St. John’s ‘Caribbean Calypso Night’ gala to invoke tropical jibe
(CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – “Don’t Worry – Be Happy” is the carefree theme for the “Caribbean Calypso Night” gala to benefit St. John the Baptist Catholic School.
In its fifteenth year, the gala on Feb. 8 will start at 6 p.m. in Von Braun Center North Hall. The event “will be an enjoyable and rewarding night for all,” co-chairmen Michael and Denise Schovel said.
The gala allows “people from all over Madison and metro Huntsville to come together as one to support Catholic Christian education, faith values, charity and academic excellence,” she said.
About 30 school parents, parish volunteers and “countless additional volunteers work together for six months to create a memorable evening,” Schovel said.
The three-course dinner offers wedge salad with tropical fruits and choice of grilled steak or jerk chicken. Side dishes will be rice seasoned with coconut milk and plantain-garnished asparagus. Pineapple 7-Up cake and chocolate cake with fruit are dessert options.
Wine, beer, coffee, tea and water are complimentary. A cash bar will be open.
“Guests can enjoy games of blackjack, roulette, craps, wine wheel, bingo and heads & tails,” Schovel said. Sponsored by Pope John Paul II Catholic High School, the Tropical Breeze Steel Band will entertain with Caribbean sounds. DJ Jazzy Greg then will spin dance tunes until midnight.
One lucky guest will win the $10,000 raffle grand prize.
Silent auction items include $1,000 credit for a Leon Loard oil portrait, architectural services, vacations at Rosemary Beach, Fla. and Aruba; Auburn University football tickets, signed University of Alabama football, Venezuelan handmade hammock and numerous gift certificates.
Guests also can enjoy a live auction for a topaz pendant, Donny’s Diamond Gallery; diamond necklace, Grogan Jewelers; Doe Run Farms produce; Monaco Pictures passes; and vacations in Cabo San Lucas and Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Gala proceeds will fund facility improvements, technology upgrades and sports equipment at St. John’s and help sustain the St. John’s Educational Foundation.
Tickets are $75 or $140 per couple. Ticket deadline is Feb. 4. For more information, visit BenefitGala.info.
