Return to Fabulous Vegas: 20th Gala Benefit raises estimated $55,000 for St. James School

by Rachel Hunter

The 20th Annual St. James Gala drew a crowd inside the St. James School for the first gala benefit since the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, which forced the annual fundraiser to a virtual format for the last two years. At the 5:45 p.m. start time on Saturday, February 11, the doors of the St. James School in Gouverneur swung open and excited North Country residents walked in to the “Return to Fabulous Vegas” St. James Gala Benefit – ready to support the small Catholic school with a big heart.

It is estimated that $55,000 was raised at the annual fundraiser in support of St. James School. For over 60 years, the St. James School has provided outstanding education to the whole community. 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. All were welcomed to the 20th Annual St. James Gala by St. James Advancement Director Bridgette LaPierre and St. James School Principal Laurel Bartholomew, and the invocation was led by Father Jay Seymour of the St. James Catholic Church in Gouverneur.

The St. James Gala Gals committee (including Clara Cummings, Kylie Sands, Joni Bates, Bridgette LaPierre, Jeanne Sweeney, Elaine Terpstra, and Gidget Wainwright, and MaryBeth Friot) ensured every aspect of the annual fundraiser was success. The St. James School gymnasium was dressed to the nines in a Las Vegas theme, featuring decks of playing cards, dice, and more. Upon entry, attendees were encouraged to bid on the many silent auction items, play the available games, and purchase Treasure Chest Keys, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the St. James Gala Gals committee. Fun, food and fellowship was available throughout the evening, and many North Country resident said they are looking forward to attending in future years.

A scrumptious dinner featuring Red Pepper and Gouda Soup, Italian Salad, and main course of Bermuda Triangle (chicken cutlet, filet of beef, and shrimp with Hollandaise sauce) and a basket potato were exceptionally prepared by chefs John Pistolesi of Gouverneur and Shawn Cummings of Gouverneur. The dinner was served by St. James School alumni, and friends in the Gouverneur Middle School and Gouverneur High School, including members of the National Honor Society. Corrine LaPierre, St. James alumna, was the supervisor for the student servers. Throughout the evening, the guests also enjoyed the musical stylings of local DJ Nick Fuller, a St. James alum. Many words of gratitude were extended to all those who made the event a success.

Many North Country residents are still abuzz in excitement over their wins at the St. James Gala during the Texas Hold’Em Game, Pay-N-Pick Raffle, Roulette, Winner Takes All Raffle, and Ten X Game. During the St. James Gala, it was announced that all hands of the Texas Hold’Em Game had sold, and that $435 would go to the winner. After the game was played, it was announced that Carol Lamson would take home the pot. Great applause sounded as the game winners of the various games were announced throughout the evening.

During the dinner, North Country residents were invited to “try their luck” at opening the available Treasure Chests with the keys purchased earlier in the evening. The winners won the top, coveted prizes.

Tim Sweeney won the Jewelry Package by Brown’s Jewelry and Friends of St. James. The package included Inside-Out Diamond earrings totaling .5-carat set in white gold, valued at $1,800.

Cassidy LaPierre won the “Fueling Up” prize, a $500 gift card to Philly Fuels, Inc.

Judy Davis won a $500 cash prize, sponsored by BCS Landscaping, Northern Collision, Silver Leaf Diner, and Friends of St. James.

Awa Toure won 300 gallons of fuel by Bush Fuels in Gouverneur.

Jeanne Sweeney won the “Place Your Bets” prize, a $300 gift card to Turning Stone Casino and lottery tickets.

Beth Sonntag won the “Elegant Evening Package” which features an overnight stay at the Lawrence Manor, two tickets to the 2024 Gala, a gift certificate for a dress and hairstyles by Tangles Salon in Gouverneur. It included a gift basket.

Kadie Haines won the “Queen for a Day” prize by Tangles Salon and Day Spa, valued at over $300.

Lisa Bercier won the “About Town” prize, which included over $300 in gift certificates at various local vendors.

Michelle Fuller won the “Something For Him” prize, featuring a $300 gift card to Small Town Supply Ace Hardware in Gouverneur and a Werner Work Platform.

Jennifer Infield won the “A Safe Bet” prize featuring security floodlights, security system, and a fireproof document safe, valued at $400.

Many words of congratulations were extended to the Treasure Chest winners.

After attendees enjoyed the delectable dinner and dessert, the silent auction closed and the live auction commenced. It was conducted by local auctioneer, Don Peck, who encouraged all in attendance to bid high and often in support of St. James School. Many North Country residents were impressed at the high quality of items available on the auction block. This includes the following: Fire Pit (created by Southwest Tech (BOCES) Metalworking Technology students), Party Cornhole Game (handcrafted cornhole game by Randy Davis), Nature Excursion to the Terpstra Family Farm, Church Pew (Sacred Heart Memorabilia), Favorite Things Party (hosted by the Gala Gals), Mangia with the Pistolesi Family, A Winning Hand Package, Car Care Package (30 car washes at the 5 Season Car and Pet Wash), Cute Cuddles surprise package, Circle of Friends (Reserved Gala Table Prize Package), as well as a Progressive Dinner at Sylvia Lake (hosted by Shawn and Clara Cummings, John and Jeanette Perry, Joel and Bridgette LaPierre, and Sara and Derek Breckenridge). The fun continued with the online auction, which closed on Wednesday, and featured more than 60 items donated by local businesses and individuals alike.

All attendees were also invited to get their photo taken by a local professional photographer during the 2023 St. James Gala Benefit event.

The atmosphere was electric throughout the evening at the 20th Annual St. James Gala last Saturday as North Country community members, St. James School Alumni, St. James School families, and others supported the St. James Parish School during the annual benefit fundraiser.

The St. James Gala received the following sponsorships: Crown of Jewels (Diane and Tim Monroe), Diamond (Gouverneur Savings and Loan Association, RSI Roofing, Inc.), Platinum (Superior Plus Propane), Gold (Blevins Ford and Team Blevins, LLC, Case & Leader LLP, Albert and Theresa Desormeaux, Northern Tier Contracting, Inc., and Weekes Insurance Agency), Silver (Dr. Scott Day, Friend of St. James, Joe Laurenza, Dr. Marlene Hajal Mouaikel and family, family of Joseph and Carolyn Pistolesi, family of Marianno (Mario) and Mabel Pistolesi), Bronze (A Plus Auto, Inc., Cives Steel Co., Firley, Moran, Freer and Easa, CPA, KPH Healthcare, Newvine’s Auto Parts, LLC, NY Pizzeria, Richville Furniture, and Specialty Floors), and Friends of the Gala (Advanced Business Systems, BCS Landscaping, Brown’s Jewelry, Bush Fuels, Lawrence Manor, Northern Collision, North Country Lock and Key, Philly Fuels, Inc., Family on Antolio (Tony) and Quinta Pistolesi and the Casablanca Restaurant, Roput Veterinary Clinic, Small Town Supply, Tangles Salon, and many, various local vendors.

Many North Country residents are looking forward to the 2024 St. James Gala Benefit. For more information about St. James School, visit stjamesk-6.org or call 315-287-0130.

North Country residents will have more opportunities to support St. James at the upcoming St. James Fish Frys during the 2023 Lenten Season, starting on Friday, February 24, held weekly on Fridays through April 7, serving at 4:30 p.m. until sold out. All funds raised to support St. James School in Gouverneur. Call 315-287-0130 for local deliveries. The cost for the dinners is $12 and includes fish, choice of mac and cheese or French fries, roll, cole slaw, and dessert. Children 5 and under eat free. For more information, call the St. James School at 315-287-0130.