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 (Photo contributed) The Rev. Kevin Richter (far left), and Gehlen Catholic principals, Jeff Alesch and Lorie Nussbaum (far right) receive a check in the amount of $193,583.50 from chairs (center, left to right), Jeremy and Jackie Sitzmann and Ryan and Stacy Wiltgen. [Click to enlarge] |
For many, Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in November. But for Gehlen Catholic, this year's Friends of Gehlen Catholic Ball was the kick off for National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 26-May 2. The gala, held Saturday, April 25, focused on thanking those individuals who give generously of their time, talents, and treasurers to the school.
Dick Ahlers, chairman of the Gehlen Catholic Schools Endowment Fund, presented the Spirit of Peter Gehlen Award to an outstanding couple. Jim Sitzmann, Sr. was one of the original members of the Endowment Fund more than 20 years ago. Sitzmann also served on the Gehlen Catholic School Board in 1961 and 1962. In addition to giving of the time and talents, Sitzmann and his wife, Joan, have been ardent supporters of the school and Endowment Fund through their support of the Ball, Tuition Assistance Program, Msgr. Lafferty Tuition Foundation and Adopt-A-Room Campaign. Their children accepted the award on behalf of their parents.
 (Photo contributed) Gehlen Catholic Schools Endowment chairman Dick Ahlers (third from the left) honored Joan and Jim Sitzmann Sr. with the Spirit of Peter Gehlen Award. The award was presented Saturday to family members at Friends of Gehlen Catholic Ball. [Click to enlarge] |
Near the end of the evening's program, 2009 ball chairs Jeremy and Jackie Sitzmann and Ryan and Stacy Wiltgen, joined by this year's committee chairs and co-chairs, presented a check to the school in the amount of $193,583.
"Given the current economic environment, all of us connected with Gehlen Catholic School feel an extra measure of gratitude for the outpouring of support shown through donations made to this year's ball," said Richter. "I think everyone would agree that our final numbers were certainly higher than what we had anticipated we might be able to accomplish. To me, that only demonstrates one more time the deep level of commitment and dedication of so many people to Gehlen Catholic School."
The program included a heartfelt thank you from senior Keith Klein. The youngest son of Dave and Janet Klein from Hospers thanked those in attendance for their generous support. Klein is one of the many high school students, who over the years, transferred to Gehlen Catholic.
He shared the impact Gehlen Catholic has had on his life from academics and spiritual life to co-curricular activities and service opportunities, including his recent trip to Honduras.
Gehlen Ball chairs Jeremy and Jackie Sitzmann and Ryan and Stacy Wiltgen noted that in order for every student, like Klein, to be blessed with so many opportunities at Gehlen Catholic, it requires the work of many individuals. Attendees were asked to stand as the chairs read a list of 30 different volunteer organizations and groups, leaving no one seated.
Gehlen Catholic president, the Rev. Kevin Richter, gave a volunteer prayer/blessing. The Sitzmanns and Wiltgens noted that every volunteer was invited to the Volunteer Appreciation Mass during National Volunteer Week, which this year lands Wednesday, April 29. However, many are unable to attend due to their work and other commitments. This year's volunteer prayer/blessing at the ball allowed the school to better express its appreciation and thanks.
Proceeds of the Friends of Gehlen Catholic Ball are directly invested into every classroom. With increasing number of requests for assistance from families during the current school year, the gala plays an integral role in meeting the needs of students, both Catholic and non-Catholic, from transitional kindergarten to 12th grade.