the event continue to be available from $5,000 (which includes 10 reception tickets) to $100 (which includes one event ticket). The committee is requesting that all sponsorships and program book ads be submitted by Friday.

Former Principal Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Sacks is serving as one of the two Honorary Reception Chairs for the event, having served with Malarkey at Marian from 1969 to 1974. While unable to attend, Msgr. Sacks provided a congratulatory letter for the commemorative program book. In his letter, he said, “It is an honor for me to share some memories of Jack Malarkey on this special occasion. There is one word that sums up the man I know. That word is ‘SELFLESS’.

“Selfless” does not mean you let people walk all over you. It means you don’t walk all over other people. He never did. Jack and I worked together at Marian from 1969 to 1974. He was a lot younger then. He treated every student and every faculty member with deep respect. Rich or poor, each kid was subject to the same school regulations and the same consequences if they decided to break them. He helped more people behind the scenes than anyone I know and that included the kids who wound up in detention.

“Thomas Merton once said, “We spend a lot of time, energy and money climbing the ladder to success, only to find out that when we get to the top, our ladder is against the wrong wall.” Jack’s ladder was never against the wrong wall. With Jane’s help, he lived his life our Lord’s way, he believed our Lord’s truth and when he gets to the top of his ladder, he will live our Lord’s life.”

More information about the reception, “The Celebration of a Living Legend,” can be found at https://www.mariancatholichs.org/post/malarkey-celebration, or by contacting Kristine Evina, Director of Advancement at Marian Catholic High School at 570-467-3335, ext. 115 or at kevina@mariancatholichs.org.