An insulated hunting shack, donated by Silver Line Spray Foam, positioned outside St. James School this past week drew attention to the upcoming St. James Virtual Gala. This is just one of the items that will be auctioned off on Feb. 13. Registration forms are available at stjamesk-6.org. (Rachel Hunter photo)
by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur community is invited to participate this upcoming week in virtual fundraisers for St. James School and the Kiwanis Club of Gouverneur, Inc.
St. James Gala
The first live auction will be held on Saturday, February 13, 7 to 8 p.m., to benefit St. James School. The 2021 St. James Gala is virtual this year, and there is much fun to be had as community members support this small Catholic school with a big heart. There is no charge to register. The online registration form is available at http://stjamesk-6.org/. This event features auctioneer Don Peck and the “live” auction, Treasure Chest Raffle Drawing, and games.
Online auction bidding is also open until Sunday, February 14. Once registered, bidders will receive a link to the online auction. Once registered, a link will be provided to you.
This year, virtual gala attendees may purchase a “Key” raffle ticket. The tickets will be entered into the Treasure Chest Raffle. At the Virtual Gala on Saturday, February 13, 2021, officials will pull one ticket for each of 10 treasure chest prizes. Attendees do not need to be “present” to win. Organizers said there is no limit on the number of key raffle tickets attendees can purchase.
Some prizes include the following:
Jewelry Package by Brown’s Jewelry and Friends of St. James- Cluster of Diamonds totaling 1 carat on a 14 karat white gold chain. Valued at $1,250.
Gas for a Year - 12 $50 gift cards to Philly Fuels, Inc. Valued at $600.
$500 CASH prize -sponsored by BCS Landscaping, Northern Collision, and Friends of St. James.
300 Gallons of Fuel Oil from Bush Fuels.
Romantic Evening in a Jacuzzi Room at the Clearview Motel and dinner at the Casablanca Restaurant. Includes a champagne basket.
Elegant Evening Package includes an overnight stay at the Lawrence Manor, two tickets to the 2022 Gala and hairstyles by Tangles Salon. Includes a gift basket.
Queen for a Day by Tangles Salon and Day Spa, valued at over $300
About Town - $300+ in Gift Certificates at various local vendors.
Something for Him - $300 gift card to Small Town Supply- Ace Hardware.
Corona Deck Party - 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater and accessories for a deck party long after the summer nights have passed.
Key raffle tickets are $25 each or five for $100.
The 2021 St. James Virtual Gala will also include a “Play Like Jack” game. Just like in the Titanic movie, Jack wins his boarding pass in a poker game. Attendees can play the Gala version of Texas Hold’Em by purchasing a randomly assigned hand for $10. Attendees will be "dealt" two cards randomly which will be posted at the virtual gala Facebook "live" event. Once all the cards are purchased, the three "community cards" will be displayed. Attendees will pair their two cards with the community cards to determine their hand. The best hand wins half the pot.
2021 St. James Virtual Gala attendees also have the opportunity to become a Tuition Angel to a St. James School student by making a donation of $200. All money will go directly to credit a family's tuition balance who qualifies for tuition assistance based on income or situations, such as a loss of job or family illness.
St. James Parish School, located in Gouverneur, NY, is a private elementary school where faith and education come together. St. James School opened its doors in September 1960. Three Sisters of St. Joseph occupied the convent and taught in the school. One grade each year was added to the school until by 1965 there were eight grades. A kindergarten class was added in 1972. St. James School is a Catholic elementary school providing an excellent education for children in preschool through sixth grade. Joined together in a community of faith, St. James challenges students academically, while encouraging them to embrace the values that Jesus taught: faith in God, prayer and service, love and respect for self and others, compassion, responsibility, integrity, peace and justice. At St. James School, it is their mission to educate the whole child, mind, body, and soul. Today, with the scarcity of teaching sisters, lay teachers are employed at the school. St. James students are encouraged to expand their performing arts through our Christmas musicals, and Fine Arts Festival each year. The youth also actively participate in weekly Masses at church. St. James School has moderate tuition rates and receives tuition assistance from the Bishops Fund, Kremer Foundation Grant, Mater Dei Foundation, and the Msgr. Service Scholarship Fund. The mission of St. James Parish School is to provide a quality Catholic education for students to grow spiritually, academically, socially, and physically, in partnership with families and in harmony with the specific gifts given by God to each student. If you would like more information, please call 315-287-0130 or visit http://stjamesk-6.org/.
Kiwanis Auction
The Kiwanis Club of Gouverneur, Inc. is set to benefit from a “live” virtual auction on Wednesday, February 17, at 5 p.m.. Gouverneur Kiwanis Club President Charity Zawatski announced this week that Donald Peck of Gouverneur has generously agreed to donate his time for the virtual auction on Facebook. If you would like to be a part of this event, please contact Don Peck on Facebook and ask to be a “friend” and you will be able to see and participate in the auction.
President Zawatski reported that the Kiwanis Backpack Program supplies over 100 bags of to the youngest in the community. She added that the Kiwanis Club, this past summer, was able to provide fresh dairy and produce to the entire community. “We would not be able to continue these programs without the support of businesses and individuals,” she said. “Our biggest obstacle has been fundraising due to COVID-19 restrictions.”
President Zawatski said the Kiwanis Club is now accepting monetary donations or merchandise ahead of the Feb. 17 auction. Please contact Stephanie LaShomb at 315-323-2953 for more information or if you have any questions. Much gratitude is extended in advance for the support.
“Without community members such as yourself, we wouldn’t be able to continue,” President Zawatski said.
For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Gouverneur, speak with any Kiwanis Club member or visit the Kiwanis Club’s page on Facebook.
During the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, many in-person fundraising events have been canceled to “stop the spread.” The Gouverneur community is greatly encouraged to engage with this virtual benefit events and help support the St. James School and the Kiwanis Club of Gouverneur, Inc. More on these fundraisers will be reported in upcoming editions of the Gouverneur Tribune Press.