Maroon and Gold Gala coming to Montini

Lombard's Montini Catholic High School is preparing for its 28th annual benefit auction at the Maroon and Gold Gala.

The celebration will run from 6:30 p.m. until midnight Saturday, March 9, at Abbington Distinctive Banquets, 3S002 Route 53, Glen Ellyn. It will feature an open bar, appetizers, sit-down dinner, live entertainment and a $20,000 Champions Club Raffle. Guests also will be able to participate in silent and live auctions and raffles.

"Our Champions Club Raffle is one of our most anticipated raffles of the year," President Jim Segredo said. "We give away four $1,000 prizes and our big $20,000 check."

Raffle-ticket holders need not attend the gala to win. Due to its popularity for the past three years, Montini again will hold an "Early Bird" drawing and give away two $500 prizes in anticipation of the big drawing at the gala. The Early Bird drawing will take place on Feb. 13.

"We look forward to our alumni, parents and friends joining us as we celebrate the outstanding Lasallian education our school provides," Segredo said.

The Maroon and Gold Gala is the school's largest fundraiser with all proceeds benefiting academic, religious and community service endeavors.

Each year, students volunteer to give back to the community through several community service projects, including their Golden Gobbler Food Drive, Sophomore Day of Service and Adopt A Family events. They also attend service-oriented mission trips throughout the year with Habitat for Humanity and currently are planning their fifth international trip, this year to Jamaica, to provide aid to impoverished families.

Friends and businesses interested in donating items or sponsoring a corporate table may call Segredo at (630) 627-6930 or email him at jsegredo@montini.org.

Those wishing to purchase a Champions Club raffle ticket for a shot at winning $20,000 also may contact Segredo.

For details, visit www.montini.org/gala19.