April 29, 2004

Holy Spirit School raises $105,000 at annual gala

Spirits were high on April 23 when the Holy Spirit School Parent Teacher Group (PTG) hosted its fourth annual auction/dinner, California Dreamin,’ at the Cinnabar Hills Golf Club to benefit the school’s library, technology and curricular programs. The K-8 school, which was founded in 2000, has generated a great deal of parent and community support for its annual fundraiser. This year’s event was the most successful and raised $105,000.

Event chair Laura Castellano commented, “We had wonderful and hard working PTG members and school volunteers who made this a sold-out event and a tremendous success. The California Dreamin’ team also included Sheldon Perry, donation chair, Nate and Judy Deaton, raffle and entertainment co-chairs, Tom Martell, wine donation chair, Vicky Santos and Laura Carrillo, decoration co-chairs, Pam Hudson and Kelly Guild, art project co-chairs, Becky Menne, classroom basket chair, Denise DaHart, design and printing chair, and Marianne Parise, database maintenance chair. We actually had hundreds of parents working on this fund-raiser.”

Guests at California Dreamin’ enjoyed the décor with a centrally placed replica of a giant red and lighted golden gate while sampling delicious hors d’oeuvres and wine at the silent auction. Music was provided by D.J. King Raffi from radio station FM 106.5. Those in attendance were welcomed by Eileen Beck, principal, Fr. Brendan McGuire, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish, and Superintendent Marian Stuckey, Diocese of San Jose. Ms. Stuckey stated, “It is the largest elementary school fund-raiser I have ever attended.”

Following a gourmet meal, an oral auction was held with a wide array of items—individual class projects, class baskets, and fun items such as “Principal for the Day,” “Dinner with the Pastor,” airplane rides and luxurious getaway vacations to Napa, Lake Tahoe, etc. There was virtually something for everyone with hundreds of auction items.

Principal Eileen Beck commented, “Everyone did a fantastic job. This wonderful event is getting to be so popular because everyone has a good time and at the same time they can contribute to the success of the school. It is very much appreciated by the pastor, faculty and staff.” She added, “I am also pleased to report that Holy Spirit School is growing. Our anticipated enrollment in fall 2004 will be approximately 450-plus students, including a new junior kindergarten for four-year-olds at the parish hall.”