The 2009 St. Cecilia Gala Committee announced today that at the February 7th, 2009 event, the St. Cecilia Gala, over $215,000 was raised to go toward the St. Cecilia Education Endowment Fund, as well as to underwrite an upgrade to the outdoor green space areas, and, to potentially create a prayer path or fitness trail on the St. Cecilia grounds. The theme this year was “Touched by God’s Love.” This was the second year in a row that the event’s gross proceeds exceeded the $215,000 mark.

Over 320 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 Wii system); the evening was headlined by renowned charity auctioneer David A. Goodman, from Chicago, IL, and the evening was emceed by 2008 Gala co-chair David Suntken.

Prior to the Live Auction, Parish Council President Mark Bortle announced the ‘Honorary Alumnus Award’ was being given to Duane Siepker, former principal of St. Cecilia School and one of the driving forces to initiate an Endowment Fund. Priscilla and Richard Matt, 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 nearly 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. Since its inception just four years ago, the St. Cecilia Gala proceeds have exceeded well over a half a million dollars. Ninety percent of the money raised is 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 2009 St. Cecilia Gala Co-chairs were Jody & Darryl Bennett, Monica Gillen & Pete Goché, and Kelly & Ty Stewart.

The attached picture is of some of the Gala team after the event. From left to right, the women in the picture are: Monica Gillen, Jody Bergan Bennett, Kelly Stewart, and Jennifer Mortimer. From left to right, the men in the picture are: David Suntken, Pete Goché, Auctioneer David Goodman, Darryl Bennett, Ty Stewart, and Jason Mortimer.

(Ames, IA) The St. Cecilia Gala Committee today has released the highlights of the Live Auction for the 2009 St. Cecilia Gala, to be held February 7th, 2009, at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center. The 2009 Gala theme is “Touched by God’s Love”.

There are 22 items listed in the St. Cecilia Gala 2009 Catalog, given to all who purchase tickets to the 4th Annual event. Highlights of the Live Auction include: ‘Swimming Lessons with Michael Phelps’ – in which one lucky youngster will get to join 100 others in a NYC, NY location this summer for a ‘lesson of a lifetime’ with the most decorated Olympian ever. ‘The Ultimate Spring Break Trip to Boston’ – in which the Gala has arranged for a personal guided tour, for four people, of the historical treasures of Boston – like Paul Revere’s
House, the Bunker Hill Monument, and the JFK Museum … plus, ‘back stage’ press
passes and tickets to see the Boston Celtics vs. the Miami Heat. There is a
‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip to Rome – in which the Gala organizers have set up ‘unobtainable’ tours and accommodations – and the highlight includes an audience with Pope Benedict XVI at Castel Gandolfo, the Papal summer residence.

Gala organizers have made arrangements for a private series of track lessons for six with Humanitarian Award winner Lolo Jones, the World Champion and 2008 Olympic hurdler. Lovers of Chicago sports will have two opportunities to ‘drink in the experiences of a lifetime’ – there is a Cubs package with 4 Field Club seats and entrance to the exclusive, members-only Stadium Club restaurant inside Wrigley and, there is a wildly-anticipated Chicago Bears package that includes 4 tickets – from the coaching staff and the front office - plus on-field pre-game passes … plus dinner at Ditka’s Restaurant – owned by Hall of Famer and former Bears Coach, Mike Ditka.

Finally, there are exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime get-a-way packages and experiences – to the fabled Pink Palace beach resort in St. Petersburg - to intimate accommodations in Door County (and this trip includes Packers tickets!) - to a chauffeured limo drive – for 10 – to and from the Templeton Rye factory (Templeton, IA) for a private tour and sampling that culminates with the return to a steak dinner at Aunt Maude’s. Another item already getting strong interest is one in which a Food Network celebrity chef will fly into Ames and cook a wonderful, Tuscan-inspired meal for 6 couples.

Saint Cecilia School and Church have been providing Catholic Christian education to children in the Ames area for more than 80 years (1925). The school currently serves approximately 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 past three years, the St. Cecilia Gala proceeds have exceeded $115,000 each year. Ninety percent is 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.

Through January 8th, there remained less than 200 tickets for the annual event. Interested parties can download an RSVP form at www.STCAmesGala.org or call 292-8455 for more ticket information.

Also See: http://ames365.com/Home/FeatureDetail/tabid/57/Default.aspx?FeatureID=13...

Make plans to attend the 2009 St. Cecilia Gala on February 7, 2009! This year's theme is 'Touched by God's Love'. The Gala's purpose is to raise funding for St. Cecilia School and St. Cecilia Religious Education programs via an endowment fund; it is a fun-filled evening at Gateway Hotel featuring a delicious dinner & wine, Silent & Live (once-in-a-lifetime)Auction items, a raffle drawing and a fun game called 'Heads or Tails' - everyone has a chance to win!

AFTER MASS JAN 10-11 - PREVIEW the GALA!: All parishioners are invited to preview the Gala's "once-in-a-lifetime" & "unobtainable" Live Auction items, as well as some of the Silent Auction items, after all masses in the Social Hall.

Enjoy wine & cheese after Saturday evening's mass, and coffee, OJ, milk & donuts after both Sunday masses. Preview Silent & Live Auction items, buy a few raffle tickets and purchase your 2009 Gala tickets during this special time for fellowship.

Thanks!!!

Gala 2009

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center

The 2009 St. Cecilia Gala will be held February 7 at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center in Ames. The 2009 theme is “Touched By God’s Love.” An array of silent auction items and “once-in-a-lifetime”/”unobtainable” live auction items will be available for purchase the evening of the event. A series of activities and events are planned leading up to the St. Cecilia Gala to allow opportunities for the entire community to get involved and demonstrate how we are all “Touched By God’s Love.”

This year, the Gala committee is proud to announce the return to Ames --- the man NBC News called “Simply amazing!” – renowned charity auctioneer/magician, David A. Goodman (from Chicago, IL)!

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.