CLEVELAND, OHIO ﹘ Over 250 people attended Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School’s annual Continue the Dream Gala on Saturday, February 17. The event raised over $200,000, VASJ President Bill Cervenik ’72 announced.
In addition to ticket sales, sponsorships (listed below), and advertisements, the school received generous donations prior to the event in support of the overall fundraising goal. One such gift was a $50,000 donation from 1969 alumnus Vince White-Petteruti and his wife, Marylouise (aka Duck). The gift was made to create The Kay and Vince Petteruti Scholarship Fund, in honor of his parents.
“We are very thankful for the support we receive from alums like Vince,” Cervenik says. “Our alums who have remained involved in our school, or who have recently re-engaged, are helping us to ensure that VASJ continues to thrive.”
This year’s Continue the Dream event was held off-site for the first time since its inception, a decision made by the event committee in order to keep the event new and exciting. The Mardi Gras-themed event, held at Mentor’s elegant venue, LaMalfa, had a fun yet sophisticated vibe.
“Those in attendance really enjoyed the festivities and raved about the food and vibrant atmosphere,” Cervenik says. “And, of course, the students were at their best.”
The record-number of current VASJ students in attendance really added to the impact of the event. Students greeted guests at registration, escorted them to their tables, and sold tickets for the various raffles. The evening also featured performances by the Men’s and Women’s Choirs.
“The students really made the event,” says Christopher McGrath ’69. “They are great.”
The silent auction table featured items ranging from a timeshare in Florida to beautiful diamond earrings, Cavs tickets, and everything in between. Guests were able to purchase tickets for various raffles such as a lottery gift basket, a mystery suitcase which at the end of the night was revealed to contain a new iPad, and more.
The evening took a more serious note when a video was shared featuring stories about several current students and what they have gained during their time at VASJ. The video, donated by Neil McCormick ’70 and Cinecraft Productions, set the tone for the live auction in which bidders raised their paddles to make monetary donations to the school in support of both scholarships and general operating.
At the end of the live auction, a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork, hand painted by VASJ senior Mary Furlan, was auctioned off. Bidders had the chance to claim the piece for $100 with a catch: They had to be the final bidder in order to win. What turned into a fun and friendly bidding war ended up raising over $6,000 for the school and was a moment that Mary will not soon forget. The winning bidder donated the painting back to the school for all to enjoy for years to come.
It will be hard to top this year’s fun and exciting event, but plans are already underway for next year’s Continue the Dream Gala. Details will be forthcoming.
Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School is a Catholic, comprehensive college-preparatory school rooted in the Ursuline and Marianist traditions and committed to the spiritual, academic, and personal growth of each student.