SCHERERVILLE – Imagine having bratwurst and soft pretzels in Germany followed moments later by shepherd’s pie in Ireland, and then chicken wings and beef sandwiches back in the United States. Of course, all the stops at these ports include the country’s beverages of choice.
St. Michael the Archangel’s annual school fundraiser, Passport to Our Heritage, is an evening filled with entertainment and world-wide travel right on parish grounds. The primary purpose is to raise money for the school, with this year’s funds earmarked for new lunchroom tables and library upgrades.
“We create a feeling of getting away,” said committee member Renee Scearce. She and a group of about 15 people spearheaded the evening’s activity. The April 13 event also included dancing and the opportunity to bid on myriad auction items – from items created by students to vacation destinations – for the more than 200 people who attended.
“I love that this fundraiser is not just people sitting around a table and eating,” said Principal Michelle Wacnik. “People are up and moving around to see what all the ports have to offer whether it is food or a drink. There are amazing silent auction baskets to bid on as well as a few different raffles from vacations to a cooler of booze. Everyone is able to find something they like.”
This year, event sponsors paid for all the food, which is a new feature that saved the school thousands of dollars, Scearce explained. In addition to American, German and Irish offerings, ports include Italy, Latin America, Poland, and desserts.
“I think it is great that not only the school community comes to this event but the parish and the Schererville community as well,” Wacnik said. “It is open to everyone over 21. The businesses in the area were so generous when it came to food donations or items for the silent auction. They helped bring the event together. If it weren't for the local community, we wouldn't have had such a successful event.”
The committee went back to its roots and hired a DJ instead of a live band. “The DJ goes around to the tables and gets people out of their seats. The entertainment makes such a big difference and the people love him,” said Scearce, who has two children currently attending St. Michael Catholic School and two at Andrean High School.
Bob Ehler, who has three children at the school, helped with setup and the German port. “I like that we brought back the DJ. This event is always a good time for everyone, an excellent way for people to get to know each other better and raise money for our school,” he said.
Each year the goal is to raise about $50,000. After purchasing lunch tables, the plan is to begin changing the library to a library/multi-purpose room. “We want classes to be able to go in there and use it as another space outside their classrooms. It needs the carpet taken out, new paint, and group tables,” Wacnik said.
Scearce said she appreciates that participants generate funds for the school while having such a good time. “We love that our event is on campus, that we can wear jeans or dress up if we want, and sample all the delicious foods. Building relationships is a key component. We really become a family that cares about each other. We want to continue to spend time together.”
Caption: Renee Scearce displays framed photographs taken by eighth graders entitled, "St. Michael Through Our Eyes." This item was one of dozens auctioned April 13 during the St. Michael the Archangel School fundraiser, Passport to Our Heritage." (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)