21st Gala draws support for St. James School

by Rachel Hunter

It was an evening to remember as the North Country community crowded into the St. James School to support the small Catholic school with a big heart during the 21st Annual St. James Gala Benefit on Saturday, February 10.

For over 60 years, the St. James School in Gouverneur 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.

In keeping with the “Adventure Awaits” theme, all were invited to “embrace the journey” at the St. James Gala. The 2024 theme verse was Ruth 1:16 “Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you stay, I will stay.” All were warmly welcomed to the St. James Gala by the St. James Gala Gals Committee, St. James School Advancement Director Bridgette LaPierre, and St. James School Principal Laurel Bartholomew, as well as Father Jay Seymour of the St. James Catholic Church in Gouverneur.

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 that ensured every aspect of the annual fundraiser was success. Fun, food and fellowship was available throughout the evening, and many North Country residents said they are looking forward to attending in future years.

A scrumptious dinner featuring red pepper and gouda soup, Italian salad, the main course of Bermuda Triangle (chicken cutlet, filet of beef, and shrimp and asparagus with Hollandaise sauce), along with an assortment of desserts. 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. Much gratitude was extended to the chefs and volunteers for the exceptional meal.

Throughout the evening, the guests also enjoyed the musical stylings of local DJ Nick Fuller, a St. James alum. Mrs. LaPierre reported that local newlyweds, Josh and Amanda Creel, took the 2024 St. James Gala theme (Adventure Awaits) to a whole new level by embracing the journey together, and having their first dance as a married couple on gala night. Flats were provided for those wishing to kick off their heels and dance the night away.

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 various fundraiser games. New this year was the First Class Upgrade Raffle, where the winner had the opportunity to choose any item off the in-person or online silent auction regardless of the highest bid. Other favorites included the “Hold Onto Your Passport” poker game, Baggage Claim Pay-N-Pick Raffle, Ten Times Game, and more.

During the dinner, North Country residents were invited to try their hand at opening the available Treasure Chests with the keys purchased earlier in the evening. The winners won the top, coveted prizes, including the following: Jewelry Package by Brown’s Jewelry and Friends of St. James (diamond earrings totaling 1.5 carat set in white gold, valued at $1,495), Fueling Up Package ($500 gift card to Philly Fuels, Inc.), $500 Cash Prize (sponsored by BCS Landscaping, Northern Collision, Vintage Doors, and Friends of St. James), $1,000 of Heating Fuel from Bush Fuels, ”Destination Unknown” Weekend Getaway (two-night stay at a Hilton Resort and a suitcase full travel goodies donated by Arctic Fox, valued at over $600), Elegant Evening Package (including an overnight stay at the Lawrence Manor, two tickets to the 2025 Gala, a gift certificate for a dress or suit and hairstyles by Tangles Salon), Queen for a Day by Tangles Salon and Day Spa (valued at over $300), About Town Package (over $300 in gift certificates at various local vendors), Something for Him Package ($300 gift card to Small Town Supply), Safe While Away Package (luggage set and Ring Security system for the home, an over $400 value). 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 students at Southwest Tech BOCES in Fowler), Fear The G Cornhole Game (created by Jim Minckler, valued at over $350), Kayak (donated by Aubuchon and Friends at St. James, $750 value), Favorite Things Party hosted by The Gala Gals, Mangia with the Pistolesi Family, Bear Royale Hunting Bow (donated by Sub Zero Archery, $500 value), Circle of Friends (table at 2025 Gala, valued at $450 for tickets alone), Progressive Dinner at Sylvia Lake (made possible by Shawn and Clara Cummings, John and Jeanette Perry, Joel and Bridgette LaPierre, and Sara and Derek Breckenridge). It was later reported that over $7,300 was raised in the live auction alone.

The auction fun continued with the online auction, which is scheduled to close today (Friday, February 16), featuring many items donated by local businesses and individuals alike. As of press time this week, one of the highest bids ($700) in the online was for original artwork, created by the late Paula Towne in 1989, featuring an illustration of Msgr. Gerald Service walking the steps of faith into the St. James Catholic Church in Gouverneur. This original masterpiece was generously donated by the family of Paula Towne, and is a priceless keepsake. There were also a lot of interest in becoming a Tuition Angel (providing scholarship support for students). Bidders also supported the auction items St. James School students to become “Principal for a Day” or to “Skip School” with Principal Bartholomew, among other special prizes.

A pop-up professional photography studio was established in one of the classrooms at St. James School, so that attendees could take photos during the 2024 St. James Gala benefit event.

The atmosphere was electric throughout the evening at the 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 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., Superior Plus Propane), Gold (Family of Joseph and Carolyn Pistolesi, Blevins Ford and Team Blevins, LLC, Northern Tier Contracting, Inc., Case & Leader LLP, Albert and Theresa Desormeaux, KPH Healthcare), Silver (Family of Marianno and Maybelle Pistolesi, Newvine’s NAPA Auto Parts, Dr. Marlene Hajal Mouaikel, MD, and family, Dr. Scott Day), Bronze (Joe Laurenza, A Plus Auto Care, Inc., Roput Veterinary Clinic, Specialty Floors, LLC), Friends of the Gala (Advanced Business Systems, Arctic Fox, BCS Landscaping, Brown’s Jewelry, Bush Fuels, Lawrence Manor, Northern Collision, Philly Fuels, Inc., Family of Antonio (Tony) and Quinta Pistolesi and the Casablanca Restaurant, Small Town Supply, Tangles Salon, Vintage Doors, and various local vendors. Much gratitude is extended for the generous support for St. James School during the gala. The final fundraising totals will be reported once made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press.

Many North Country residents have already stated that they are looking forward to the 2025 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 2024 Lenten Season, starting on Friday, February 16, at the St. James School, South Gordon Street, Gouverneur. The dinners will be served, starting 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 $15 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.