Marmion to hold dinner fundraiser

Marmion Academy will hold its 46th annual Salute to Youth Dinner for the benefit of the academy's educational programs on Saturday at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.

It is the oldest continuous high school benefit in the Chicago area and is sponsored by Marmion's 32-member Board of Lay Trustees.

Tickets are $325 per person. To purchase tickets or for information on the sponsorship program, call the Marmion Development Office at (630) 897-6936 ext. 244.

According to this year's general chairmen, Thomas and Sharon Streit of Sugar Grove, an attendance of more than 800 is anticipated with a profit goal is $235,000.

A sponsorship program supported by the Marmion trustees, parents, alumni and friends underwrite the expenses of the evening. Philip and Lynn Cali of St. Charles are the vice chairmen for this year's dinner.

"The profits from Salute to Youth are essential for Marmion's quality academic programs. As a private Catholic school, Marmion's tuition income can support only 82 percent of the actual educational costs. The rest must come from donations and the annual Salute to Youth income," said Rev. Charles Reichenbacher, OSB, Marmion's director of development, in a prepared statement. "The Salute to Youth is Marmion's only major benefit fundraiser of the year. We know that parents and friends of Marmion will participate and enjoy the lovely evening we have prepared."

The Salute to Youth Dinner begins at 6 p.m. with a reception in The Grand Ballroom Foyer.

The Rev. Thomas Bailey, OSB, of Marmion Abbey will serve as master of ceremonies. Thomas Hymel of Batavia, a senior, will address this year's dinner theme, "Shaping the Future."

This year, Salute to Youth is dedicated Edward Regole of St. Charles, Marmion class of 1950. Regole will receive an Abbey Affiliate membership that evening in recognition of his loyalty and support of Marmion.

William Simon of La Grange, the senior student master of ceremonies, will introduce the 106 couples in the Guard and Court of Honor composed of Marmion seniors and the young women they are escorting. This event is a formal white dress and black tuxedo presentation ceremony.

Dancing continues until 12:30 a.m.

For more information, visit www.marmion.org.