St. Pat prize winner gets $507

Boeke Hall was a sea of green

Updated to list name of prize winner

Attendance was down for the fourth annual St. Patrick fundraiser, but the prize money increased. Mary Bereider, the 50/50 winner, received $507. The winner last year received $304.

There were 159 paid admissions compared to 237 last year. But, as usual,

Heffernans win shamrock plant

there was not a parking spot left in the South Parking lot Saturday night less than a half hour after the doors opened.

And, as usual, Boeke Hall was filled with a sea of green and an abundance of singing, dancing, food, drinks, laughter, raffle drawings and lots of conversation.

Pat Flynn and his Green Blossom group provided a variety of songs and Flynn gained applause by singing an Italian ballad and holding the note on O sole mio. Chuck Kieper, one of the Blossom quartet, started the evening entertainment with some original solos.

Also receiving much applause were the dancers of the MacConmaro Irish Step Dancers and the Hoban Pipers Pride bagpipe corps.

A poignant moment came when Flynn announced he was dedicating a song, “Danny Boy” in memory of Ken Lichty, cousin of fundraiser coordinator Caryn Armbruster. Lichty died in January.

The annual party coordinated by Caryn requires a lot of planning and work by volunteers. One of the volunteers who put in a good bit of time was Fr. Matt Ischay who pulled out the winning tickets for the 29 baskets in the raffle. Other volunteers included Shawn Wightman, Jen Morris, Judi Stoerkel , Thomas Piper, Mike Kirby, Gary Jubara, Harry Vezanni and Laura, Kenny, Dorothy and Ken Christner. Special thanks to donors was printed in the program.

Emcee for the party was Tom Cullison, production manager of radio station WNIR who also is coordinator for the PTO’s Market Basket program.

Winner of the Silent Auction item, “Dinner at the Rectory,” was Eileen Dube who bid $300. Father Ralph will be host and server for her “Paella Party/Dinner” prepared by Fr. Matt. Winners of Jameson Irish whiskey were Michael Lambioite and Donald K. Harris. Mickey Eritano won a $50 cash prize. Shamrock plants were won by Joann and Jim Heffernan for the most years married–56- and Frances Carver for the most grandchilden–15.

The event last year raised $4,500 for the parish. This year’s total will be announced later.

See album of photos