Msgr. Patrick Halfpenny, former seminary vice rector, with parishioners Huong and Scott Reilly, John and Dana Murphy, and Shari Warezak

The Michigan spring suddenly turned to summer, sunny and hot. It was a perfect day to share a cool beverage and a fine meal with friends at Archbishop’s Gala 2011, held on June 8.

The annual fundraiser supports the mission of Sacred Heart and this year it raised over $600,000. The gala was held for the first time at the beautiful and spacious Ford Conference and Event Center in Dearborn, Michigan.

Upon entering the center’s reception area, guests were met by an army of waiters offering a “Holy Mojito,” the refreshing signature cocktail of the gala, along with delicious hors d’oeuvres. Christian Financial Credit Union and its president, Patti Campbell, hosted the reception, while State Deputy Thomas Marcetti Sr. and the Michigan State Council Knights of Columbus was the event sponsor. Friends gathered to share stories, catch up on news and have their photo taken with Archbishop Allen Vigneron.

A crowd formed in the center of the hall to gaze upon the raffle car, a stunning 2011 Chevy Camaro, donated by Richard and Kathy Genthe of Dick Genthe Chevrolet in Southgate. The winning raffle ticket was pulled after dinner by Kathy and the lucky winner was John Hudspeth of Commerce, Michigan. The raffle raised $177,000 toward the evening’s grand total.

The Grande Ballroom was decked out in flowers and lit by decorative candles, courtesy of Thrifty Flowers, Southfield. Emcee Fr. Tim Birney, archdiocesan vocations director, and Msgr. Jeffrey Monforton, Sacred Heart’s rector, welcomed the guests. Two of the three new Detroit auxiliary bishops joined the festivities, Bishop Donald Hanchon and Bishop Michael Byrnes.

Bishop Byrnes spoke about the seminarians’ enthusiastic participation in the Detroit Free Press Marathon last October, in which sixty seminarians competed in the different events. His presentation led into a pledge auction to help fund a new running track at the seminary, conducted by Robert DuMouchelle of DuMouchelle Art Galleries, Detroit. The total pledges exceeded $50,000.

Archbishop Vigneron thanked the guests for their generosity toward the seminary, and Bishop Hanchon led the benediction, ending the official program for the evening. But the night was still young. Guests then enjoyed a Sweet Endings buffet sponsored by Flagship Private Air and its president, Tim Patton. Sweets, treats and gourmet coffees were savored with friends or packed up to take home for later.

The seminarians, faculty and staff of Sacred Heart thank all who attended, advertised and donated to this important event. Wednesday, June 6, 2012, is the date for next year’s gala. We look forward to seeing you there.