St Rose Gala Deemed A Social & Fundraising Success

The First Annual St Rose Crystal Ball, held February 25 at The Waterview, was an evening of glitz and glamour. The 260-plus guests enjoyed socializing and dancing while raising over $81,000.

Surrounded by the glamour and elegance of the shimmering wintry white ambiance, including tabletops drenched in sparkling Swarovski crystals, guests started their evening with open bar and live jazz music while they perused the star-studded offerings at the live and silent auction tables.

Reverend Robert Weiss, honored guest and speaker, then welcomed guests and led them in prayer while the band JK Entertainment performed a moving rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

After a four-course dinner, guests bid for such high-profile offerings as a Super Bowl XL Champion Jerome Bettis autographed football, a foursome of golf at Trump National Club (compliments of Carolyn Kepcher of The Apprentice fame), and an original movie poster signed by Robert Redford.

Also in the running was a fox fur-trimmed Burberry poncho and a day sail in Newport, R.I., on the 41-foot ocean cruiser Triana. Most live auction items went for $2,000 or more, with the Trump golf foursome topping off at $3,000.

Guests who purchased a specially adorned glass of champagne received a chance to win one-carat diamond earrings. Father Weiss announced the winner among much fanfare, as the band played the Jennifer Lopez tune “Let’s Get Loud” and an entourage of waiters burst through the doors in grand fashion, delivering the diamonds on a silver platter to the lucky winner, April Vignone.

“This unprecedented event and fundraiser marks a new beginning as we embark on our journey to meet the ever-increasing needs of our community,” said Father Weiss. “It is one of the biggest fundraising events to date for our capital improvement plan, and it was a social success as well.”

Event co-chairs Tracy Brady and Stephanie DeBartolomeo began planning in event in early November 2005.

Net proceeds from the event will directly support the new building plans for the Newtown church, which are expected to be underway in the near future.