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Distinguished Honorees, the Crottys Honored by Mount Mercy Academy at National Philanthropy Day Luncheon

by cnewman

The Western New York Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP WNY) honored local philanthropists at its annual "National Philanthropy Day" luncheon. The event took place on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at Salvatore's Italian Gardens. Mount Mercy Academy was privileged to recognize Anita (Durkin '63) and Patrick X. Crotty as their 2012 Distinguished Honorees. Anita and Pat believe in the words of Catherine McAuley, Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, who wrote in 1830's Ireland: "No work of charity can be more productive of good to society than the careful instruction of women."

 National Philanthropy Day is an annual celebration of benevolent donations of time, talent and treasure that acknowledges individuals and organizations whose lifetime or long-term achievements have made a significant impact on the WNY community.


Anita (Durkin '63) and Patrick Crotty are enthusiastic supporters of Mount Mercy Academy. Anita is a 1963 Mercy graduate and holds a Master's degree from State University of New York College at Buffalo. She is retired from the Buffalo Public Schools as a Secondary Science Teacher. Pat holds a Master's degree from American University. He is the principal in PXC Associates, specializing in Organizational Development and Business Consulting.

Pat has served on the Board of Trustees for Mount Mercy Academy and Anita currently serves on the same Board. When their daughter, Meghan, attended the Academy they were active in the Parents' Association. They are past co-chairs of the McAuley Gala, provide support in fundraising events and serve on various committees. Concurrent with this commitment to the mission of Mount Mercy they affirm the broader social justice work of the Sisters through their active support of NETWORK and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. "We are very happy to be a small part of a very large community of supporters of Mount Mercy Academy," stated the Crottys.


Thank you, Pat and Anita for your dedication and philanthropic leadership on behalf of MMA.

"Mount Mercy has positively changed my life forever. Through the inviting community, I was able to grow as a woman, as a daughter, as a friend, and as a member of society. Throughout my time here I have gained an education in both academic areas and life in general through the school's ongoing efforts to educate students on gender inequality, racial injustice, and environmental crisis'. Furthermore, Mercy has given me the space to gain confidence that 4 years ago I never would have guessed I would have. Mount Mercy has helped me take that initial step toward becoming the strong woman of color I am today. At Mercy you are more than just a student, you are whoever you wish to be."

Melina Courtney

Class of 2022

"My future, success, and the ability to be an empowered woman in society come from Mount Mercy. My school is a strong foundation for my role in life. From attending Mount Mercy, I can say with confidence, that I will graduate with the mindset that I can accomplish anything. Mercy is my home and my sanctuary to be whoever I want. Mount Mercy has been bringing forth generations of strong intellectual women into the world, and I am more than honored to be one of them. Mercy teaches girls more than academics, but also about the world around us. As a mercy community, we give back to the world because it is our home. From my four years at Mercy, I have been educated on pushing for equality and peace and the understanding that there is no limit to what I can do. I have the confidence to go out in the world and make a difference because being a Mercy girl has given me that opportunity. "

Cassidy Reid

Class of 2022

"Mercy is more than just a school. Mercy is my second home and a shoulder to lean on. Mount Mercy has given me the confidence and resources to pursue my passions and make the world a more inclusive place, propelling me to take strides into male-dominated fields. Mercy blessed me with an environment to grow intellectually and in the community, giving me the foundation to make a tangible impact while making lifelong friendships."

Adrianna Awald

Class of 2022

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