Giving

 

Mercy Spirit Gala

Our Lady of Mercy High School was transformed into a “Big Top” at this year’s Spirit Gala on November 18 and 19. The weekend was a smashing success, breaking all fundraising records with net revenue of more than $152,000 to support faith-based education at Our Lady of Mercy High School.

The 2011 circus-themed Spirit Gala was chaired by John & Dorothy Hayes and Ted & Anne Smith. They led the Spirit Gala Committee of 17 who played critical roles in preparing for the event.

Friday, November 18 was the third annual Family Fun Night which featured games and entertainment for kids and kids-at-heart. It was truly a “Three-Ring Circus” – hundreds of youth played games in the middle school gym, high school girls and guys enjoyed the student-led Coffee House in the media center, and concessions drew hungry kids to the gallery.

Saturday evening’s black-tie event, “Under the Big Top,” drew an audience of more than 380 guests who enjoyed the festive theme and lighthearted entertainment including a magician, a clown who made balloon accessories, and a photo booth. The auction items were exceptional, including a Tauck Tour of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, a week in Sicily at Villa Fragale, and the opportunity to meet Abby Wambach. This year’s honorees were as follows:

The M&T Charitable Foundation
Catherine McAuley Philanthropy and Vision Award

Dr. Ruth Lawrence
Sister Mary Francesca Award for Service to the Mercy Community

Mercy High School Math Department
Circle Honoree

An unprecedented number of businesses sponsored the gala and bought an advertisement in the event program. Sponsors of the 2011 Spirit Gala are as follows:

Diamond
Employee Relations Associates
Financial Architects/Mass Mutual
GLC Business Services
Harter, Secrest & Emery
M&T Bank
The Elevator Guild
Todd, Laura, & Lottie ’15 Cook No logo

Ruby
St. John Fisher College

Sapphire
Segar & Sciortino
Sisters of Mercy, NYPPAW
Toshiba Business Solutions
Zeller Corporation

Emerald
Casa Larga Vineyards
McQuaid Jesuit

Pearl
Billitier Electric
CB Richard Ellis
Brian & Joyce Connolly
Eugene Crimi & Margaret Boldt
Brian & Jackie Fox
LeCesse Construction
Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP

Please stay tuned for information about the 2012 event – the 10th anniversary of the Spirit Gala! Be prepared for a very special occasion! If you would like to play a role in planning this event, please contact Mary Beth Curtin in Mercy’s Advancement Office at (585) 288-7120 x342 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .