Comedy and Cuisine

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Live Auction

1. Go Cubs! Spend Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago

   Take yourselves out to the ball game as the White Sox will face the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday May 24th at U.S. Cellular Field and on Monday May 25th the Cubs will face the Pirates at Wrigley Field. Before and after the game, stroll Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Shop on Michigan Avenue, visit the famous Museum of Science and Industry, see the Chicago skyline from atop Sears Tower, and enjoy the local nightlife. Package includes a two-night stay within walking distance of Michigan Avenue, four tickets for each of two games, a gift certificate to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and $500 for traveling expenses. What better way to start the summer?

   Donated by Jim and Jean Smith and Friends of Saint Cecilia
   Value: $1500

2. Dinner with Sheila Haggas, Duchesne Head of School

   Fabulous French cuisine awaits at the Campbell/Tait home, which overlooks Duchesne Academy. Hosted by Head of School Sheila Haggas, you will begin the evening on the front porch, where cocktails and canapés will be served. This will be followed by a delicious French-themed four-course meal with wines in the century-old oak-paneled dining room. Cheese and port in the library follow, and current Duchesne students will be your servers for the evening. Please plan this special dinner for ten before December 31, 2009.

   Donated by John Campbell and Robyn Tait and Alan Thelen and Sandra Maass
   Value: Priceless

3. Extreme Makeover Yard Edition

   Does the idea of landscaping your yard put you in a panic? If so, this one’s for you. Grade school parent Hugh Morton will guide your landscaping choices, and send a crew over to make your dream a reality. Sun Valley Landscaping and Natural Stone will give your yard the TLC it needs, and afterward, your only job will be to fire up the grill, invite friends and family over, and relax and enjoy your beautiful outdoor space.

   Donated by Hugh and Bridget Morton
   Value: $1000

4. Reserved Pew for First Communion- May 3, 2009

   You won’t be humming “Get Me to the Church on Time” through gritted teeth this year if you wisely take advantage of this special offer. Family members of second graders should be raising their paddles for this chance for a reserved pew directly behind the communicants.

   Donated by Rev. Michael Gutgsell
   Value: Priceless

5. Principal for a Day

   Relax…. your little darling won’t suddenly turn into a nightmarish Ferris Bueller clone. Indulge him or her this once with every Saint Cecilia student’s fantasy! Give your special student an unforgettable experience when the choice of wearing uniforms, having homework, whom to call to the office, and special surprises are his or hers alone. Advice on what to mandate for this blissful day? Free and abundant from fellow students. And the benefit for you, the winning bidder? A crown for Coolest Adult (For a Day).

   Donated by Mrs. Paulette Rourke, Grade School Principal
   Value: Priceless

6. Paulette’s Pages

   Let’s help Mrs. Rourke and Saint Cecilia Grade School purchase new textbooks for students. Textbooks are extremely expensive, often at a cost of 90 dollars or more per book. Help keep our books updated. Raise your bidder number during the live auction for the specific bid increment you would like to contribute. If you would like to bid a different amount, or prefer to bid anonymously, please notify a bid runner or deliver to the checkout when you depart. Please join in this worthy cause.

   Any contribution is greatly appreciated.

7. Moonlight and Mumbai on the Missouri Riverfront

   A beautiful view of the Missouri River will be yours as the scent of simmering spices wafts around you. Back by popular demand, grade school parents Ian and Anne Severes have an unforgettable menu planned for you. It includes lamb curry with spinach, spiced red lentils, mango ice cream with cashew milk fudge, and a selection of fine wines. You and your guests will help to prepare the meal. A dinner for eight, this promises to be a relaxing evening with good friends and your gracious hosts, Bob and Mary Kay Gerken, in their new riverfront home.

   Donated by Ian and Anne Severes and Bob and Mary Kay Gerken
   Value: $1,000

8. Fun in the Sun… Family Membership to Brookhill Country Club

   Join other families for Friday night cookouts and swimming, or relax poolside with good friends on a lazy warm afternoon or evening. Swim teams for the kids, a casual snack bar, a clubhouse for adults and family atmosphere make this secluded Northwest Omaha club a place where summer memories are made. For new members only.

   Donated by Brookhill Country Club
   Value: $395

9. Boxes and Bows Queen Size Quilt

   You can have this Multicolored “Boxes and Bows” Queen Size Quilt 96” x 70”, with Intricate Tumbling Blocks pattern. Machine pieced and quilted.

   Donated by St. Cecilia’s Quilting Circle
   Value: $500

10. Dinner with Saint Cecilia Principal Paulette Rourke

    Away from the constant bustle of Saint Cecilia Grade School, spend a quiet evening with Saint Cecilia’s wonderful new principal, Mrs. Paulette Rourke. The dinner for six will be hosted by Mike and Julie Swartz at the home of Julie’s parents, Tom and Barb Dineen.

    Donated by Mike and Julie Swartz and Tom and Barb Dineen
    Value: Priceless

11. Canvas Masterpiece Portrait of Children or Family

    Cathedral alums Joe and Judy Johnston will help create a memory for your family to treasure. You have your choice of a black and white or color portrait by two of Omaha’s best. Includes a portrait consultation, studio session, and an impressive 20” x 24” canvas masterpiece portrait. Truly a keepsake for you and future generations to cherish!
    Expires September 30, 2009.

    Donated by Johnston Portrait Studio
    Value: $1,700

12. An “Evening in Italy” at Castel Estates

    Dr. Merrell Magelli and Kevin Hopp will host a festive dinner for 10 on their 100- acre farm just south of Omaha by preparing an authentic Northern Italian feast. Paired with Northern Italian wines, it will feature authentic Magelli family recipes. The meal will include homemade antipasto, tortellini in hen’s brodo, fresh lemons stuffed with white wine sorbeto, meat and mushroom risotto, chicken and polenta, crown pork roast with chestnut dressing, roasted garden vegetables, red raspberry cheesecake, a selection of Italian wedding cookies…. and a special surprise depending on the season. Summer and fall provide the most inviting times for this fine dining experience, though other dates are open by mutual agreement.

    Donated by Kevin Hopp and Dr. Merrell Magelli
    Value: $1,000

13. Creighton Men’s Basketball Game Box Seats and Dinner at “The Matt”

    Eight lucky basketball fans will begin the evening with a relaxing meal at the Old Mattress Factory, better known as “The Matt.” This popular downtown restaurant is a frequent destination for those seeking its tasty pizza, ribs, and delicious desserts. A $160 gift certificate to the Old Mattress Factory will help to pay for the meal. And then it’s down the street to cheer for the White and the Blue from eight Suite Seats at the Qwest Center Omaha. Enjoy the game and the spectacle that thousands of Bluejay fans provide. Get ready for the 2009-10 basketball season…. Go Jays!

    Donated by Creighton University and Friends of Saint Cecilia
    Value: $1,100

14. Private Dinner and Tour at the Joslyn Art Museum

    Eight guests will join Director Brooks Joyner and his wife Louise in the historic Founder’s Room, Sarah Joslyn’s elegant retreat from 1931 until her death in 1940. Dinner will be prepared by the fine chefs from Abraham’s Catering, Joslyn’s outstanding and exclusive caterer. Cocktails and a selection of fine wines are included. The evening begins with a private tour led by Director Brooks Joyner of either the permanent collections or the current special exhibition. Guests will take home a momento of this memorable evening from Joslyn’s unique Hitchcock Museum Shop. This offer is to be redeemed by December 31, 2009.

    Donated by J. Brooks and Louise Joyner
    Value: $1,500

15. Northern Minnesota Guided Fishing Trip

    Four-day and three-night northern Minnesota Weekend Guided Fishing Trip for up to four adults. Trip includes two full-time fishing guides equipped with fishing boats and all gear. All expenses paid, including ground transportation to and from Omaha, meals (and, of course, adult beverages) and modern lodging. Stay at the beautiful Edgewood Lodge and Resort for four days and three nights, hosted by your personal fishing guides. Located near Park Rapids on the shores of Long Lake, the trip also includes your choice of fishing at other area lakes. Trip must begin on a Friday and end on a Monday anytime during September 2009, and is for serious adult fishing only.

    Donated by Dahn and Mary Clemens and Matt and Sheryl Fitzgerald and Friends of St. Cecilia
    Value: $2,000

16. Mystery Dinner at the Joslyn Castle

    Enjoy a fabulous evening of food, fun and frivolity as party guests work together to solve a mystery game at the historic Joslyn Castle. Dinner for eight will be prepared and served by Friends of Saint Cecilia. Date to be determined based on mutual availability, and must be arranged at least 30 days in advance and within one year.

    Donated by Rod and Mary Jewell, Bryan and Jan Zimmer, and Friends of Saint Cecilia
    Value: $1500

17. Have a “Wicked” Good Time!

    The Broadway smash hit “Wicked” comes to Omaha! This package includes four prime seats at the Orpheum Theater on opening night. The evening isn’t over after you see this fabulous show that was nominated for 10 Tony Awards. The party continues after the performance with four passes to the cast party. Have a “Wicked” good time!

    Donated by Friends of Saint Cecilia
    Value: Priceless

18. Attention Future Prep Students! Meet Creighton Prep President Reverend Tom Merkel

    Looking for a way to ease the transition from junior high to high school? Next year’s eighth grade boys have an opportunity to spend a relaxed evening with Prep President Father Tom Merkel at the home of Tony and Laura Romero. The evening is full of choices, from what to have for dinner to which sport to play afterward in the Romeros’ spacious backyard. Parents can join Father Merkel and their sons later for drinks and dessert. A good time will be had by all…..this is a much-anticipated annual event!

    Donated by Reverend Tom Merkel, Tony and Laura Romero
    Value: Priceless

19. Miracle Icons’ Labradorite Stone Necklace

    New York artisan Mary Jo Pane prides herself on creating one-of-a-kind pieces, some of which have been worn by Bruce Springsteen, Matthew McConaughey, and Dwayne Johnson. Ms. Pane used an antique Our Lady of Lourdes medal in crafting this unique piece of jewelry. Her work has been featured in O! and Glamour Magazines as well as Men’s Health.

    Donated by Mary Jo Pane and Lisa Pane
    Value: $395

20. Progressive Dinner…. Keep Movin’ in Midtown

    Will you start at the Mortons for cocktail hour, or end the evening with dessert at their Metcalfe Park home? Only the Justices, Lammers, Swartzes (and of course, the Mortons) know for sure. Be part of this first-time mysterious progressive dinner for eight as you tour Midtown course by course.

    Donated by Travis and Anjanette Justice, Tim and Pam Lammers, Hugh and Bridget Morton, and Mike and Julie Swartz
    Value: Priceless

21. Original Handmade Cross by Br. Mike Wilmot

    You'll cherish this unique work of art that will be handcrafted especially for you by Br. Mike Wilmot from railroad spikes. Br. Wilmot, a member of the Creighton University Jesuit community, has been creating these distinct and popular crosses for more than a decade. You'll sit down with Br. Wilmot and select a style of cross that he will design just for you. Your cross, which will be about two-feet high, will surely become a treasured piece of art for your family.

    Donated by Brother Mike Wilmot
    Value: $300

22. Meet Coach Altman and the Creighton University Basketball Players

    You will have 4 single game tickets to a Creighton University Men’s basketball game in the 2009-2010 season, plus the opportunity to meet Coach Altman and the players after the game in the Blue Jay locker room and the Qwest Center.

    Donated by Creighton Athletics
    Value: Priceless

23. History of the Cathedral Tour and Dinner With Rev. Michael Gutgsell

    Photos of Cathedral pastors of the past century line the walls of the rectory where a gourmet four-course dinner for ten will be served in the elegant dining room. Learn more about our magnificent Cathedral with a behindthe- scenes tour led by Fr. Gutgsell. Ask Father to share stories of the school's beginning from the annals of the Dominican journals which detail the hard work of the four nuns who started the school. Hosted by Brooks and Louise Joyner.

    Donated by Rev. Michael Gutgsell and Brooks and Louise Joyner
    Value: Priceless

24. Great Wolf Lodge…. 84 degrees. 100% fun.

    Long to get away but short on time? The Great Wolf Lodge, a year-round family destination resort, is the place to leave your worries behind. The kids will love the gigantic indoor waterpark. This package includes $350 towards lodging, plus a gas card, gift certificates to Arthur Bryant's Barbeque and Bob Evans'.

    Donated by Friends of Saint Cecilia
    Value: $500

25. Dinner with the Rev. Steven Boes, Principal of Boystown

    Drive out West Dodge Road to the sprawling campus of Boystown and be a part of a wonderful dinner for six. Father Boes’ cross-shaped new home will serve as a reminder of the spiritual mission of this Omaha landmark. As Father Edward Flanagan, Boystown’s 1917 founder, said, the work of Boystown goes on, because it is God’s work, not his or that of the leaders who have followed him. Enjoy a memorable evening as Father Boes recounts tales of Boystown’s past and present, and its plans for the future. Hosted by Pat and Amy Campagna and Tim and Pam Lammers. Mutually agreed date after September 2009.

    Donated by Rev. Steven Boes and Pat and Amy Campagna and Tim and Pam Lammers
    Value: Priceless

26. Lady’s Swiss Blue Topaz Necklace

    This amazing necklace has an approximate retail value of a 14 karat white gold pendant, containing one 10 x 4 x 3mm rectangular Swiss Blue Topaz, set above pave-set round brilliant diamonds weighing a total of 0.26 carats, all diamonds at least SI-1 in clarity and G (near colorless) in color, suspended on a 14 karat white gold 18” chain.

    Donated by Friends of St. Cecilia
    Value: $1,900

We need your help to make Comedy & Cuisine happen. The job descriptions, dates, locations, and number of volunteers needed are all listed below. To sign up, click on the job description heading and enter your contact information (email, name and contact number).

If you have any questions, please call Teresa Schneider at 426-3309.

Thank you!

1. Ticket prices for the event have not increased. Prices are still $75 per person, same as last year. Also, there is a discounted ticket for people who have never attended the event before. These tickets are $60. You’ll enjoy a wonderful meal, music and entertainment. The event, which also includes live and silent auctions, is the main fund-raiser for St. Cecilia Grade School. Proceeds help pay for improvements at our school.
2. You’ll have fun! Busy parents don’t get a lot of chances to get a little dressed up and go out for a night on the town. So get the babysitter lined up and treat yourself to some grown-up fun.
3. You’ll build community. People who attend Comedy & Cuisine get to know fellow parents and parishioners better and get a stronger understanding of what makes our school special. People who volunteer during the event do the same.
4. You don’t have to dress like a movie star. Comedy & Cuisine is a semi-formal event. For guys, that usually means a suit or a sport coat and tie. Most ladies wear a knee-length dress or dress slacks and blouse.
5. Your bank account doesn’t have to look like Warren Buffett’s. People who attend often bid during the silent auction. But the silent auction has many affordable and practical items such as gift cards and athletic apparel. The live auction packages, such as gourmet dinners and tickets to sporting events, are more expensive. But often groups of parents will combine their money and bid together. They share the cost and the package.
6. You don’t have to move like you’re on “Dancing with the Stars.” There is a DJ and dancing at the event. It’s great if you want to hit the dance floor, but many people just sit back and relax.
7. You don’t have to be a social butterfly. Hundreds of people attend Comedy & Cuisine, so you won’t know everyone. But don’t worry about it. Our goal is to seat you with parents from your child’s class or anyone you request. Even if you don’t know all the people at your table, everyone is friendly.

No we’re not talking basketball. It’s countdown to Comedy and Cuisine time!

Invitations are out and it’s time to plan for your night of fun, entertainment, and chance to be a part of the largest school fundraiser of the year!

Ticket discounts

Tickets are $60 for people who have never attended before. Regular ticket price is $75, same as last year.

March 28, 2009

The event is again planned for the beautiful Hilton Omaha next to the Qwest Center. The night of Comedy & Cuisine is a semi-formal dinner that includes entertainment and live and silent auctions

Get your group bids together for some great live auction dinners!

It’s a tradition of Comedy and Cuisine to have some great dinner packages available during live auction. This is a chance for you and some old or some new friends to bid together for a night of terrific cuisine and fun. Here are just some of the dinners for you to start planning for.

• Dinner with Sheila Haggas- Duschense Head of School A French theme
• Dinner with Mrs. Rourke, Hosted by Mike and Julie Swartz and Tom and Barb Dineen
• Riverfront Dinner at Bob and Mary Kay Gerken’s
• A Progressive Dinner Hosted by the Mortons, Justices, Lammers and Swartzes
• Private Dinner and Tour at the Josyln Art Museum, Hosted by Brooks Joyner
• Dinner for six at Father Steve Boes’ home, Principal at Boystown, to be held at his new home that is in the shape of a cross.

If you've ever considered attending Comedy & Cuisine, this is the year to go. We are offering a discounted ticket to people who have never attended the event before. These tickets are $60 per person. The regular ticket price is $75 per person, the same as last year.

Comedy & Cuisine is the main fund-raiser for St. Cecilia Grade School and is planned for Saturday, March 28 at Hilton Omaha. The event is a semi-formal dinner that includes silent and live auctions, entertainment and music. It's a great way to build community and get to know other parents and parishioners. You'll have a great time. Just ask other parents who have attended in the past.

Invitations were sent the third week of February. If you haven't received one, call Beth Klug at the rectory, 551-2313. If you have received an invitation, please send in your reservations as soon as possible. Volunteers in early March will start calling fellow parents to tell them about the event and encourage them to attend. You can be seated with other parents from your class or anyone you choose.

We still need more auction items for the event. Silent auction categories include home, kids, arts, jewelry and sports. Contact Marci Biven at 561-9471 or biven@cox.net or Martha O'Connor at 551-0333 or oirishbug@aol.com.

Mark your Calendars for this years Comedy & Cuisine!
March 28, 2009...

The event is again planned for the beautiful Hilton Omaha next to the Qwest Center. The night of Comedy & Cuisine is a semi-formal dinner that includes entertainment and live and silent auctions. Invitations will be sent later this month.

The event is the primary fund-raiser for St. Cecilia Grade School and has raised more than $1.2 million for important capital improvements since it was first held 10 years ago!

Chairs

Event chairs for 2009 are Rus and Marci Biven and Mike and Martha O’Connor. Chairs for 2010 are Michael and Kimberly Joyce and Mike and Julie Swartz.

Honorary Chairs

We are pleased that Barry and Mary Agnes Gerken and Bob and Mary Kay Gerken are serving as Honorary Chairs of 2009 Comedy & Cuisine.

Entertainment for the Night

Comedian John Paul Morgan will bring his high-energy talents to Comedy & Cuisine 2009.

Underwriting

Please remember to return your underwriting contributions to Beth Klug at the Rectory. You donations help fund important capital improvements at our school.

How you can help

We need more auction items so please contact the Bivens at 561-9471 or biven@cox.net or the O’Connors at 551-0333 or oirishbug@aol.com if you have an item to donate. Silent auction categories include Home, Kids, Arts, Jewelry and Sports. Gift certificates for restaurants and services make great donations and are still needed.

We also need donated packages for the live auction. These can include sporting events, concerts, gourmet meals, golf trips and vacations. Get creative!

Some of the favorites

Do you know what your kids have been working on? A favorite part of the event is seeing the class art projects that are worked on by each grade and donated to the event for auction. The kids love being a part of raising money for the school and are also excited to work on their art projects. Here is a little information to peak your interest….can you match up the project your child is a part of? A three piece picture designed by the students representing new beginnings, a photographic collage, a Cross representing that special 1st Communion year, a perpetual wooden calendar, a mirror with cooper design work by the students, a table handcrafted with religious symbols designed by students and a book not only authored by the students but full of photos they took on a behinds the scene tour of the Cathedral. There are more projects being worked so make sure you are getting the inside scoop from your kids!

Have you heard...

from your room mom yet? The room moms are busy getting baskets ready to sell at the Operetta and to donate as silent auction items for the night of Comedy and Cuisine. Some of the great baskets that are being put together include, Pamper Me, Italian fixings, Going Green, Get Healthy, Chocolate Delights, Photography for You and Me, Scrape Bookers Fun and many more. Be ready to shop at the Operetta and to do lots of bidding at the auction for these great items.

Baubles and Bubbles is also a traditional part of the Comedy and Cuisine evening. This year’s item for Baubles and Bubbles is an amazing Miracle Icon’s religious pendant donated by Mary Jo Pane, Kyle Pane’s aunt. You won’t want to miss the chance to drink some Champaign and have an opportunity to own this beautiful piece of jewelry.

Some items for your live bidding pleasure this year are Wicked tickets to the summer production, Creighton Basketball Box seats, and don’t forget to get your group together to bid on all the great dinners that make the live auction so fantastic.

Do you want to party all night?

Well if you do the chairs have arranged for a special room rate at the Hilton. If you reserve your room prior to February 23rd your rate is $119.00 for the night! Just call the Hilton at 998-3400.

Please remember if you have any items for Live or Silent auction contact the Chairs – they would love to hear from you!

What is Comedy & Cuisine?

St. Cecilia Comedy & Cuisine began in April 1998 as a salute to Mrs. Bonnie Pryor, who had then served 25 years as St. Cecilia’s principal.

Since then the event has raised more than $1 million. The event funds capital improvements. Over the past 11 years, Comedy & Cuisine funds have provided a new science lab, computer technology, gym and kitchen renovations and new exterior windows for our school. Proceeds from last year’s event helped fund the renovations to the library and office and reception area.

The event is not just a way to raise money, it also builds community. Those who attend or volunteer get to know other school parents and parishioners better and develop a stronger understanding of what
makes our school special.

The night of Comedy & Cuisine is a semi-formal dinner that includes live and silent auctions, along with awards and entertainment. Invitations will be sent in February so watch for yours in the mail!

Gentlemen:
Please Join us in a friendly game of cards to support the underwriting of St. Cecilia’s Comedy & Cuisine. There will also be sports on TV for the non-players.

When: January 17, 2009
8pm - Midnight

Where: California Taco
33rd and California

Suggested Donation: $25

Saint Cecilia Grade School recently launched its 101st year – a new century – of excellence in education. This new century begins with excitement: Students are learning in a renovated library; parents and visitors are welcomed at a new reception area; and a new principal, Paulette Rourke, is carrying on excellent leadership in the Dominican tradition.

These renovations are the latest improvements funded with help from Cathedral Comedy & Cuisine. It has raised more than $1 million for important capital improvements at our award-winning school. The 12th annual dinner and auction will be Saturday, March 28, 2009 at Hilton Omaha.

We are pleased that Barry and Mary Agnes Gerken and Bob and Mary Kay Gerken are serving as Honorary Chairs for 2009. Barry and Bob are graduates of Saint Cecilia Grade School and Cathedral High School. Both couples have a long history of service and support for the school and parish.

The event will honor Leo Batenhorst, a longtime former school employee and dedicated volunteer, as Great Steward. We will also honor as Great Family the multiple generations of Stoffels who have been a vital part of our school for more than six decades.

Money raised in 2009 will be used to install fire-rated hallway doors and a new fire alarm system for our school. Additionally we will replace the chairs in St. Bernadette Hall and begin replacing the desks and chairs for our students in their classrooms.

You now have the opportunity to contribute to our new century. Private schools providing excellence in education cannot survive without help from a large body of contributors. Dedication, hard work and money are needed to continually achieve the high standard of education our school provides. Please consider a gift to help preserve a valuable community asset.

Sincerely,

Barry & Mary Agnes Gerken
Bob & Mary Kay Gerken
2009 Honorary Chairs

Paulette Rourke
Principal

Rus & Marci Biven
Mike & Martha O’Connor
2009 Chairs

Michael & Kimberly Joyce
Mike & Julie Swartz
2010 Chairs