Shamrock 2012 - Denim & Diamonds
--Shamrock draft brochure now available (note: not final version and subject to change).--
Shamrock raffle announced! Click here for more info!
Shamrock FAQs
- What is Shamrock & why should I attend?
- What's the Shamrock Film Festival and how can I participate?
- How can I make a donation for the Shamrock auction?
- How do I get tickets to Shamrock?
- How do I get the group hotel rate if I want to stay at the Marriott after Shamrock?
- Why does the Shamrock ticket ask for my mobile phone number and carrier?
- What does one wear to Shamrock and how do I know who to sit with?
- How can I encourage and get information to others so they too can attend Shamrock?
- What do the proceeds from Shamrock go toward?
- How do I get a sneak peek at the Shamrock auction items so that I can plan my bids?
- What time should I arrive at Shamrock that night?
What is Shamrock & why should I attend?
Shamrock is an exciting evening of socializing and fun with St. Joseph parishioners and supporters at the school’s largest fundraiser of the year. This year’s event is Friday, April 27, 2012 at the Cedar Rapids Marriott. This annual gala includes dinner, silent and live auctions, games, dancing, and more.
Shamrock began as an event around St. Patrick’s Day. Due to various reasons, the event is now in late spring, but the name has remained. The Denim & Diamonds theme of the event emphasizes to everyone that you can come dressed down or dolled up—what’s important is that you’re there to support faith-filled education! Save the date. More info to come each week! “Like” us on Facebook.
What’s the Shamrock Film Festival and how can I participate?
Calling all budding directors, producers, actors, screenwriters, and anyone else who wants to make a film! This year’s video entertainment at Shamrock can be provided by you! During the course of the evening at Shamrock, short vignettes are played to show the fun and talented people in our parish. Make a video and submit it for judging by the Shamrock planning committee—the top five will win prizes. For official guidelines and the entry form, click here.
How can I make a donation for the Shamrock auction?
It is truly because of the generosity of our parishioners, neighbors, school associates and families, and the communities where they do business that Shamrock is such a success. And that success translates directly into success for the children at our school!
If you have an item or service that you want to donate to the Shamrock auction to help in its success, please contact Tammy McAllister by April 6 at 447-6374 or jtmcallister@mchsi.com. Donors will be recognized in the program and on large electronic displays at the event and your donation is tax deductible to the greatest extent allowed by the law.
How do I get tickets to Shamrock?
Tickets for Shamrock will go on sale soon. We will make an annoucement when ticket sales start. Once available, they can be purchased in the school office during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person, which includes a choice for your meal. You may also purchase extra tickets should you wish to cover the cost for a St. Joseph staff person to attend the event.
How do I get the group hotel rate if I want to stay at the Marriott after Shamrock?
If you choose to stay overnight at the location of the Shamrock event, the Marriott offers special room rates. Ask for the St. Joseph Shamrock block rate and reserve by April 6. See http://cwp.marriott.com/cidmc/shamrock/ to reserve or call 393-6600.
Why does the Shamrock ticket ask for my mobile phone number and carrier?
Those who have attended Shamrock know how exciting the auction bidding gets as well as the fun games and entertainment. For those who want the “inside scoop” on real-time action at the event on hot auction items and games, the Shamrock committee will communicate with you via text during the event. We hope it’s one more fun way to engage the supporters of this gala! We won’t sell or use your information for anything other than Shamrock.
What does one wear to Shamrock and how do I know who to sit with?
We continue the Shamrock theme of Denim & Diamonds. We want to emphasize to everyone that you can come dressed down or dolled up—what’s important is that you’re there to support faith-filled education! You will see the gamut of dress there: people who want a relaxing evening wearing nice jeans and shirts to people who enjoy getting dressed up in cocktail dresses and suits for a night on the town.
When you arrive at Shamrock, there is no assigned seating. You will receive a name place card to put above the plate where you sit. If you come with a group, find a table to accommodate all of you. If you come by yourself, there are plenty of open spaces at tables with friendly people to get to know. Also, at the event, look for designated hosts/hostesses who will have special nametags. They’ll be happy to help you with any questions or concerns.
How can I encourage and get information to others so they too can attend Shamrock?
Help spread the word and invite your friends and family to attend this fun event! Information is available on the school website at http://www.sjcsmarion.org/ or you can call the school at 319-377-6348. “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chargershamrock and recommend others “like” us, too!
What do the proceeds from Shamrock go toward?
Last year, Shamrock proceeds went toward state-of-the-art classroom technology, including smart boards, laptops, digital cameras, and an online catalog for the school library. The school building also received improvements, including new interior paint and windows, benefitting both school and youth faith formation students. Funds also went toward teacher supplies, field trips, and the band and vocal programs. This year, proceeds will again go toward additional technology and educational infrastructure and materials. This includes funding a Mac Book Mobile Lab and an iPad Mobile Lab. Everyone’s support of this important fundraiser is needed and so appreciated in an effort to maintain the building and to keep up to speed with always-changing technology. (And if you’re interested in how this latest technology aids in educating our students now and for their future, call the school and we’d love to tell you!)
How do I get a sneak peek at the Shamrock auction items so that I can plan my bids?
When the Shamrock event is just days away, the auction program will be posted and an annoucment will be made that it is available for viewing. You will receive a printed, final auction program when you arrive at Shamrock (online program is not the final version and is subject to changes and updates).
What time should I arrive at Shamrock that night?
Doors open and bidding on the silent auction items begin at 6 p.m. The sooner you get to the main ballroom at the Marriott, the sooner you can stake out your desired items and socialize! Dinner will be at 7:30 and the live auction at 8:15. You can check out and pay for your items starting at 9, then enjoy several games! We’ve added more pool tables and dart boards, and will hold tournaments for each. Auction and other items can be purchased with cash, check or credit. We look forward to a wonderful evening of fellowship and fun!
