Community and Parent Support Contributes to Success of Saint Mary's Catholic School Auction

 

Media release: $100,000 worth of items donated by the community and the efforts of dozens of Saint Mary's Catholic School parent volunteers helped last weekend's annual auction gala become a success, grossing $120,000.

According to auction Chair Kimberly Prusakowski, Saturday evening's accomplishments resulted not only from the hard work of the school community, but also from the generosity of the people and businesses of Rome, the surrounding counties, and beyond.

"It would be next to impossible to raise this much money in one night without the support of the community. Our school can't garner $100,000 worth of dazzling prizes from within its own walls. From attendance to raffle sales to donations of refreshments, decorations, entertainment, or items up for bid, the auction is truly about what the Saint Mary's community and the Rome community together can do for the school, and it's amazing."

Big-ticket items included a trip to Orlando sponsored by Ritz-Carlton and several local businesses, a Halloween party at the Rome Area History Museum and other themed parties, an Atlanta Steeplechase package, and reclaimed heart pine flooring from the Lindale Mill.

The live auction concluded with a raffle drawing for a $10,000 cash prize and an impromptu "Raise the Paddle" bid by Principal John Tarpley, during which attendees donated $8,100 toward the purchase of a Rosetta Stone foreign language program for the school.