(Northfield, Ohio, October 29, 2018) Over 350 parents, teachers, parishioners and community members gathered at St. Michael’s Woodside Event Center for the Inaugural 2018 St. Barnabas Ignite Gala on October 19th to raise over $160,000 for the school.
Attendees were encouraged to bid on silent and live auction items, which included gift baskets, a private plane to Buffalo, New York, a Mexican vacation home, dinner prepared by Food Network Star Chef Hodgson plus many one-of-a kind student experiences and prizes. Guests also enjoyed live music by the Island Doctor, Scott Allen.
This was the largest fundraiser in school’s history and the gala will be St. Barnabas School’s premier fundraiser moving forward. All proceeds from this year’s gala will be used to update the security for campus, including moving the office location to add a secure check-in vestibule and new main entrance, security cameras, managed entry throughout the facility and new signage.
Erin Faetanini, St. Barnabas principal, brought the vision for the Ignite Gala to the a small committee in February knowing it would be a big undertaking. “The committee not only stepped up to the challenge, but exceeded everyone’s expectations. I am so grateful to the supportive parents, teachers and community that attended, donated and volunteered in support of this important cause for our school and our parish.”
The school building, originally built in 1957, has outdated infrastructure needs that are continuously being evaluated and updated. St. Barnabas School partnered with Secure My Campus, a 3rd party security firm, to identify potential security threats, strategize prevention tactics and assist in project design and management.
“When Secure My Campus began working with Erin and the St. Barnabas team back in October, 2018 we detailed the most concerning security issues and worked to prioritize projects in phases due to cost and availability of funds. The SMC Safety Foundation was a proud sponsor for the Ignite Gala, now, one short year later, Ignite has happened. All I can say is, “What an exceptional night!” Through the efforts of many, St. Barnabas has raised the funds to complete ALL projects…simply incredible! Our work has already begun. We can’t wait to showcase the new security measures in August 2019.” said Mike Pray, founder of Secure My Campus.
The Call to Heart at the end of the Live Auction raised $25,000 which will fund a new playground in a more secure, safe location for the school.
“God gives us these opportunities and we choose to help because ‘We Can’. I really think it is just that simple. All of us who are part of the St. Barnabas community help because ‘We Can’, and the tremendous success of Ignite was a true testament to the people who worked very hard together for the benefit of others.” said St. Barnabas parent and Platinum Sponsor of Ignite, Mike Masetta. “My family and I feel honored and privileged that God would allow us this opportunity, and we will continue to support the St. Barnabas community in any way that ‘We Can’. God Bless.”
The committee was comprised of more than 40 school parents and teachers and led by committee chairs Mike and Rebecca Fleming, Jessica Endress and Tony Post.
“I am so humbled to be part of such a vibrant Catholic community. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly into the SBS family and for believing in and supporting the vision that became Ignite. The future is bright at St. Barnabas. We are St. Barnabas and we are truly Blessed!” said Erin Faetanini.
For more information on St. Barnabas School, visit www.sbcatholicschool.com or follow @SBSBlazers on Twitter or on Facebook.
