Central Catholic’s 34th Annual Scholarship Gala Raises Over $350,000

More than 350 guests enjoyed Central Catholic’s 34th annual scholarship fundraiser, An Irish Night in Hollywood, on March 21 at the Pinnacle.  The evening included online and in-person auction items, casino games, raffles, a Walk of Fame Race featuring “celebrity racers,” food, fun, and fundraising, all to benefit the Central Catholic student scholarship fund.  

Honorary chairs for this event were Pat Boyle (Class of 1982) and Julie (Schuller) Boyle (Class of 1982).  They have six children who attended Central Catholic - Sean ’03, Nick ’05, Kevin ’06, Zach ’08, Casey ’10, and Max ’14.  At the event, Max sang “An Irish Blessing” while playing piano.  He was a contestant on Season 17 of The Voice, and he now performs as a contemporary pop artist in Nashville.

Members of the Central Catholic Glee Club performed the school’s alma mater and selections from the upcoming spring musical, Hairspray (May 8-10 at the Valentine Theatre).

Central Catholic celebrities for the Walk of Fame race included Casey (Boyle) Smith (Class of 2010), the daughter of our honorary chairs and one of Central Catholic’s school nurses; Greg Dempsey (Class of 1990), CCHS athletic director and head coach of the six-time state champion Fighting Irish football team; Fran Krompak (Class of 1958), CCHS coach, teacher, and guidance counselor for 42 years and eponym of Krompak Hall; Priest Leader Fr. Kevin Moebius (Class of 1999); Rebecca (Barrow) Buckman (Class of 2004), Central Catholic’s Director of Vocal Music; and Mike Floyd, former Annual Fund coordinator and head boys’ basketball coach who took this year’s team to the state Final Four.  The winner was Casey Smith, and the guests that bid on her received half the money raised in the race event.  The other half went to the scholarship fund.

In conjunction with this fundraising event, raffle tickets were sold for a 7-day / 6-night stay for two at the beautiful Makai Club Resort in Kauai, Hawaii. The winner was drawn at the gala.  Congratulations to Roxanne Montez, parent of current CCHSsophomore Antonio Montez!  The trip is valued at over $5,000 and proceeds from the raffle also benefit the Central Catholic scholarship fund.

“This year’s Scholarship Gala was a truly special night for our Central Catholic family,” said Director of Advancement, Cory Lehman (Class of 2008).  “To see alumni, parents, and friends come together with such energy and generosity was incredibly meaningful. What stood out most was the shared commitment to our students and their future.  Because of this community, lives will be changed, and opportunities will be created for students who will carry the spirit of Central Catholic forward.”

Thanks to everyone’s support and generosity, the event raised over $350,000 for student scholarships!