November 7, 2016 at 2:50 p.m.
Nativity Gala supports Catholic education
Nativity Gala supports Catholic education
By Kayla Thomason-
The event is Nativity Catholic School's largest fundraiser and an annual rite of fall.
Autumn decorations adorned the tables and numerous raffle items, from gift certificates to a Green Bay Packers football, were on display for participants to bid on.
In the dinning area several tantalizing desserts sat in wait for the dessert dash, where the winners run up and choose their prize.
In a matter of no time the Taj Mahal was crowded with people.
"It's a wonderful event and it's so supported by our community and certainly our school and parish," said Shirley Heise, principal at Nativity. "We're very fortunate that we are in the community of Rhinelander. The Rhinelander community supports its children and that's what's important to me."
She was excited about the turnout and the positive comments she was hearing, she said.
Bonnie Brost, whose daughter attends the school, was impressed with the selection of raffles.
"I really enjoy the classroom projects that the kids do, bidding on that's always fun," she said with a smile. "It helps earn money for the school so they can continue to carry out the programs that they have."
Brost said she thinks it's important to help the schools and the gala is a great way to do it.
"(The turnout is) good, it's early in the evening, as the night gets closer to dinner usually this room fills up and you can barely move," she added.
Brenda Shinners is a long-time supporter, having attended the event for over 10 years.
She looks forward to the raffles and was hoping to get a handbag.
"We have a great selection of items for bid, a lot of generous donors contributed items throughout the community and even the state," she said.
Shinners supports Nativity because her three children have attended the school but was heartened to see many people at the event who don't have direct ties to the school.
"I'm happy to see that other people are here that don't have kids that attend," she said.
John and Moira Steffen look forward to the event every year. For John, the Nativity Gala signals the start of winter.
Moira Steffen likes that everyone dresses up for the event.
"I love the way that everybody dresses, it kind of gives you a chance to get all your glam out," she said.
While perusing the raffles, a chair caught her eye that she thought would go well in her daughter's room.
Having attended Catholic schools as a child, she is an avid supporter of Nativity.
"The Catholic schools are so important," she said. "The education is great."
The goal this year was to raise $80,000 to give the students the best education possible and to compensate the staff.
"It's our biggest fundraiser of the year and we hope to make a lot of money to support the operating expenses of our school," Heise said.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
Comments:
You must login to comment.