Home

Thank You!!

Submitted by msellberg on Fri, 05/02/2008 - 21:26.

2008 St. Cecilia Gala Sets New Record; Over $225,000 Raised!

(Ames, IA) The 2008 St. Cecilia Gala Committee announced that at the April 19, 2008 event, the St. Cecilia Gala, over $225,000 was raised to go toward the St. Cecilia Education Endowment Fund, as well as to underwrite SMARTboard technology purchases, installation, software and maintenance for the school. The theme this year was “Sharing Our Gifts from God”.

Over 300 people attended the event, held at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center. The features of the evening included appetizers and dinner, a Live and Silent Auction, a 50/50 raffle, a game of chance called "Heads or Tails" (the winner of it won a 42” LCD TV and a catered party for 50 from Hy-Vee Catering); the evening was headlined by renowned charity auctioneer David A. Goodman, from Chicago, IL, and the evening was emceed by Gala co-chair David Suntken.

Prior to the Live Auction, Parish Council President Chuck Gilarski announced the Honorary Alumnus Award was being given to William J. Burke, longtime contributor to and parishioner of St. Cecilia. Johna and Todd Clancy, who have been deeply involved for several years in many volunteer activities at the school and church, were given the award for Outstanding Volunteers.

Saint Cecilia School has been providing Catholic Christian education to children in the Ames area for more than 80 years (1925). The school currently serves over 250 area children, from its blossoming preschool programs, through fifth grade. Church programs also provide religious education and fellowship to children and families from Ames and surrounding communities. In the first two years, the St. Cecilia Gala proceeds exceeded $144,000 each year. Ninety percent was placed in the Saint Cecilia Education Endowment Fund with the remaining funds being used to purchase ‘immediate needs’ materials for school and youth religious education programs.

The 2008 St. Cecilia Gala Co-chairs are Jody & Darryl Bennett, Jennifer & Chris Masini, and Dianne & David Suntken.

Pictured below are the Gala Co-chairs and some members of the Gala volunteer team. From left to right, the women in the picture are: Kelly Stewart, Marcie Niegsch, Dianne Suntken, Jody Bennett, Jean Dirks, and Jennifer Masini. From left to right, the men in the picture are: Jason Niegsch, David Suntken, Darryl Bennett, Auctioneer David Goodman, and Chris Masini.