HIGHLIGHTS & HAPPENINGS
Community
Together Again ! Villabration Provides Community During COVID
The date was set , honorary event co-chairs were selected , and the theme was chosen – but would Villabration 2021 actually happen ? How could we host a fundraising social party for several hundred Villa parents amid mask mandates , social distancing , parent limitations , event restrictions , and health and safety guidelines ? Plans and alternate plans were developed all winter with the hope that the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic would be over by April 17 – and it was ! Relaxed Health Department guidelines and climbing vaccination rates allowed the party planning to continue in earnest .
The demand to come together was very high – St . Ursula Villa parents were restricted from the school buildings and had not attended Villa functions such as Masses , volunteer activities , and social events all year , and parents new to the Villa had not met other parents . As the shutdown rules eased , optimism and eagerness increased for a special community social event .
Villabration attendees gathered in the courtyard prior to dinner .
The auction committee kicked into gear , erecting a tent on Villa Way for Live Auction and seated dinner , and using the Multi-Purpose Room and Main School Courtyard for additional events . Though rainy weather forced modification of some of those plans , the event was a huge success .
At Villa Royale – Villabration 2021 , guests bid on Silent Auction items , enjoyed pours from Villa Family Cellars , played roulette and craps , and socialized with other St . Ursula Villa parents and friends before sitting down to dinner and Live Auction . Event co-chairs Matt and Val Iacobucci and Ryan and Gina Kyte welcomed the crowd and commended St . Ursula Villa for providing in-person instruction under the outstanding leadership of Interim Principal Kent Halaby – resulting in an emotional standing ovation .
Parents enjoyed dinner and Live Auction under a large tent on Villa Way .
More “ Villa Love ” came into play when Matt Iacobucci presented the Special Appeal , “ Honoring our Present and Funding the Future ," to fund end-of-school-year bonuses to Villa staff and teachers in recognition of their hard work and dedication this past year . Event attendees enthusiastically raised their paddles in overwhelming support and appreciation for the amazing Villa faculty , easily hitting the target dollar goal . In gratitude , Villa teachers created and displayed “ Thank you !” signs along Monday ’ s school car line routes and commented on Villabration ’ s Facebook post , “ Still in awe at this super sweet gesture … huge thanks from this
Villabration Co-Chairs Val and Matt Iacobucci led the Special Appeal .
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