by Jan Stuart, Director of Annual Giving

MOSAIC, Fall 2007

Close to six hundred supporters of Sacred Heart Major Seminary filled the Presidential Ballroom of The Ritz-Carlton in Dearborn, Michigan, for the Tenth Annual Cardinal's Gala, held on Wednesday, June 13, 2007.  The fundraiser, held annually in support of the seminary's work and mission to form priests, deacons and lay ministers, raised more than $660,000.  The event truly was an evening full of excitement.

 

Serving as Honorary Co-chairs for the Gala were Ed Peper, Jr., General Manager for GM's Chevrolet Division, and his wife, Pam. Richard Genthe, President of Dick Genthe Chevrolet, and his wife, Kathy, gave a repeat performance as Dinner Co-chairs, having also chaired the Cardinal's Gala in 2005.  Mr. and Mrs. Genthe wrote, "This year, the Cardinal's Gala is entitled 'Listen to My Voice' and it is our prayer that we would daily open our lives to His ever present word.  It is truly a voice that speaks of freedom, faith, and truth every day."

 

Title Sponsor for this year's Gala was Chevrolet; the Knights of Columbus Michigan State Council served as Event Sponsor.

 

Popular Detroit morning news personality Guy Gordon of WDIV's Local 4 News Team emceed the event.

 

Also joining the Gala was Mr. Ryan Watson of Park West Galleries.  Mr. Watson led guests in an entertaining live auction of items including a trip to the Vatican, artwork from Peter Max, along with other exciting trips and gifts.  Thanks to Mr. Watson and many generous supporters of Sacred Heart, this year's auction raised a record $106,450!

 

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Michael Monicatti of Shelby Township, the lucky winner of the Gala raffle, a 2007 Corvette® Convertible -- Limited Edition Model of the 2007 Indy 500® Pace Car donated by Kathy and Richard Genthe of Dick Genthe Chevrolet.

 

As a special treat for this year's Gala entertainment, the Sacred Heart Seminary Concert Chorale performed under the direction of Dr. Ronald Prowse, liturgical music director at the seminary. Commenting on the entertainment, Cardinal Adam Maida said, "I am confident they will inspire us all and let us see and hear our contributions at work!"  Their spiritual selections certainly were an inspiration.
 
Many of Sacred Heart's seminarians and lay students attended this year's Gala, giving our guests the opportunity to visit with these priests and lay ministers in training.

 

When thanking the Gala's many supporters Sacred Heart's Rector/President, Msgr. Jeffrey M. Monforton, said, "Our Lord invites us to listen to his voice as we embrace the mission entrusted his first disciples.  On behalf of Sacred Heart, thank you for your participation at the Cardinal's Gala, providing Sacred Heart the necessary means by which we craft our future priests and their collaborators for today and tomorrow."

 

We look forward to seeing you all at the Cardinal's Gala 2008 on Wednesday, June 11th!