By Kathy Neve

Pacelli Schools Benefit Auction co-chair

The 26th annual Pacelli Benefit Auction and Dinner is fast approaching. Pacelli Catholic School’s biggest fundraising event takes place Saturday, April 21, with a “Viva Las Vegas” theme. Please join us for a fun-filled, memorable evening in All Saints Arena at Pacelli High School. There will be beautiful baskets on which to bid, silent auction items, and one-of-a-kind live auction items and experiences.

As you arrive, you will experience the red carpet treatment. The arena will be transformed into a Las Vegas casino complete with the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, palm trees, and casino decor. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.and bidding begins on the many silent auction items ranging from baskets created by our students, families, and alumni to unique handmade items and experiential opportunities.

Again this year, we will have a wine pull featuring many mystery bags of wine; however, there will be an added opportunity. If selected, participants will spin a roulette wheel for a chance to win a prize basket in addition to their bottle of wine. Attendees will also have the chance to win prizes at the “1 to 100” board. A variety of restaurant gift cards will be available to purchase throughout the night. Before dinner you will have the opportunity to preview all of the decadent desserts that will be available for purchase during the Dessert Dash. Those at your table can decide together which dessert looks most delectable and pool your funds to secure your tasty treat! A Vegas inspired buffet dinner will be served at 6 p.m. While dinner is served, enjoy entertainment at your table by magician Adam Perry.

The live auction will begin later in the evening with the 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. Added to this year’s silent auction is a “Buy It Now” opportunity and “Green Line” bids for another chance at added prizes. Don’t forget to purchase your beads for entertaining games of “Heads and Tails” and your raffle tickets, both of which will award the winners with cash!

We are still accepting donations for this exciting event. Contributions can come in many forms; simple to elaborate gift basket, experiences – possibly with a theme, event tickets, a donation of your personal expertise, vacation rentals, to name a few. You might also consider a  donation of a gift card from your favorite place of entertainment or service or simply make a monetary donation. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Please consider contributing to this greatly anticipated event of the year!

The proceeds from The Pacelli Benefit Auction have been instrumental in supporting the excellent education provided to children who attend Pacelli. We need YOU!  As a donor to the benefit auction, you are not only helping to support a high quality preschool through grade 12 educational program, you and/or your business will be highlighted 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 featured in a full page ad in the auction catalogue.

To donate, please contact one of our co-chairs by telephone at 507-676-0350 or email at auction@pacellischools.org. Pacelli Catholic Schools is a designated 501C(3) non-profit organization.

We hope you 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.

If you are interested in learning more about Pacelli Catholic Schools visit our website at www.pacellischools.org, email admin@pacellischools.org or call 507-437-3278.  Preschool-grade 12 registration for the 2018-2019 school year is open. Several classes are already close to capacity. Waiting lists will be started as classes become full.