Sandusky Central Catholic School hosted its 8th Annual Winter Gala: Time, Talent, and Treasure on Sunday, December 4. The formal event, aimed at the school’s top donors, raises funds for specific items for teachers, students and the campus was held at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Commons.
The evening featured presentations centered on the school’s four pillars to student success: Faith, Academics, Athletics, and the Arts. Each area was introduced by a guest speaker followed by a video. Rev. Jeremy Miller ‘03, spoke about the foundation of faith that followed him through college before he was led to the priesthood. School Board President and parent of six current and former students, Ben Dinsmore, recalled how his family fell in love with the school after moving to Sandusky from Michigan. Brett Reed ’20 talked about the qualities coaches and teachers instilled in him that have helped him become a successful scholar-athlete at Heidelberg University on the cross country and track teams. Current student, Regan Gibson ’24, explained how the teachers and variety of experiences offered in the music and arts programs helped her discover her passion.
SCCS President, Ryan Wikel ‘99, said, “The Winter Gala is an opportunity for us to connect with donors and the community and showcase our vision for the future.” One of the larger items on the Gala wish list were navy blue blazers embroidered with the school logo for all students in grades 9 through 12. “The blazers will raise the bar for our uniforms and help our students develop pride in themselves and the school.” The blazers were fully funded through the Gala and students will receive them later this school year after they are presented in a special fashion show highlighting more new uniform options. Other Gala items providing a road map for the future of the school include relocating the school’s iconic “Bell,” a one-thousand-pound relic, to the front of the school. Funding was also provided for Catholic faith retreats, Zahara, the school facility dog, student leadership courses, and weight room maintenance.
“The Gala provides funding for a variety of things we need to bring out the best in every student whether their passion is the arts, athletics, faith, or any academic focus. A lot of the things provided by our donors through the Gala are the extras that help us give our kids something extra to help them find their purpose,” Mr. Wikel commented. This year’s Gala was a great success raising nearly $100,000.
Special Christmas tree ornaments created by SCCS grade school students served as a way for the SCCS community to support teachers directly. Each ornament listed an item specifically requested from a teacher such as classroom materials, funding for field trips, special lessons, and books.
“Along with the SCCS auction, held in the spring, the Gala is our largest fundraising event of the year and a way for our families and constituents to stay involved with the kids and the school,” Wikel said. “Without our donors, alumni and people who care about Catholic education in Sandusky, there is no way we could have the impact on our students that we do. Everything we do centers around Christ, but that makes everything else including the arts, academics, and athletics work better.”
Sandusky Central Catholic School thanks the following people for supporting the Winter Gala: Steve and Melanie Benedict, Richard and Debra Brady, Bill and Jayme Criscione, Billy and Laura Criscione, Greg and Lucia Fischer, Dan and Liz Fresch, Ann Groff, Ron and Tracy Guerra, Jude Guerra, Peggy Guerra, Rick and Gayle Jeffrey, Rob and Jane Kaftan, Dick and Judy Kinzel, Christopher and Jenn Kolar, Pat Kramer, Rick and Gia Lynch, Mark and Emily Martucci, Ron and Debra Miller, Ed and Julie Opfer, Corey and Clare Opfer, Mary Peters, James and Rosaria Sortino, Tiffany Scurti, Tom and Lorrie Singler, Nic and Caroline Smith, Will and Sandra Smith, Jim and Laura Spicer, Judy Stehle, Carl and Jessica Will, Ryan and Erin Dillard, Ben and Andrea Dinsmore, Vin and Concetta Di Rosa, Matt and Tami Maschari, John and Keri May, Ben and Brittany Moncher, Dan Moncher, Barb Biltz, John and Donna Sciarappa, MaryAnn Sciarappa, Rev. Frank Kehres, Rev. Zach Brown, Rev. Jim Brown, Susan Daniel, Rita Dominick, Steve and Jamie Evans, Roger and Therese Herold, Chris and Sandra Lindbloom, Ron and Pat Maschari, Al and Chris Mielke, Brian and Mary Murphy, James and Johanna Powers, Steve and Val Ritzenthaler, Joe and Beth Will, Ryan and Dawn Wikel, Rich Wilson, Mary Yontz, James and Heather Stouffer, and Rich and Sukie Finneran.