GIFT Gala anticipates St. Patrick School's centennial

Kif Huffman inspects the "American Faith" quilt, which she and her husband, James Huffman, donated for the St. PatÕs GIFT Gala on Saturday, March 17. Quilted by Ashlee Sinter, the quilt pieces were made by the late Stacie Shaddock. The quilt is one of the many live and silent auctions items available at the fund-raiser for St. Patrick School.

Ronda Graff/Courtesy Photo

McCOOK, Neb. — In anticipation of the 100th anniversary next school year, St. Patrick Elementary School has launched a new celebration with the hopes of the school continuing and thriving for another 100 years.

The first St. Patrick G.I.F.T. Gala will be Saturday, March 17 in the St. Patrick School gym. Proceeds from the Giving Investments For Tomorrow Gala will benefit St. Patrick school, including increasing teacher salaries.

The formal evening will include an elegant dinner and live musical entertainment, along with dozens of items for both the live and silent auctions.

The GIFT Gala actually kicks off with the Sip-n-See on Friday, March 16 from 7-8:30 p.m. With a drink and dessert in hand, the free event offers the chance to preview all of the auction items available for bidding. The gym and school hallways will be lined with the auction packages, which range from hand-forged knives to a home-cooked gourmet dinner.

The Sip-n-See is free and open to the public. Bids will be accepted Friday night and applied during the auctions on Saturday evening.

Events on Saturday, March 17 begin with the Mass at 4:30 p.m. with celebrant Bishop Emeritus Fabian Bruskewitz. All are welcome to the 4:30 p.m. Mass; you do not need to attend the Gala to participate in the Mass.

The GIFT Gala social hour and silent auction begin at 5:30 p.m. Dinner begins at 7 p.m., catered by Coppermill Steakhouse. The live auction will follow featuring Regina Andrijeski & Old West Realty & Auction. Rich Barnett will serve as emcee for the evening, which will also include the instrumental talents of local youth, as well as games and raffles.

Superintendent Father Gary Brethour is excited about the quickly-approaching GIFT Gala because of the promise it holds for the school’s future.

“When you reach these milestones such as a 100th anniversary, you celebrate and reminisce and that is one purpose of the gala,” Fr. Brethour said. “We are proud of what we have accomplished and we can look back with pride.”

“This event also gives us a chance to look to the future and to position the school to be successful for years to come,” Fr. Brethour said. “I am so proud of the commitment the parish and the entire community has shown for St. Patrick School and the students who have passed through the front doors of St. Pat’s for nearly a century and those who will for years to come.”

A few tickets for the GIFT Gala remain and may be purchased at the St. Patrick Church rectory or by calling, 345-6734. And for a full list of the silent and live auction items is available at the St. Pat GIFT Gala, visit www.mccookstpats.com