A fascinator contest, a priest on guitar and a dinner party for 12 with music by school musicians are just a few of the creative ways diocesan schools are raising funds.
St. Anthony of Padua School in Falls Church
A sold-out Mardi Gras-themed gala meant donning green and purple beads to embrace the theme and raise money for the Spirit of St. Anthony Scholarship Fund that currently serves 50 families. The February 17 event was organized by volunteers from the local Knights of Columbus chapter and the school administrative team.
The 130 guests came from the parish, school and local community. The school’s PTO provided babysitting for 28 children.
Both a live and silent auction offered a variety of unique items and experiences, including an Epiphone Hummingbird acoustic electric guitar, Lake Barcroft Cruises and tickets to a Washington Capitals game.
The highlight of the evening was the live auction for paintings by Betty Dvorscak, one of the school’s honorees. Father James F. Waalkes, parochial vicar known for his musical abilities, performed several songs on guitar.
“The satisfaction of experiencing community-building events for the greater purpose of allowing our students to further their education was like no other,” said Jeidy Luperon, middle school English and religion teacher.
Nativity Catholic School in Burke
The annual spring auction was a fiesta that drew more than 150 guests to dance the night away at the school’s largest fundraiser of the year April 29.
More than $60,000 was raised to provide financial assistance for Nativity School’s science lab, mathematics manipulatives, student school trips, scholarships and other school needs. Items up for bid included a Supercar Track Xperience, a weeklong trip to a beach house and a weekend in New York at the Tribeca Film Festival.
“The auction brings out the very best in our school pride as families have the opportunity to enjoy a night out, get dressed up, eat good food, dance to live music, fellowship with great company and hopefully win a few things too,” said Erin Barrett, a school parent. “This year, at Nativity, funds were raised to enrich the sciences and upgrade our STEM curriculum. We had a lot of support. I left the auction this year with a strong sense of gratitude knowing that our children are in the best care.”
St. Paul VI High School in Chantilly
At the Black and Gold Gala held by St. Paul VI Catholic High School in Chantilly April 29, the school celebrated “40 Years in the Winner’s Circle” with a Gold Cup theme. A student family’s pet horse Bella greeted guests who donned extravagant hats and fascinators for a contest, fully embodying the evening’s theme. Students from Paul VI’s dance team greeted guests as they entered, while student musicians serenaded on violin and piano.
As the school’s signature event, the proceeds will benefit facilities for students with mobility challenges, strengthen academic programming and support student events. The gala featured a cocktail hour, live and silent auction, trivia contest and a performance from the dance team.
At the end of the evening, the emcee named12 attendees in the fascinator or hat contest in categories ranging from “hot to trot” to “dynamic duo.”
Among the 285 guests were Father Donald J. Heet, founding principal of Paul VI, and members of the Class of 1986, the first graduating class. The gala raised more than $140,000.
Auction items included a 10-day Italian Cultural Experience in Montefiascone, Italy and Terra Club tickets at a Washington Nationals Home game right behind home plate. There was a bidding war over PVI’s Chef April as a private chef for a dinner party of 12 people accompanied by the PVI jazz band or choir.
“The live auctions are extremely popular, and everyone waits in anticipation for the bidding to start,” said Kelly Nighland, co-chair.
“The gala not only provides important funding for the school,” said Elisa Johnson, co-chair, “but it also is an amazing community event.”
