Brighton McDaniel, Senior Staff Writer
Hi, I am Brighton McDaniel and I am a Senior Staff writer. I play tennis. I am in YAG, Global Education, and also am on the Campus Ministry team. In my spare time, I enjoy photography, going on hikes, and participating in service opportunities.
![The Evening with the Angels was the schools annual dinner auction that brings together parents, alumnae and friends of St. Josephs Academy. It is the schools largest fundraiser. This years auction took place on Saturday, February 26. The mass took place in the chapel starting at 5pm and registration and cocktails began at 5:30pm in the Shanahan Commons.
You might be asking yourself why St. Joe even needs an auction?
In short, an auction fills in the gaps of operating the school. Tuition doesn’t cover all of the school’s expenses and so anticipated revenue from the auction is included in the school operating budget. Basically, this means that the auction helps keep the lights on.
In addition to keeping St Joe running, the auction also raises funds directed towards scholarships and school improvements. A big improvement that the auction supports is the Fund A Need. Each year, the community recognizes a special need for students and targets it as a Fund A Need and specifically raises funds for this one particular improvement. This year, the project that will support and build on the life- long foundation of the Catholic faith. With the donations collected at the auction, this fund will help improve and renovate the St. Joseph’s Academy Chapel.
The Chapel was completed between 1856-58, shortly after the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet founded St. Joe in Frotenac. Since then very few updates have been made. However, the Chapel has been embedded in the school’s history and serves as a cornerstone for the building.
Many students go into the Chapel for prayer, peace and quiet, and to study while becoming closer with God. In addition, students use the Chapel for gatherings, Campus Ministry activities, reconciliation, adoration, and retreats. Occasionally, St. Joe also uses the Chapel for small group masses and monthly Rosary gatherings. With the stresses of today the girls need this space more than ever.
Linda Decker, Director of Instiutional Advancement, was especially excited that the event was able to take place in person.
“ Being together again… is truly special for our community. We also offer[ed] a virtual experience through mobile bidding. Our student raffle is so important to our success and everyone is doing a fantastic job supporting the school we love,” Mrs. Decker said.
This year there was plenty of fun items auctioned off. This year St. Joe auctioned off tickets to Justin Beiber with spray tans, a sushi delivery and Uber gift Card. Another hot items was the “Pick your own parking spot at SJA” which allows students to have their parking space in the back by locker room, chorus doors or out front. There were Consuela Grab Bags that are ideal for the students as well as their mothers. The bags are colorful and roomy. However, the crowd favorite items were the two puppies! Jade is a mini goldendoodle and Ivy is a yellow labrador retriever. Both went home with loving St. Joe families.
Gina Hayes, Auction Chair, was really looking forward to this year’s new idea, “Jewelry Heist.”
“We have beautiful earrings, bracelets, necklaces and designer watches that were donated. Each person who purchases a box will receive a piece of jewelry worth between $100-$1000,” Mrs. Hayes said.
More than 463 people attended “A Night with the Angels” and there were more than 200 volunteers to ensure the success of this year’s record-breaking fundraiser.
It raised more than $1 million. More than $367,000 of that was pinpointed for Fund-A-Need and renovations of the chapel will begin this year. Also, a record $101,000 was gathered by students for the raffle.
The Angels are incredibly grateful for the success of the auction.. This event truly helps St. Joe and the students. Donating does really help the education of young women and provides attendees an opportunity to celebrate everything St. Joe.](https://sjathevoice.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/fzoFwzJpbgqFGpkqj3vkrlq5NMje48160AVufQ4j-900x600.jpeg)
