Supporters of Holy Rosary School in Warrenton plan a big return for the annual dinner and auction fundraiser that helps to keep the small private school going. After having to arrange an innovative …
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Supporters of Holy Rosary School in Warrenton plan a big return for the annual dinner and auction fundraiser that helps to keep the small private school going. After having to arrange an innovative and technically complex online-only live auction and entertainment during year-long COVID shutdowns in 2021, organizers are enthusiastic to once again welcome supporters for an in-person event.
The dinner, auction and dance will be hosted at the school the evening of Jan. 29. Event co-organizer Jessica Gerdeman said there will still be some adjustments in place because of COVID, including avenues for online auction participation.
“It is a hybrid event, so if people are not comfortable coming in person, they can still bid on some of the items, which will be similar to last year,” Gerdeman explained.
Auction bidding for silent auction items can be done through a website: bidpal.net/holyrosary2022.
Those attending in person will be treated to a dinner, live auction for items that will be exclusively available to in-person bidders, and then a dance with a DJ.
“One big change this year is that we are limiting our tickets so that we’re able to spread everybody out and we’re comfortably spaced. We’ll have 256 tickets,” Gerdeman said. “In the past we’ve normally sold between 300-310 tickets.”
Tickets to attend the dinner cost $50 per person, and should be purchased by Jan. 21.
Fundraising from the dinner and auction help support facility needs, supplies, and operating costs at Holy Rosary School. Despite fears of a significant fundraising drop last year, community members gave a tremendous outpouring of financial support that rivaled any other year for the school.
This year the school and its network of parents and volunteer supporters are hoping for a similar outcome, but they’re also pragmatic about the economic difficulties that have come about over the last couple years.
“Everybody has been hit pretty hard with everything from COVID. ... But it would be great to keep our goals from the year prior. We would love to make between $80,000 to $90,000,” Gerdeman said.
In years past, some of the auction fundraising has gone to specific projects or equipment needs at the school. This year organizers haven’t yet identified anything special, and are focused on replenishing operating funds that have been taxed with COVID-related costs this year, Gerdeman said.
Auction organizers are still looking for donated contributions that they can sell during the fundraiser. Contributions can be anything from an attractive item to a special service or event. Gerdeman said one of the most interesting auction items so far is a lakeside cabin rental.
To donate items for the Holy Rosary auction, call the school at (636) 456-3698 or email the dinner auction event committee at dinnerauction@holyrosarywm.com.
