The 2008 Friends of Gehlen Catholic Ball, which will be held Saturday, April 12, at the LeMars Convention Center, will celebrate "The American Dream," stated Chairs Gene & Kathy (Langel) Sitzmann.  The announcement was made during the major donor's reception Saturday, February 16^th, at Willow Creek Golf Course in Le Mars. 

 

During the program, the 2008 Friends of Gehlen Catholic Ball will pay honor and homage to our past and present service men and women, who have been named as this year’s honorees.  Kathy shared, "This year's event focuses on the gifts that have been bestowed upon our community - our faith, education, and patriotism.  We will never be able to adequately express our gratitude for their sacrifices.  We hope through our Veteran's Day Liturgy, the launch of Wreaths Across America here in Plymouth County, and through the Ball, we can express our appreciation.  We are so blessed to live in a country where we can safely tuck our children into bed at night; worship in the church of our choice; and provide our children a quality education so they can live the "The American Dream."

 

The 2008 Friends of Gehlen Catholic Ball begins with a mouth-watering buffet, prepared by Timmy's Catering, including chef-carved sirloin, chicken marsalas, and homemade apple pie. 

 

This year's featured vintner is the Loess Hills Vineyard & Winery of Crescent, Iowa.  Owners, Sheila & Larry Rohatsch, are the niece and nephew of Gehlen Catholic parents, Bonnie & Stan Meyer, of St. Joseph Catholic Church -  Struble.  Graduates of Bishop Heelan and Council Bluffs St. Albert's Catholic Schools, respectively, their "American Dream" was open their own winery.  Loess Hills Vineyard & Winery is the largest winery in Western Iowa. 

 

The silent auction, which is currently on display at Perkins Office Solutions, will feature ten unique items including:

• A grandfather's clock from Dick Ahler's Clocks in the Southern Hills Mall;

• Holiday dinner for eight prepared by Dave & Patti Hill;

• American flag to fly over our nation's Capitol on a day of your choice, donated by Senator & Mrs. Grassley;

• Service hours from September to April by Gehlen Catholic students;

• Tailgate for four couples including prime rib from Fareway prepared by Gene & Kathy, a Kenmore grill from Sears/Heissel's, Inc., reserved seats at the first Gehlen Catholic home football game;

• Your preschool through 2^nd grade daughter/granddaughter will serve as Gehlen Catholic cheerleader for a season, along with reserved seating for four;

• Handmade Gehlen Catholic afghan from Mr. Alesch's 96-year old grandmother, along with a light oak quilt rack from Oak & Treasurers;

• Principal for a Day;

• Four-night stay in Dave & Mary Kay Hoffman’s & Ron & Sylvia Fischer's cabin in Deadwood, South Dakota; and

• A "Welcome Quilt" featuring the "Gehlen Stars" created by Beth & Brittney Schlichte (part of the LeMars Arts Council & ISU Extension barn quilt project in Plymouth County).

The program will conclude with the spring raffle, in which $10,000 in cash will be given away.  Afterwards, Patrick Shearon ('65) will play music by request in the upper level of the LeMars Convention Center.  The Rude Awakening will perform music from the 1980's in the lower level.

 

The Friends of Gehlen Catholic Ball has become one of the premier events in the LeMars area.  The Friends of Gehlen Catholic Ball has raised over $1.9 million in the past twenty years.  The proceeds of the Ball impact every student, every grade, and every department.