St. Mary’s School in Storm Lake is celebrating one of the most successful fundraising nights in its history.
The annual St. Mary’s Ball and Auction, held Saturday at Buena Vista University, brought in more than $1.3 million to support Catholic education and future projects at St. Mary’s Schools.
The event drew parents, alumni, parishioners, and community supporters for an evening that combined celebration with philanthropy. Guests took part in both live and silent auctions featuring travel packages, local services, and community‑donated items.
A significant portion of the night’s total came through the Fund‑A‑Cause appeal, which focused on planned renovations to the community gym entrance and the first floor of the high school. School officials say those improvements are part of a broader effort to modernize facilities and strengthen the long‑term student experience.
In a statement, school leadership called the night “a testament to the strength of the St. Mary’s community,” adding that the generosity shown ensures the school can continue providing a faith‑centered, high‑quality education for years to come.
The event was led by chairs Jeff and Amanda Foell, along with co‑chairs Adam and Kate Friedrichsen. Organizers say months of planning and volunteer support made the evening possible, and they credited local businesses, donors, and sponsors for helping push the fundraising total to a record level.
