Saturday night comes alive for Holy Family's annual gala

It is often said that challenging times can bring out our most creative ideas, and that certainly can be said for the theme of Holy Family Catholic Community's recent gala held on Saturday, Feb. 27.

"We wanted to create a virtual experience like no other we had seen - fast-paced, incorporating skits, musical guests, and special guest appearances, yet celebrating all that is wonderful and unique about our community," said Bernie Schaeffer, Holy Family's director of operations.

Gala chairs Chad and Roshny Archer and Erich and Cobey Struckmeyer, along with Holy Family's multitalented staff, hosted their first virtual gala, "Live from Holy Family, it's Saturday Night Live."

Much like the long running television show that inspired this year's gala, there were comedy skits featuring Holy Family pastor Fr. Terry Keehan and HFCA Principal Kate O'Brien; musical guests including Gene Garcia, director of Music and Worship, and Isabella Ouellette, a fifth-grade student at the academy; and even some surprise appearances by past and current members of the Saturday Night Live cast - Jon Lovitz, Joe Piscopo and Heidi Gardner.

While past galas have been adult dinner-dance events, this year hundreds of families streamed into Studio HF and enjoyed 100 minutes of entertainment from the comfort of their own homes.

"Our annual gala brings together our entire Catholic community and friends. This event supports and enhances our nationally and internationally recognized academy; Adult, Teen and Family Faith ministries; and our parish's exceptional programs in social justice and outreach," Keehan said.

Even considering the events of the past year, Cobey Struckmeyer said, "It was amazing to see the strength and support of so many wonderful individuals, families, and businesses that helped make this year's gala such a success."