St. Mary’s Catholic School in Storm Lake has set its Fund‑A‑Cause for this year’s Ball and Charity Auction, and the community is already stepping up in a big way.
The focus is a $1.5 million renovation of the community gym entrance and first floor of the high school—spaces that haven’t seen major updates since the addition was built in 1956.
Since announcing the project in January, St. Mary’s has raised more than one‑third of its goal. To date, $579,060 has been committed.
The St. Mary’s Foundation led the way with a $250,000 gift, emphasizing that modern, welcoming facilities are essential to recruiting and retaining students. Long‑time supporter Joe Nemmers contributed $100,000 in memory of his late wife, Kathy Christenson Nemmers, Class of ’73. The concession stand will be named in her honor, and Nemmers has also guided campaign planning and strategy.
Additional generosity includes $100,000 from a local Storm Lake business and St. Mary’s family who wish to remain anonymous, a $10,000 anonymous family donation, and $10,000 from the SOS Thrift Store. Leaders say these gifts reflect deep commitment to Catholic education and the future of St. Mary’s.
Planned improvements include relocating the coach’s office, concession stand, and restrooms, along with new paint, lockers, doors, flooring, ceilings, trophy cases, and a reconfigured west staircase. The renovations will also highlight St. Mary’s Catholic identity, with architectural renderings prepared by FEH Design showing a modernized, welcoming space.
The Ball and Charity Auction—one of the school’s cornerstone fundraisers—returns Saturday, March 14, at The Forum on the Buena Vista University campus. The evening will feature dinner, live and silent auctions, and entertainment. Tickets are available online at stormlakecatholic.com or through the parish office.
Organizers say pledges are due by March 1, with hopes construction can begin this summer.
