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A number of years ago, Pacelli Catholic Church’s future was very much in doubt.

It was 1992 and the financial strain of keeping the school open was pressing down. Ultimately, the decision was made to close the school following that school year.

However, supporters of the school have never been ones to simply let it struggle and an effort was mounted to save the school.

Thus, the Pacelli Auction fundraiser was created and because of it the school is still serving families in Austin today.

“The auction is fast approaching and things are getting busy now,” said Pacelli Advancement Direction and Social Studies Teacher Nicholas McGrath. “Next is sort of the material side: Decorations, setting up the space, catering.”

Last year alone, the auction raised $279,000, continuing a long stream of successes that has strengthened the school and its ability to serve those sending their children to the school.

For this year’s auction, the goal for money raised will be around the $225,000, $250,000 range.

“Ultimately, it’s to build for tuition,” McGrath said. “This is mission critical to helping our students.”

This year’s event will be held on Jan. 25 with a theme of “Sparkles & Spurs.”

The school will be closed Friday so Pacelli staff can begin the work of converting All Saints Gym from a basketball court on Thursday to a gala event for the weekend.

The event itself kicks off at 5:30 p.m. A dinner will be served at 7 p.m. followed by a live auction at 8 p.m.

“I know they are excited for it for sure,” McGrath said of those coming to the auction. “‘Yellowstone gets thrown around a lot in regard to how people want to look.”

But that’s only part of it.

There will be speeches, the ever popular dessert dash, which has tables vying for the choice desserts in a race-like atmosphere, a video showcase, speeches and perhaps the centerpiece of the evening: The Big Give that has people donating, oftentimes with tremendous amounts, to the cause of Pacelli.

All of it together creates a level of expectation and anticipation for attendees and faculty each year.

“People are legitimately sad when they can’t reach the auction,” McGrath said. “Especially hosted here at Pacelli. It’s a great opportunity to get together and celebrate.”

For tickets to this year’s event, visit: https://pacellicatholicschools.schoolauction.net/auction2025/register/ticket_sales. Tickets are $75 per person, $150 for a couple and $600 for a table of six.

However, if people can’t make it there are still chances to donate either through the Pacelli Schools website at https://www.pacellischools.org/ or by simply mailing a check to Pacelli or dropping it off.