The Gala is a semi-formal, community-wide event, which includes wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, live music and dancing, and a live and silent auction. Our goal is to create an effective fundraiser that is unique, elegant, and enjoyable for everyone.

 

We say thank you for the kindness and support that has been shown to our school over the past years! Thanks to the amazing generosity of previous guests, parents, and donors, St. Bridget Parish School has been able to build a playground; purchase a new piano, stage curtain, risers and music materials; install both a traditional and a mobile laptop computer lab; place interactive whiteboards in all K-8 classrooms and one Pre-K classroom; implement innovative curriculum materials; purchase a beautiful outdoor statue; and so much more!

 

Here is a brief history of our Gala.

 

In 2005, a small vision was developed. We would have a Winter Gala as a fundraiser for our school. The plan came together nicely and a great time was had by all. The goal was to purchase new playground equipment. $35,000 was raised to accomplish that goal and then some.

 

In 2006, it was decided that the first year went so well that we would make it an annual event. The second annual Gala was themed "Destination Orient" and raised $46,000. With this amazing generosity, we were able to replace almost all of the staff computers as well as purchase a new server.

 

2007 brought another amazing Gala. This year was themed “Captain’s Odyssey”.  A goal of $15,000 was set in order to complete the second phase of technology updates. This included projectors, DVD/VHS players for the classrooms, and a security system for the school's east entrance. Well, our generous attendees donated $52,000, despite the terrible rain/snow storm!

 

“Evening at the Oscars” was the theme for the 2008 Gala. It was a wonderful evening that was captured by our very own Paparazzi! Guests enjoyed walking the red carpet, viewing  Gone with the Wind on the Big Screen, and seeing the amazing 8 foot golden Oscar on stage!  The entire event raised $80,000! The proceeds were used to purchase a piano, stage curtain, sound system, art supplies, laminator, die cut machine, and flags among others.

 

In 2009, we looked to update our curriculum with pledges from this year’s Gala, themed "River Walk." $103,000 was raised this year. This money allowed our school to purchase SMART boards, additional curriculum and instructional resources for our growing school, and a school management software program. 

 

For the 2010 Gala, we went to Las Vegas! Well, the Gala Committee brought Las Vegas to us! The theme was “Viva Las Vegas.” Guests could take their chances at some Vegas games and Elvis even made an appearance! A few lucky couples also renewed their wedding vows. A great time was had by all and $100,000 was raised! The goal this year was to pledge the Student: Mind, Body, and Spirit. The funds were used to purchase a mobile laptop computer lab for the middle school, the ‘Jesus and the Children’ statue for the front of the school in addition to religious curriculum and bibles, new tumbling mats and adjustable basketball hoops for physical education.