On Saturday, Sept. 16, more than 500 members of the community gathered in Saginaw Township for Nouvel Catholic Central’s first annual Gala to benefit its schools. Nouvel: A Night to Shine was generously underwritten and hosted at HORIZONS Conference Center.
“We were amazed to have an attendance of 500 people. They were so happy and energized,” said Clare Furlo, a mother of four students at Nouvel Catholic Central and chair of the committee that helped plan the evening. “Everyone had a wonderful time and are looking forward to the event again next year. The generosity was overwhelming.”
The idea for the Gala came after members of the Nouvel Catholic Central Board of Trustees recognized a need to support its teachers by creating an endowment for teachers. An anonymous donor even generously agreed to match up to $1,000,000 over three years if the school was able to raise $334,000 per year.
The evening included dinner, games, dancing, music and more.
“The Gala had such a warm feeling,” said Furlo. “The energy was palpable, it was just, wow! No one wanted to leave. No one wanted the night to end. We are still receiving and counting donations, but we met the full amount of the match. Parents, grandparents, alumni, Nouvel staff, local businesses and organizations made donations.”
Bishop Robert Gruss also encouraged attendees during an address at the Gala. He thanked parents, teachers and members of the community and reiterated his support and commitment to Catholic schools.
In addition to giving to the teachers’ endowment, members of the community also donated over $100,000 to help pay for playground equipment, a tutoring program and a recreation room for students.
“It’s incredible what a community can do to support a beloved school,” said Cormac Lynn, superintendent of Catholic Schools. “The volunteers who planned the Gala and everyone who supported the event are wonderful examples of sharing their God given talents and resources in support of Catholic education.”
View event pictures, sponsor list, fund-a-need video and more online at www.NouvelCatholic.org/Gala.