By Kathy Dotson
kathy@ospreyobserver.com
Nativity Catholic School will host its Ninth annual gala when it transforms Pepin’s Hospitality Centre in Tampa into a Fantasy in Blue & White on Saturday, May 9.
The evening will entertain guests with a live and silent auction, raffle games, dinner buffet and live dance music. New this year will be casino entertainment, featuring craps, roulette and blackjack, where lucky winners will be awarded raffle tickets for other prizes.
“We’re very excited about the gala this year, since we made some changes to the format to make it fresh for our loyal supporters and exciting for those who will be attending for the first time,” says Ernie Garateix, who, along with Lisa Montero, has oversees the 18-member Gala committee. “This is a night for our guests to enjoy themselves since we have a lot of fun entertainment planned. And the best thing, it’s all for a good cause.”
The Fantasty in Blue & White Gala will begin with cocktails when the doors open at 6 p.m. Throughout the evening, guests will have a chance to bid on items related to the school, like the popular class baskets and crafts as well as auction favorites: vacation rentals, passes to theme parks, gift certificates and autographed entertainment and sports memorabilia. The Grand Prize Tuition Drawing will be a popular raffle with the school’s families. The raffle winner receives one year’s tuition or the equivalent of $4,350, and the remainder of the raffle money goes to the Tuition Assistance Fund to help families in need.
“Last year’s gala proceeds allowed us to set-up a broadcast studio in the media center to record our student-run news show,” says Tina Sullivan, Nativity’s director of Development. “Not only is this an affordable and fun evening, but the proceeds support a great cause and it allows us to keep the tuition affordable.”
According to Garateix, the live auction offers something for everyone from vacation packages to private dinners with the church pastor. Tickets for the Fantasy in Blue & White Gala are a $75 donation. All proceeds benefit the students at Nativity Catholic School. For more information, tickets or to donate an auction item, call 657-9787.
