MAA Gala 2010 and Hall of Fame Awards Benefits Guardian Angel Tuition Assistance and Special Operations Fund

FEBRUARY 24, 2010—Over 270 parents, alumnae and friends of Mount Assisi Academy gathered Friday evening, February 12, 2010 to honor members of MAA’s Hall of Fame Class of 2010, and support the school’s Guardian Angel Tuition Assistance and Special Operations Funds, which provides financial assistance to both current and aspiring Mount Assisi Academy students who may be experiencing financial hardship as well as the school’s Special Operations initiatives. Gala 2010, co-chaired by John and Fran Parise (Orland Park), Scott and Ann Bell (Lemont), and Don and Rita Pratl (Chicago Ridge) raised over $94,000 – a record amount. Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, M.Sp.S was the event’s Honorary Chairperson.

The festivities kicked off with cocktails and the opening of the silent auction which included a wide range of offerings including Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago White Sox tickets, dining and entertainment packages. Additional raffles featured a well-stocked liquor cooler and Chinese raffle that included over 50 items.

Mary Beth Norton-Williams, Mount Assisi Academy Class of 1971, served as the evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies, assisted by MAA President K. Tina Donahue, Mount Assisi Academy Class of 1964. Members of the 20010 Hall of Fame Class included: Marielena Popernik Lavoie ‘85 (Darien) Woman of the Year Award; Sister M. Kathleen Vugrinovich SSFCR ’59 (Lemont) Lifetime Achievement Award; Sister Maria Goretti Domovic (Lemont) Spirit of Mount Assisi Award; Richard and Christine Guzior (Lemont) Pro Deo et Patria Award; Patricia Wasilewski (Palos Heights) MAA Service Award; and Anne Van Meter Shanahan ‘95 (New Lenox) Athlete of the Year Award.

MAA ‘s seniors Molly Bell (Lemont), Jessica Curbis (Crestwood), Mary DeMars (Indian Head Park), Abigail Durkin (Oak Lawn), Amanda Ferstead (Chicago-Beverly), Julia Marbach (Chicago-Beverly), Paige Michel (Palos Heights), Jenna O’Malley (Palos Heights), Lauren Pratl (Chicago Ridge), Maria Radcliffe (Lockport) and Bridget Williams (Orland Park) served as Senior Hostesses at the event.

Auctioneer Kevin Fitzpatrick conducted a Live Auction after dinner which featured a weekend stay in a condo at the John Hancock Building; four Chicago White Sox Scout seats; and a week’s stay in Marco Island, Florida condo.

For more information regarding MAA’s Guardian Angel Tuition Assistance Fund, please contact Donna Murphy-Buckley at 630-257-7844, Ext. 23 or at dbuckley@mtassisiacademy.org.

(Left to right) MAA President K. Tina Velcich Donahue ’64 joins 2010 Hall of Fame Inductees: Marielena Popenik Lavoie ’85 – Woman of the Year; Patricia Wasilewski – MAA Service Award; Sister Marie Goretti Domovic SSFCR – Spirit of Mount Assisi Award; Christine Guzior – Pro Deo et Patria Award; Sister M. Kathleen Vugrinovich, SSFCR ’59 – Lifetime Achievement Award; Anne Van Meter Shanahan ’95 – Athlete of the Year Award.

(Left to Right) MAA Senior Rachel Rogers, Paige Michel, Julia Marbach and Lauren Pratl welcome guests to Gala 2010 and Hall of Fame Awards.