Boston Celtics Star Gordon Hayward Coming to Speak in Westport at Scholarship Dinner

Former Boston Celtics player Gordon Hayward is heading back to Massachusetts, this time not to shoot hoops but to share his story.

Hayward will be the guest speaker at the 31st Annual Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE) Fall Scholarship Dinner on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at White’s of Westport.

The annual dinner raises money to help local families afford Catholic school tuition. Over the past three decades, FACE has provided more than $20 million in scholarships to students across the Diocese of Fall River, including schools in Fall River, New Bedford, and the SouthCoast.

From the Court to the Church

Hayward, who played 14 seasons in the NBA – including three with the Celtics – recently shared that he converted to Catholicism in 2024 while in Rome. In a video message about the upcoming event, he said he’s excited to share his faith journey and his appreciation for Catholic education:

“Hey everyone, this is Gordon Hayward here, former Celtics basketball player,” he said. “I’ve got five kids, four of which are in Catholic schools now, so I’m a big supporter. FACE has helped thousands of kids attend Catholic schools, which is amazing, and I’m honored to be a part of that.”

An Evening of Inspiration and Support

This year’s event will be co-chaired by John Feitelberg, President of HUB International, and Janna LaFrance of LaFrance Hospitality. The evening will include cocktails, dinner, and a program, along with the presentation of the Timothy J. Cotter Friend of Catholic Education Award to the Makkay Family of Centerville for their dedication to Catholic education.

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FACE continues to make a major impact by providing need-based tuition assistance for families who otherwise couldn’t afford to send their children to Catholic schools.

“Year after year, I talk with parents and students who are extremely thankful for the generosity of FACE and its donors,” said Andrew Raposo, Principal of Espirito Santo School in Fall River. “These scholarships don’t just help students – they strengthen our entire faith community.”

Tickets and more information are available at FACEFallDinner.org.