Ascension Catholic fundraiser yields success

During a fundraiser held earlier this month, Ascension Catholic School raised more money than any of their previous fundraisers, said Administrator John Beck.

With nearly 300 in attendance at the Dinner & Auction event held in the high school gym on Feb. 11, the Donaldsonville school was able to raise over $110,00, before expenses. The first event of its kind included dinner, drinks, a silent and live auction and four raffles consisting of a $5,000, $2,000, $1,000 and a free year of tuition drawing.

Beck said the school's main fundraiser had been the annual fair they host at the end of September, though they opted not to have it last year because many students and faculty members were directly affected by the August flood.

"We did not feel as it was in the best interest to go out and ask for money when money should be supplied to help them," he said.

More than 64 items were sold during both auctions, which included a variety of items such as LSU autographs and signed helmets, coolers, hand made chairs, swings and tables and cooking items such as burners, to name a few.

There was also personable times donated from several elementary classes that included a Ascension Catholic blanket, framed class pictures and even a desk refurbished and painted by the students and parents.

"It was a good switch from a fair to this type of fundraiser. It was very successful and we enjoyed having an evening out without having to take care of the children and the festivities and the interaction, the food was terrific, and people really, really enjoyed themselves."

Among the winners of the raffles was Austin Jacks who won the $5,000 drawing, Goldie Schexnayder who won the $2,000 drawing and Scott Sternfels who won the $1,000 drawing. Mark and Nicole Breaux were the winners of the grand prize of a one year free tuition.

Beck added that he is looking forward to tweaking the event to make it even more successful next year.