Msgr . Todd Lajiness receives a gift from the parishioners of St . Vincent Ferrer Parish , represented by Deacon Craig Marion , left , and Fr . John Esper . Master of Ceremonies Fr . Joseph Krupp approves .
The ballroom porch is a great place to socialize and experience a dramatic vista of the city .
WILL WE SEE YOU NEXT YEAR ? Join the Sacred Heart seminarians at Archbishop ’ s Gala 2017 , Friday , June 16 . It will be the Gala ’ s twentieth anniversary — you won ’ t want to miss this historic occasion .
Columbus . The audience buzzed and then applauded when State Deputy Robert Fox and former State Deputy George Dann handed Msgr . Todd Lajiness , Sacred Heart ’ s rector , a check for $ 135,000 . The money completes a pledge of $ 1.25 million to fund the Fr . Michael J . McGivney Chair of Life Ethics , which is supported solely by the Michigan Knights .
There was more applause when Fr . John Esper and seminarian Dcn . Craig Marion handed Monsignor Lajiness a check for $ 22,000 on behalf of St . Vincent Ferrer Parish in Madison Heights . This gift will help to restore the entrance vestibule of our main chapel to its original glory ( see p . 36 ).
The raffle ticket drawing to pick the
$ 25,000 cash winner was another highlight . A Sacred Heart alumnus won the prize , which was donated by the Wiengartz family . The 52-Card Raffle prizes were gifted by Edmund T . Ahee Jewelers of Grosse Pointe Woods ( diamond earring set ), and friends of the seminary ( Michigan “ Basket of Cheer ” and four $ 250 restaurant gift cards ).
Particular thanks go out to the program advertisers , giving category sponsors , and exclusive sponsors . “ This special celebration could not happen without you ,” says a grateful Monsignor Lajiness .
Including the Michigan Knights and the Wiengartz family , exclusive sponsors of the Gala were a mutual friend of St . Catherine of Siena Academy ; The Trinity Charitable Fund ; Christian Financial Credit Union ; Ave Maria Mutual Funds ; Saint Joseph Mercy Health Systems ; Alpha & Omega Laser , LLC ; Genthe Automotive ; and Mersino . Gratitude as well goes to sponsors Hour Detroit , Allied Printing Company , and Nu-tech Graphics & Systems .
Contact Emily Berschback , event manager , at berschback . emily @ shms . edu , to become an event sponsor next year .
Check out photos and video highlights of Archbishop ’ s Gala 2016 at archbishopsgala . com .
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