By Christine Frederick

Pacelli Catholic Schools

It’s almost time for Pacelli’s biggest fundraising event! Our 25th annual Pacelli Benefit Auction and Dinner takes place Saturday, April 29, with our theme of “Heroes in Disguise.” Please join us for a memorable evening in the Pacelli gymnasium as there will be  beautiful baskets, dozens of silent auction items, and one-of-a-kind live auction items and experiences.

Upon arrival, you will feel as if you have been transported to “the big city” with a gym decorated in a city landscape. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. for you to bid on our many silent auction items ranging from many gift certificates to your favorite business, to cleverly created class baskets, to unique handmade items.

Back by popular demand, our wine pull will feature many mystery bags of wine. Also you will have the opportunity to review all of the mouth watering and decadent desserts that will be available to purchase during our Dessert Dash. Get your table mates together and determine which dessert is right for your table! Dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m. While dinner is served, enjoy the delightful sounds of the Pacelli Choir members under the direction of Ben Mahlke.

Our live auction will begin later in the evening with our witty, entertaining, and professional auctioneer, Sarah Jean Knox. Throughout the evening, our silent auction will remain open for you to continue to bid on your favorite items. Don’t forget to purchase your beads for our entertaining games of “Heads and Tails” or your raffle tickets; both of which will award the winners with cash!

We continue to seek donations for our exciting event.  Contributions can come in many forms, such as a simple or elaborate gift basket, a theme dinner party (maybe even hosted by your family), event tickets, the donation of your personal expertise, vacation rentals, etc. You could even keep it simple and donate a gift card from your favorite place of entertainment or service or just make a monetary donation. Your creativity and generosity are appreciated! You may even want to consider combining a donation with another family. Keep in mind, some businesses may match items purchased for fundraising if you ask.

The proceeds of this event have been instrumental in supporting the excellent education provided to our children. With an increase of enrollment again this year we are looking for everyone’s help. We need you!  As a donor to our benefit auction, you are not only helping to support a high quality of pre-school through 12th grade education, you and/or your business will be advertised in our event catalog that is distributed to over 400 homes and businesses within the Austin community! If you donate $500 or more, your business will be highlighted on a full page ad in the auction catalogue.

Please consider contributing to this greatly anticipated event of the year!  To donate, please contact one of our co-chairs by telephone at 507-219-8653 or email at auction@pacellischools.org. Pacelli Catholic Schools is a designated 501C(3) non-profit organization.

Finally, we welcome you to join us at our benefit auction and hope you consider joining us for this memorable, fun, and exciting event. Event ticket order forms, raffle ticket forms, and other information can be found on our website at http://www.pacellischools.org.  Thank you for being a part of the Pacelli Catholic Schools Benefit Auction!

If you are interested in learning more about Pacelli Catholic Schools visit our website at www.pacellischools.org, email admin@pacellischools.org or call 507-437-3278.