Betsy Sobral, St. Patrick's Day Gala Chair and Mark Rohlena, President & CEO of Catholic Charities

The 10th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Gala was a huge success.  The event, which was held on Saturday, March 12th at the Antlers Hilton in downtown Colorado Springs, brought St. Patrick’s Day early to the 557 people who were in attendance.

Guests were greeted with complimentary glasses of champagne, music by the Colorado Springs Conservatory, glow necklaces and bracelets, and a plethora of silent auction items to pursue and bid upon.  There was something for everyone:  restaurants and hotel certificates,  jewelry and wine baskets, home decor and children’s items, art and fine gift items,  sports memorabilia and services, and lots and lots of Irish Easter Baskets.  The Super Silent auction featured a Catholic Charities Board of Directors 21 bottle wine cooler with a case of wine, trips, golf, jewelry, outings, and a scooter, which had the most competitive bidding of the evening!  It was finally won by Fr. Frank Quezada.  The Live Auction featured a trips to Ireland and a Notre Dame Football weekend, a week at the Franz Klammer Lodge, tickets and VIP services to the upcoming US Women’s Open Championship at the Broadmoor, Dinners, Hotel and private home stays, and a Saturn S Series car.

When the guests entered the ballroom, they were greeted with green and gold lights, complimentary wine and beer, pots of gold and chocolate coins.  They dined on corned beef steak, Irish sausage, and a special vegetable dish created by the chef just for this event.  Bishop Michael Sheridan kicked off the evening with an Irish Prayer, then Mark Rohlena, President and CEO of Catholic Charities welcomed guests to the event.  Since this was the 10 anniversary of the Gala, a special presentation was made to Sue Foerster for her contributions to the creation of the event and for her tenure on the committee for the past 10 years.  Special recognition were given to Betsy Sobral, the Chairperson for the Gala, Monsignor Don Dunn and Kirk Morton for their leadership during the past year, and a special tribute was made to Colby Lively, a volunteer at Marian House who recently passed away.

After dinner, the chefs, wielding lighted sparklers, led the Dessert Parade.   They entered from 4 ballroom entrances carring the chocolate covered cheesecake, and paraded throughout the ballroom to the music of St. Patrick’s Parade.  Next up was the drawing for the $1,000 Pot O’ Gold, which was won by Holly Trinidad.  Before the Marian House Paddle Auction, guests were moved while watching a video of a client whose family had fallen on rough times, and had been helped by Catholic Charities.  Once all the auctions were completed, One More Shot played music for guests to dance the night away.  And, dance the night away they did until midnight when it was time to go home.

The event set all sorts of records:  most ever attended at 557 people, largest Marian House Paddle Auction – $58,000, and most overall revenue received – $165,000 net.

We want to thank our sponsors, donors, attendees, and table hosts for their support.  Please mark you calendars for our 11th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Gala, on St. Patrick’s Day – March 17th!  See You There!