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Upcoming Event
Crozier Gala marks major milestones
Annual fundraiser set for April 19
By Andrew Junker, The Catholic Sun
March 6, 2008
The invitations have been sent, the menu is fixed and the band has been booked — preparations for this year’s Crozier Gala are nearing completion, according to chairwoman Colleen Will.
“We are just so excited,” she said. “It’s all come together in such a beautiful way.”
This year’s Crozier Gala — the major fundraising effort of the Catholic Community Foundation — holds special significance. It’s the gala’s 20th and the foundation’s 25th anniversary this year.
The money raised by the gala comprises the unrestricted funds that the foundation awards through its competitive grants program. The money directly supports local Catholic schools, communication programs, catechetical formation and services to the poor.
“My committee has been working so hard to keep costs down and yet still have an incredible evening,” said Will, who expects a sell-out crowd of around 850 people.
The gala will be held April 19 at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale. The evening’s entertainment will feature dancing to a live band and a video that will highlight all the good work the foundation and its supporters have done throughout the diocese.
Fiesta Bowl President and CEO John Junker will emcee the evening.
Will predicted that every past Crozier Gala chairwoman will attend the event, where they will be honored. The event will also recognize Bruce and Diane Halle of the Halle Family Foundation for their philanthropic work with the Vatican in restoring some of Michelangelo’s artwork.
The annual event draws continued support from all over the diocese. Monnie Calfee has been involved with the gala since its inception and served as chairwoman in 1992. She recently held an envelope-stuffing party at her house to help get the invitations out.
“I assist every year,” she said. “A lot of the original committee members are still involved. The groups have gotten a little bigger, but for me it hasn’t really changed that much.”
Calfee did note that now the daughters of some of the original committee members are helping to plan the event.
“We still draw chairwomen from all over the Valley to get the different parishes involved,” she said.
Will is just happy that the date has nearly arrived and is looking forward to the festivities.
“Expect an elegant evening filled with love and hospitality,” she said.
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