Marmion to host its 'Salute to Youth' fundraiser

Marmion Academy will hold the 48th annual "Salute to Youth Dinner Dance" for the benefit of the academy's educational programs Saturday, April 24, at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.

Tickets are $325 per person. A sponsorship program helps underwrite the expenses of the evening so the dinner income can go directly to fund the educational programs of the academy.

To purchase Salute to Youth tickets or for information on the sponsorship program, call the Marmion Development Office at (630) 897-6936, ext. 244.

"Salute to Youth" is sponsored by Marmion's 32-member board of lay trustees and assisted by the Parents' Club. The chairs for the benefit, themed "A Legacy of Friendship and Service," are Patrick and Marilyn Naughton of St. Charles, assisted by the vice chairs Chuck and Linda Anderson of Aurora.

Committee chairs include: John Slade of St. Charles, promotions; Grace Leonard of Geneva, program; Diane Cole of Geneva, Court of Honor; Mary Ann Rosenfelder of Batavia, Guard of Honor; Julie Cisneros of Geneva, invitations; and Brenda Cano of Plano, arrangements.

The reception will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with dinner and dancing in the Grand Ballroom from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. The Greg Thompson Orchestra will perform music for the evening. The highlight of the benefit is the presentation of the Guard and Court of Honor (Marmion seniors and the young ladies they escort). With the young men in their tuxedos and the young ladies in their white gowns, this presentation ceremony is a unique Marmion tradition.

This year's "Salute to Youth" will honor the Marmion Alumni Association, which was established in 1938-1939. The purpose of the association is to promote the general welfare and success of Marmion Academy and to enhance the relationship of the academy with its alumni by conducting social, spiritual and educational gatherings, by generating contributions to the academy, by publishing and circulating necessary information about the academy, its status and needs, and by promoting the fraternal ties among the alumni of the academy.

The Marmion Alumni Association has raised $1,077,200 for academic scholarships and $300,000 toward financial assistance on behalf of students who attend Marmion.

"Through academic scholarships and financial assistance, the Marmion Alumni Association continues to work hard in their efforts to provide support to students who wish to attend Marmion Academy," said Brian Lentz of Aurora, chairman of the Marmion Alumni Association.

For information on dinner dance, visit marmion.org/develop/SYD.html.