By Kathy Neve and Irene Nelson

Pacelli Auction Co-Chair/Pacelli Events Coordinator

The 27th annual Pacelli Benefit Auction and Dinner is fast approaching. Pacelli Catholic School’s biggest fundraising event takes place Saturday, May 4, with a Star Wars theme, “Forces of Destiny!”  $360,000 was raised last year through the generous support of many.

Please join us for a fun-filled memorable evening in All Saints Arena at Pacelli School. There will be beautiful baskets that have been donated, some created by Pacelli students, and other silent auction items; as well as one-of-a-kind live auction items and experiences. The BIG GIVE will be the grand finale to the evening.

As you arrive, you will enter a new dimension. The arena will be transformed into a galactic adventure complete with decorations and scenes from Star Wars.  Attendees will enjoy seeing the many iconic movie characters, and favorite props. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for you to begin bidding on the many silent auction items ranging from baskets created by our students’ classes, families and alumni, to unique handmade items and experiential opportunities.

Again this year, we will have a wine “spin” featuring many mystery bags of wine. This year, spinners will have an added opportunity, if they choose, when spinning the “Millenium Falcon” wheel for a chance to win a prize basket. Attendees will also have the chance to win prizes at our “1 to 100” board.

A variety of restaurant gift cards will be available to purchase throughout the night as well. Before dinner you will have the opportunity to review all of the decadent desserts that will be available to purchase during our Dessert Dash. Those at your table can decide together which dessert looks most delectable. A “Star Wars inspired” buffet dinner will be served at 6 p.m.

The live auction will begin later in the evening with our exciting, entertaining, and professional auctioneer, Dave Thompson. The silent auction will remain open throughout the evening for you to continue bidding on your favorite items. Don’t forget to purchase your raffle tickets and your beads for entertaining games of “Heads and Tails;” both of which will award the winners with cash.

We are still looking for and accepting donations for this exciting event.  Contributions can come in many forms, such as a simple or elaborate gift basket, experiences – possibly with a theme, event tickets, the donation of your personal expertise, vacation rentals, etc. You could also keep it simple and donate a gift card from your favorite place of entertainment or service or just make a monetary donation.

Keep in mind, some businesses may match items purchased for fundraising if you ask. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Please consider contributing to this highly anticipated event of the year.

We need you. The proceeds from this event have been instrumental in supporting the excellent education provided to our children who attend Pacelli. As a donor to our benefit auction you and/or your business will be advertised in our event catalog that is distributed to over 400 homes and businesses within the Austin community.

If you donate $500 or more, your business will be highlighted on a full page ad in the auction catalog. To donate, please contact Irene Nelson by telephone at 507-437-3278 or email at auction@pacellischools.org. Pacelli Catholic School is a designated 501C(3) non-profit organization.

Finally, we hope you will consider joining us for this memorable, fun, and exciting event. Event ticket order forms, raffle ticket forms, and other information can be found on our website at www.pacellischools.org.  Thank you for being a part of the Pacelli Catholic School Benefit Auction.