The annual St. Francis Gala has always seen a lot of community support. In a typical year it could raise $25,000-$30,000 to help with school operations.

With the onset last year of the COVID-19 pandemic forcing event organizers to pivot the event to be held online, organizers were fearful that the vital funding could lag from previous years.

Enter the Ellsworth community, which stepped up to raise an incredible $61,000.

Event chair Amy Loberg is ready to make this year’s St. Francis Gala – the 15th annual – the biggest and best ever, with all money helping St. Francis educate its students.

“Financially COVID-19 has especially been a burden. Private schools are not eligible for the financial aid that public schools receive,” said Loberg. “All proceeds of this event go back to the school to help pay for the operating costs of the school.”

Planning at the last minute to transition to a virtual event last year taught gala organizers a lot, so this year’s St. Francis School Gala virtual event – to be held April 13-17 – has a goal of raising $75,000 for the school, which opened its doors in 1948.

“Kindness, respect, Catholic Christian values and academic excellence continue to be the cornerstones of a St. Francis School education 73 years later,” the event website states. “We are proud of our rich history in Ellsworth and the network of more than 1,500 alumni who have gone on to live vibrant, successful lives.”

The cost to educate each student is $10,000, and the average family pays $2,000 in tuition per child.

“The difference is funded through generous donations from the parish and supporters,” the website states.

The event website is the hub of activity for the fundraiser. Visit it at: www.stfrancisellsworth.org/ gala Register to “attend” the event at the website, and you’ll receive daily video messages from school alumni, staff, clergy and students talking about the importance of a St. Francis education.

There are many items already listed for a silent auction that will be live from April 13-17 and on April 1617, a “live” auction of some major items will commence.

There are also some items the school needs that are listed that can be purchased and sent directly to the school.

There will be a “wine pull” that people can buy tickets for. They can “pull” their wine when they pick up their auction items. Tickets cost $25. There’s a grand prize of $150.

At 7 p.m. on Saturday, April. 17, the grand finale of the event will be live streamed on the St. Francis Ellsworth Facebook page.

“It’s the program we would have done if we had the event,” said Loberg. “We have a keynote speaker in Fr. Billy Dodge who is an alumni of St. Francis and some videos of the students. There will also be a pledge drive for people to support the school.”

People can also buy meals from the Ridgetop on the event website to enjoy while they watch the grand finale.

“Families can get together and have fun and watch the livestream,” said Loberg. “We tried to replicate as much of the event as we could without actually coming together as a whole group.”

Through the support of the school at this vital time, Loberg is continually amazed by the Ellsworth community.

“The outpouring of support from the community has been outstanding. It’s been really heartwarming to see the community rally and sup-

The St. Francis School Gala will be held “virtually” at www.stfrancisellsworth.org/gala. Events will also be streamed on the St. Franics School Ellsworth Facebook page.