CBA Honored by Lt. Dennis Zilinski II Fund
September 16, 2020
Christian Brothers Academy was honored by the Lt. Dennis Zilinski II Fund on Friday evening at their annual Toast to Dennis Gala.
Lt. Dennis Zilinski II, CBA Class of 2000 and West Point Class of 2004, gave his life in the service of our country during the war in Iraq back in 2005. The Lt. Dennis Zilinski II Memorial Fund was set up as a way to remember the sacrifice made by Dennis and his family.
Seeing the impact CBA had on Dennis’ life, the Zilinski Fund provides scholarships each year for five students at the Academy, in addition to generous donations to improve the morale and welfare of veterans and their families.
While the Toast for Dennis Gala had to be a primarily virtual event, the honorees were able to attend a small gathering at Eagle Oaks Country Club. The event is designed to celebrate Dennis’ sacrifice and raise funds for veterans in his honor.
CBA was recognized for its strong support of the Zilinski Fund, having partnered for events such as the SADD Dinner for the Troops each December and multiple Military Appreciation hockey games. Both events have raised money for Christmas gifts for active troops, as well as funding service dogs for veterans. President Brother Frank Byrne ’75 and Director of Advancement Bill Attardi ’82 represented the Academy and accepted this honor at the Gala.
“Christian Brothers Academy is honored to accept this recognition from the Lt. Dennis Zilinski Fund,” Brother Frank said. “This is especially meaningful for our students since Dennis was an alumnus of CBA. The Zilinski Fund has provided our students with numerous ways of following in Dennis’ footsteps by being of service to others through various projects and events held in his honor.”
CBA was presented with a framed American flag from Maj. Matthew Zilinski ’02, Dennis’ brother, which flew in front of the Provost Marshal Office at Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo. Maj. Zilinski served as the Provost Marshall of the 44th Infantry Brigade at the Camp.
You can learn more about the good work of the Zilinski Fund and make a donation on their website here.