33rd Annual Scholarship Gala Raises Over $350,000

More than 350 guests enjoyed Central Catholic’s 33rd annual scholarship fundraiser, Passport to Paris, on March 22 at The Pinnacle.  The evening included online and in-person auction items, casino games, raffles, a “Race to the Eiffel Tower” featuring celebrity chefs, food, fun, and fundraising, all to benefit the Central Catholic student scholarship fund.

Honorary chairs for this event were Dan (Class of ’95) and Tegan (Smith) Rudski (Class of ’94).  The event chair was Shelly Seymour (Class of 1989).

Members of the Central Catholic Glee Club performed the school’s alma mater and selections from the upcoming spring musical, The Little Mermaid (May 2-4 at the Valentine Theatre).

Celebrity chefs for the race to the Eiffel Tower included Priest Leader Fr. Kevin Moebius (Class of 1999), CCHS Principal Morgan (Delp) Connors (Class of 2011), Dean of Students Chad Huntebrinker (Class of 2000), Annual Fund coordinator and head boys’ basketball coach Mike Floyd, associate athletic director Mike Padgett, and former music director Debra Barrow.  The winner was Chad Huntebrinker, and the guests that bid on him received half the money raised in the race event.  The other half went to the scholarship fund.

In conjunction with this fundraising event, raffle tickets were sold for a 7-day / 6-night stay for two at the beautiful Makai Club Resort in Kauai, Hawaii. The winner was drawn at the gala.  Congratulations to Steve (Class of 1979) and Lisa Sczesny!  The trip is valued at over $5,000 and proceeds from the raffle also benefit the Central Catholic scholarship fund.

“This year’s Scholarship Gala was a truly special evening filled with energy, connection, and generosity,” said Director of Advancement, Cory Lehman (Class of 2008).  “We were blessed to gather with a vibrant mix of alumni, families, and friends who share a deep love for Central Catholic.  It was especially inspiring to see so many younger supporters stepping up, a powerful reminder that the mission and spirit of Central Catholic continue to thrive across generations.” 

Thanks to everyone’s support and generosity, the event raised $355,000 for student scholarships!