Storm Lake St. Mary’s raised a record amount at their Ball and Charity Auction this past Saturday.
A total of $455,650 was raised. The money from ticket sales, big raffle tickets, the silent auction, and live auctions will go toward the school’s general fund for day-to-day operations. The event also raises money each year for a specific “Fund-A-Cause” and this year it’s the St. Mary’s Teacher Salary Enhancement Fund. A small portion of the fund will be used immediately for current teacher retention, recruitment, and professional development opportunities. The remainder of the money raised will be put into an endowment fund. Each year, the earnings from the account will be used to enhance salaries for anyone directly related to educating kids within the school, for recruitment, and professional development opportunities.
The $5,000 big raffle winner was Courtney Wattier. Melissa Green was the winner of the Paxton’s Jewelry Chest of Chance bracelet.
The Ball and Charity Auction, with the theme of “A Night Among Stars” was held at Buena Vista University. Chairs for this year’s event were Josh and Kelli Berg, and the co-chairs were Dave and Melissa Iehl.
The St. Mary’s Ball and Charity Auction is the largest fundraiser of the year for the local Catholic school. Enrollment is currently open for the 2024-2025 school year.
(Pictured above from left to right…Dave Iehl, Melissa Iehl, Ryan Berg, Father Brent C. Lingle, Josh Berg, Kelli Berg, Kate Swanson)
