Lakewood Catholic Academy Presents Insignis Award At The "Legacy of Angels -- All Saints Auction"
On Saturday, November 5, a sold-out crowd of 370 guests was greeted by the elegant transformation of Lakewood Catholic Academy’s hallways and gym into a French coastal village. The coastal theme of LCA’s annual All Saints Auction featured a gossamer-draped dinner setting centered around a dramatic, hand-made paper chandelier resembling capiz shells. The décor and entire event paid tribute to the heritage of LCA’s honored guests, the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, in their 160th year of service in Greater Cleveland.
The Sisters of Charity were chosen as the 2011 recipients of LCA’s highest honor, the Insignis Award, because of their extraordinary commitment of service to the school and community. The auction event was highlighted by the presentation of the award by LCA Board of Directors Chairman, Michael Smith. Sr. Miriam Erb, CSA Congregational Leader, was present to accept the award, along with about 20 other members of the order, who serve in various roles throughout the CSA Health System and other ministries. Noting the school’s growth in her remarks, including curriculum advances, facility improvements and commitment to religious education, Sr. Miriam expressed continued support for the school.
“LCA will always have a partner in the Sisters of Charity,” said Sr. Miriam.
The Sisters are owners of the eight-acre lakefront property where LCA resides and have been instrumental in the school’s establishment and growth since its opening in 2005.
Guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, party games and a “wine pull,” featuring over 100 bottles of donated fine wines and champagnes and silent and live auctions. Hors d’oeuvres and the seated dinner were prepared by Gatherings Kitchen of Lakewood.
Dinner was preceded by welcoming remarks from LCA principal, Maureen Arbeznik, and a blessing by Rev. Joseph G. Workman, LCA Pastor Designate and Pastor of St. Clement Church. A tribute video, played during the dinner, chronicled the rich history of the order and shared reflections on the special partnership between the Sisters and LCA.
A special appeal, aptly named “Get In On The Ground Floor,” was initiated during the live auction to raise dedicated dollars for the purchase of a new gymnasium floor to be installed in summer 2012. Generous guests made gifts that raised $34,000 exceeding the goal for the special appeal.
The All Saints Auction is LCA’s largest fundraising event of the year, raising money to support the students, faculty and programs of Lakewood Catholic Academy. Overall event proceeds were $100,200, just exceeding this year’s goal of $100,000.
Event sponsors included Skylight Financial Group, Fifth Third Bank, Tucker Ellis & West, Regency Construction Services, Lakewood Hospital, Frantz Ward, Sisters of Charity Health System, Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland, Denise Alexander Skin Care, Inc. and St. Ignatius High School.
Gretchen Bulan
Gretchen Bulan has been a Lakewood resident for 12 years and is now busy raising a family here with her husband. She enjoys all the outdoor activities that Lakewood has to offer and is interested in children's activities, educaion and family life in Lakewood. Gretchen holds a bachelor's degree from the Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University and has worked in communications consulting, training development and is an active volunteer in the community.