EVENT OVERVIEW
What is Celebrating the Spirit (CTS)?
Celebrating the Spirit had been a cherished annual fundraising party at SPC since 2009. Our most recent Celebrating the Spirit event, A Night at the Oscars, was held on February 8, 2020. We are thrilled to be planning Celebrating the Spirit 2024, where we look forward to an evening of dinner, entertainment, dancing and community-building. This event also provides a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the advancement of St. Paul of the Cross School.
Will there also be a Parent Appeal this year?
The Parent Appeal replaced our CTS fundraising events from 2021-2023, and we will hold the CTS party again this year! The funds raised at past CTS events and Parent Appeals have gone towards different projects that have benefited our students and improved the quality of our education. Projects include everything from building the playground, lower-level Library, STEM Lab, and Faculty Room to the fully redesigned lower level that allowed us to expand our STEAM programs and provide new rooms for resource learning. All of the efforts and generosity from these events and appeals have helped us keep supporting our mission to ensure that all SPC students have access to the best programs, learning environments, and faculty.
For what purposes will funds raised at Celebrating the Spirit 2024 be used?
The net proceeds from CTS 2024 will be specifically allocated to support programs to benefit our exceptional teachers in the upcoming year. More on this below.
What should I expect at this year’s Celebrating the Spirit Event?
Experience the excitement of Vegas right here on the Niles strip at Viva Las SPegas 2024! We’ll kick off the evening with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and a dazzling lineup of live performers and casino games. Visit the sumptuous Vegas buffet, grab a blessing at the Chapel, and battle for prime auction items from generous external donors, faculty members, and our very own students. We’ll end the night on the dancefloor with DJ James spinning tunes at the hottest SPegas nightclub.
How do I purchase tickets to Celebrating the Spirit?
Early bird tickets can be purchased at $125/person starting Thursday, November 9th. Please note that as the event approaches, ticket prices will increase to $150/person. The price of a ticket covers the cost of the event. A limited number of ten-person tables are available for $1,500 if you prefer reserved seating. Rest assured, there will be ample seating for everyone to enjoy their meals, drinks, and entertainment.
How does seating work at Celebrating the Spirit?
The event offers ample space for various activities, including lounging, sitting, dancing, and enjoying cocktails. You'll find a fully operational casino with available seating, the option to reserve larger round tables in advance, and a combination of larger and smaller tables for dining, drinking, and mingling. Whether you prefer to stroll around, take a seat, try your luck at gambling, or hit the dance floor, it's your Vegas experience tailored to your preferences.
What should I wear?
Feel free to dress in whatever style you'd typically choose for a night out in Vegas! This is your Vegas experience, so whether you opt for jeans and a glitzy top, channel your inner Elvis with a costume, go for a classy suit, or select an outfit that guarantees maximum fun, the choice is entirely yours.
What is the event schedule?
7:00p - Check in, Celebrity sighting, Chapel opens
7:30p - Casino (until 10:30p) and Buffet (until 9:30p)
8:45p - Dr. M & Father James address, Paddle raise
9:15p - Live act with big laughs
9:30p - DJ James live at the SPegas Night Club
FUNDRAISING PROCEEDS
For what purposes will funds raised at Celebrating the Spirit 2024 be used?
The net proceeds from CTS 2024 will be specifically allocated to support programs to benefit our exceptional teachers in the upcoming year. Our overarching mission is to advance education and empower the future. Your support plays a pivotal role in our school by generating funds to augment teacher salaries, guaranteeing that our educators receive the acknowledgment and remuneration they rightfully deserve. Moreover, your contributions facilitate opportunities for deserving faculty members to pursue further education through scholarships. By coming together in this effort, we can profoundly impact the lives of our dedicated teachers and students alike, strengthening the foundation for our community's growth and success.
SPONSORSHIPS
What is a Celebrating the Spirit Sponsorship?
Sponsorships kick off CTS on October 12th, and we offer a range of sponsorship levels that we encourage our entire community to consider. Packages offer a range of benefits, including prominent logo placement and recognition during the event.
ONLINE AUCTION & PADDLE RAISE
What is the Online Auction all about?
The auction includes sporting tickets, vacation packages, exclusive experiences, services and products in addition to Party Boards and Teacher Treats (read more about these below).
When does the Online Auction open and close?
All auction packages will be available online for purchase the week leading up to the event, which is also Catholic Schools Week! The bidding will continue through the night of the event until the Auction closes at 10:30 pm. You do not have to attend the event to bid in the Online Auction.
Will there be a Live Auction?
At this time we plan to have a Paddle Raise and an online and mobile bidding Silent Auction only.
PARTY BOARDS & WELL WISHES
I keep hearing about Party Boards - What are they?
Continuing a beloved tradition at SPC, parents unite to organize gatherings as part of the offerings during the Celebrating the Spirit event. These party sign-up boards will be available at the event, allowing attendees to add their names to as many parties as they wish! These parties not only provide entertainment and foster a sense of community but also play a significant role in backing our school. Additionally, keep an eye out for parties and auction opportunities contributed by our dedicated teachers and staff, which will also be featured in the auction!
How do I register for a Party Board Party?
The Party Boards will be displayed on easels at Celebrating the Spirit; these are physical boards where the attendees can sign their names to register for their chosen parties. It's worth noting that many of these parties tend to fill up quickly, with limited spots available, so it's highly recommended that you arrive on time to secure your spots of interest!
What are Well Wishes?
Well wishes are available to purchase, which are messages from SPC parents, grandparents, and others, to their children, coaches, and teachers. These heartfelt messages will be featured in the CTS Program Book, which will be sent home a week before the event.
Additional questions about CTS?
Feel free to contact any of the event chairs!
Megan - megan.weber81@gmail.com
Kelly - kellymbontempo@gmail.com
Amy - aamyjoy@aol.com