BELOIT — It’s a fundraiser to benefit Our Lady of the Assumption Grade School (OLA) as people support its faith-based education But, it also promises to be so much more, according to Aron Bussan, chairperson for the event.
The sixth annual Spring Fling takes place Saturday, April 13, from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. at La Casa Grande Banquet Hall, 818 Fourth St., in Beloit.
Besides parishioners and school parents, the public is invited and welcome to enjoy an evening featuring a potpourri of entertainment, according to Bussan, who is an alumnus of the school.
Tickets can be purchased until April 12 by calling the school at 608-365-4014.Tickets cost: $45 per person, $80 a couple, and a table for eight people costs $300.They are also available after weekend Masses at the church.
Bussan said an “exciting” raffle is offered at the Spring Fling. The committee is selling raffle tickets for four one-day Orlando Disney World Park Hopper passes that can be used anytime through the end of the year 2020. “The value of the passes is $770,” he said.
Tickets for this raffle are: one for $10 or 12 tickets for $100.He pointed out that only 200 tickets will be sold, “giving everyone an excellent chance to win.”
The winning tickets will be drawn the night of the Spring Fling, and the winner need not be present. However, if the winner is present, there will be a little extra Disney Magic, he added.
Raffle tickets can be purchased at the school office.
“Exceptional music played by the prize-winning Beloit Memorial High School Jazz Orchestra will set the pace for the evening as people can mingle among friends and have fun,” said Bussan.
The jazz orchestra is again invited to the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival held at Lincoln Center in New York City, from May 10 to 12.This year is the seventh since 2009 that the group has been invited to the competition.
Hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar featuring signature drinks, and a buffet dinner begin the evening. The live auction presented by Bob Johnson from Badger State Auction offers an array of items. Intriguing gifts fill the baskets at the silent auction and also offered are attractive classroom projects put together especially for the fundraiser.
Among baskets offered are: Wisconsin Badgers tickets, Green Bay Packers items, and wine and cheese combinations.
“The caricature artist who proved a hit last year will be back. And important also is the Fund The Future envelope giving board,” said OLA Grade School Principal Trevor Seivert.
In order to help parents, Seivert added, “For those families with children that attend OLA School, from infants to eighth grade, free childcare will be offered at the school by OLA licenses staff.” Food and entertainment will be provided.
Inspired by all the enthusiasm for the Spring Fling, Chairperson Bussan said, “I have the opportunity to be part of an already dedicated and enthusiastic committee. They’re fantastic! We have tremendous support from the school administration, staff, parents, parishioners, and the Beloit business community.”
Bussan spoke of his own OLA education “As an OLA student, I received the strong academic curriculum, learned the need for service to others, and had the strong value system based on high standards for achievement and success. I want our present students to experience this similar safe and welcoming environment so they can become productive citizens and future leaders.”
He stressed the need for the school’s financial support by adding, “Like all the other diocesan schools, OLA Grade School relies on the success of individual fundraisers to supplement its budget. Funds raised at the Spring Fling will assist with keeping tuition at affordable levels, and help strengthen the school’s financial position.”
“This is our school’s largest fundraiser, and we look forward to continuing its growth. Last year the Spring Fling raised more than $22,000. We offer a wonderful opportunity for people to provide financial support for our school in several different ways while having a fun-filled evening being rewarded with exceptional entertainment,” concluded Principal Seivert.