THE NIGHT MAY NOT have been sweltering, and the cigars were made of chocolate, but the evening came to life with women in flowing floral dresses, flowers tucked behind their ears and men looking dapper in fedora hats — arrived ready to have a good time.
MOTHERS OF EIGHTH-GRADE STUDENTS POSE FOR A PHOTO BOOTH PICTURE DURING THE ST. CECILIA SCHOOL’S 36TH ANNUAL GALA, HAVANA NIGHTS, AT ORANGE HILL RESTAURANT. PHOTOS BY SCOTT SMELTZER/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Parents, alumni, teachers and sponsors gathered to raise money for St. Cecilia Catholic School in Tustin during its 36th annual gala, Havana Nights, on Nov. 7. Held at Orange Hill Restaurant, the event raised more than $90,000, according to Diana Anoc, coordinator of marketing, admissions, advancement and alumni.
“We wanted to bring a fun vibe and change it up from the super-formal galas,” said gala co-chair Rhea Allen. “We wanted to bring some color to the night and really bring out the spirit in everybody with the dancing and partying — all the fun parts of the gala.”
Parents mingled on the balcony of the restaurant, overlooking the sprawling cities lit up like jewels below as they chatted and bid on rows upon rows of silent auction items. From giant gift baskets bursting with family games to baskets offering relaxing spa amenities or a certificate to attend Servite High School’s football camp, there were baskets for all wants. Parents also bid for their children to have special experiences at school with teachers, such as learning to decorate cakes, eating kimbap and listening to K-pop.
The live auction also offered Rams tickets, vacations and more, but the biggest earner was the ultimate graduation package. Not one, but two families donated $7,000 to the school for front row seats and reserved parking at this year’s eighth-grade graduation.
All the money raised goes toward needs like operating costs, increasing tuition assistance, teacher professional development and more, said Principal Mary Alvarado.
“Our facilities were built in 1961, so it always needs some TLC,” she noted.
This year’s named-projects revolved around safety: a privacy screen that attaches to the school’s fence to keep outsiders from looking in, and an updated security system with more cameras and a live feed. Since the Catholic school shooting in Minnesota that occurred on the first day of school, St. Cecilia has been re-examining its own security, said Alvarado.
“Unfortunately,” said Allen, “we are living in a different day and age, and if there is something we can do in our power to keep our children safe, I will do it. We will do it.”
Both security upgrades were fully funded, said Anoc. A St. Cecilia parent herself, Anoc said the community comes out to support the school because, like its tagline, it’s more than a school.
“They focus on the whole child, and they build that faith foundation,” Anoc said. “It’s just a special place. We’re more than a school for a reason. I think we give even though our pockets aren’t very deep, because we know our children are safe. We know our children are getting the best education they can get, and that this is their home away from home.”