St. Ambrose Academy’s
|
|
MADISON — On Saturday, Dec. 12, St. Ambrose Academy (SAA) is bringing the party to you.
We’re taking our annual gala virtual with the See the Joy Benefit Dinner @ Home Edition. And we invite you to host a watch party and join the fun!
Not just a Zoom conference
This is not just some Zoom conference though.
Instead of coming to a downtown Madison venue, you and your guests will gather at your home (or someone else’s!) to enjoy an interactive experience that will bring in a taste of the joyful, social atmosphere that is a hallmark of each SAA Benefit Dinner, which annually welcomes 600 or more friends and supporters.
We’re providing everything you need to have the best “night in”.
Every two guests who register will receive a party box filled with a deluxe charcuterie plate from acclaimed Heritage Tavern and Chef Dan Fox, choice of Wollersheim wines, custom wine glasses to sip in style, games, and many fun surprises from local partners and sponsors.
Party boxes can be picked up at SAA (more details after registration).
Even friends from afar can participate with a special Long Distance Party Pass featuring the same great items in the party box, minus the Heritage Tavern fare and wine.
Watch parties are encouraged to bring in the festive nature of the season and enjoy some company with friends with whom you’ve been “cocooning” this year!
There are some great perks for watch parties of eight including custom coasters and napkins to add some flair to your event, a special gift created by talented SAA students, and party games to enjoy before the program.
Whatever the size group, watch parties can be set up however you are most comfortable. You’re also encouraged to dress in a theme: Movie or book? Quarantine uniform? Christmas sweaters? Or just come as you are!
Guests can send us their selfies which will be shown on our pre-show livestream that begins at 6 p.m.
Though we can’t gather together, we can still see all those who support Catholic classical education at the joyful watch parties happening across the state.
And yes, there are prizes at stake for creative, clever themes!
At 8 p.m., this year’s emcees, SAA parent James Carrano and longtime supporter Ryan Freng, will come to your screens live.
The live show
They and other guests will bring you a 45-minute live show with updates about the important work SAA is doing to build strong, faith-filled young people who are the leaders our society and Church need.
In addition to being a longtime benefactor of the Academy, Freng is also contributing his talents to producing this exciting new format.
As a co-owner of local creative marketing studio Backflip, Freng has worked with clients of all sizes including multi-day conferences for multi-billion dollar companies, campaigns with Alliant Energy, UW-Madison, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and many other projects, big and small.
Freng first encountered the Benefit Dinner as a volunteer bartender in the early days when it was held in the former Bishop O’Connor Center in Madison.
“I’ve always been impressed with the education, formation and environment at St. Ambrose. When we made our first promo video for the school, I came away desiring that I had gone to St. Ambrose and wanting the same for my children,” he said.
Calling the dynamic See the Joy Benefit Dinner “a first of its kind,” Freng thinks that this new format “will be a unique and awesome event that attendees will always remember. I think people are going to love it!”
In this unusual year, we look forward to giving you and all our guests a memorable “night in”.
The silent auction begins on Monday, Nov. 30, and RSVPs for the event are due by Thursday, Dec. 3.
Get ready to “see the joy” as we celebrate Advent and the impact that Catholic classical formation has in our diocese.
Carolyn Averill is the advancement director for St. Ambrose Academy in Madison.