ICHS fundraiser raises record amount
On Saturday, Feb. 26, Immaculate Conception High School held the 41st annual Knight of Jewels Dinner Dance and Auction at River Forest Country Club in Elmhurst. This year's gala was led by event chairs Gene and Tobi Faut, Rich and Denise Gillette, and Dave and Colleen Muno. Close to 300 attendees, including ICHS families, alumni, friends and staff, were treated to an evening filled with fabulous entertainment, plenty of food and drink, and a wide selection of fantastic auction items to bid on.
Before dinner, guests of the Knight of Jewels were lead in prayer by the Immaculate Conception pastor, Father Tom Paul. The podium was then turned over to event co-chair Rich Gillette, who delivered a warm welcome to all. As dinner was served, no time was wasted as live auction emcee, Tom Ryan (Class of '81), encouraged the guests as they generously bid on six live auction items which included unique destination experiences. Upon the conclusion of the live auction, this year's two ICHS Distinguished Alumni were honored, and even though Trish Cassidy (Class of '80) could not make this year's Knight of Jewels gala, Jim Bauernfiend (Class of '56) was treated to a standing ovation for all of his outstanding work throughout the years on behalf of ICHS.
Over dessert, guests enjoyed a sneak preview of the upcoming ICHS spring play, "Hairspray." Lead cast members, Lauren Cellini, Julie D'Agostino, Natalie D'Agostino, Brendan Daly, Ali Hartnett, Matt Kremske, and Megan Perez entertained the crowd with a sampling of songs from the famous musical. As the live entertainment concluded and dessert was cleared, the fundraising and fun kicked into high gear. With approximately 75 items presented for bidding in the silent auction and a DJ who had the dance floor jumping for the rest of the evening, it was easy to see why this event was once again such a huge success!
During the past 75 years, ICHS has provided an excellent Catholic education for generations of students. The Knight of Jewels premier event not only honors all those who have supported ICHS throughout the years, but it serves as the single largest fundraising event for the school each year. Through the generosity of the sponsors, auction donors and attendees at this years Knight of Jewels, and those who participated in the online auction, over $150,000 was raised again this year! The money raised at the Knight of Jewels will assist ICHS to further advance technology programs for the classroom, enhance academic programs and student organizations, fund tuition assistance and provide facility enhancements. For more information on Immaculate Conception High School, visit www.ichsknights.org.