Ein Prosit Ellsworth!

The St. Francis Catholic School Annual Gala is scheduled for next week. The German theme “Ein Prosit Oktoberfet” – a German toast to good cheer – will mean great things for the 3k through fifth grade school that boasts class sizes of less than 20 students.

St. Francis School opened its doors 74 years ago, and the annual gala is a big reason it’s able to continue its Catholic-based education. The gala is critical to helping area families whose children attend St. Francis. Gala organizer Amy Loberg said that the cost to educate students at the school is $11,000 annually, with the average tuition to families held at $2,500 per child.

“The school doesn’t receive any taxpayer funds,” she said. “Everything we raise at this gala, it literally goes toward keeping the doors open and the lights on. It’s essential to keep the school running. In the last couple years, it’s become more apparent how special some of these private schools are and being able to have a little bit more involvement and control in your children’s school.”

Over the years, the community has stepped up to support the gala. And then two years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The gala committee instantly retooled the festival as a virtual event, not quite certain how it would be received, but knowing the critical need for the funding didn’t disappear because of the pandemic. The community answered that virtual call, in a big way.

“It’s really blown up in the last few years,” said Loberg. “COVID forced us to make things virtual. That caused our fundraising to skyrocket. It was a blessing in disguise really.”

Last year, the event brought in $83,000. This year’s goal is $90,000.

That kind of funding will have a lot of “Ein Prosit” toasts ringing through the school at 244 W. Woodworth St.

“The community is just so generous. It really is quite incredible,” said Loberg. “We’re so excited about this year’s gala. We haven’t been in-person for three years. We’re itching to host this in-person. It’s not the same when you do things virtually. We’ve had a lot of success, but it’s special to get everyone together to celebrate the school.”

The in-person event is scheduled for Saturday, April 23. The social hours are from 4-6 p.m. with a German buffet dinner served from 6-8 p.m.

“We have German music throughout the evening. We’ve got a soft pretzel bar, German buffet, a beer garden, German wines … everything German. It’s going to be awesome,” said Loberg.

The community can actually start to get involved when silent auctions go live on the event website on Tuesday, April 19. Visit the website to start bidding: https://www.stfrancisellsworth.org/gala.html.

The silent auction includes many donated items and fund-aneed projects for school classrooms.

“The fund-a-need is so special. The teachers and staff identify needs for the school. Donors can choose to make a donation toward them. This is a way to give to the school in a very specific way,” explained Loberg.

On April 20, bids will be accepted for classroom projects. “Each class in the school made their own project, which they’re auctioning off,” said Loberg. “They’re the stars of the show. This is what’s so fun about it being a live event again is seeing the work of the students. That’s what everyone wants to see.”

The premier auction with big ticket items kicks off online April 21.

The in-person event also will feature raffles and games. Attendees are urged to dress for the Oktoberfet theme, so break out your lederhosen.

“Ein Prosit!”