Join us for an exciting evening with St. Joseph parents, staff and supporters at the school’s largest fundraiser. The 2018 Shamrock Gala will take place Saturday evening, March 3 at the Best Western Longbranch. This annual gala includes gourmet food stations, silent and live auctions, games, drinks, live musical entertainment and more.
In recent years, Shamrock proceeds have provided funding for school technology, new windows, bathroom renovations, as well as supported field trips and school activities. It is truly because of the generosity of our parishioners, neighbors, school associates and families and the business community that Shamrock is such a success. And that success translates directly into success for the children at our school!
Connect with us on Facebook. Enjoy a sneak peak of the auction items that you’ll have the opportunity to bid on and see photos from previous years.
View the AUCTION BOOKLET
Whether you’re a longtime supporter of Shamrock or taking part for the first time, we hope the following FAQs will give you an idea of what to expect.
What is Shamrock & why should I attend?
Shamrock began in 2000 around St. Patrick’s Day as a fundraiser for St. Joseph Catholic School. The Denim & Diamonds theme of the event emphasizes that you can come dressed down or dolled up—your presence is most important.
There are big changes in the works for this year’s event. We’ve changed the month of the event, the day of the week of the event, the start time and the location. Oh, and the food. We’ve changed the menu to gourmet food stations in lieu of a plated dinner to allow guests the ability to eat when they wish and provide more time to mingle, socialize and make new friends. It is our hope that these changes will result in a more enjoyable evening of fellowship for our St Joseph community.
How can I make a donation for the Shamrock auction?
We are fortunate to be part of a generous parish and community. It is this reason that Shamrock is such a success. If you have an item or service that you want to donate to the Shamrock auction to help in its success, please contact Jen or Lisa on at shamrock@sjcsmarion.org or call the school office at 377-6348. Donors will be recognized in the program and your donation is tax deductible to the greatest extent allowed by the law.
How do I get tickets to Shamrock?
Invitations and accompanying reply cards have been sent home with St. Joseph Catholic School families and participants in the parish’s Youth Faith Formation program. They were also mailed to past Shamrock attendees. If you did not receive an invitation, simply download one or stop by the St. Joseph School office or call 377-6348.
Tickets are $40 per person and include carved roast beef and a variety of hors de`oeuvres, plus the evening entertainment. Commemorative wine and beer glasses with beverages included cost $25 in advance and $30 at the door. You may also purchase extra tickets should you wish to cover the cost for a St. Joseph staff person to attend the event. Get your tickets today and look forward to an evening of fun and fellowship!
What does one wear to Shamrock?
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.
Will there be assigned seating?
In lieu of a plated dinner we’re offering gourmet food stations, so there will not be assigned seating. This will allow you to eat when you wish and provide more time to mingle, socialize and make new friends.
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! We encourage those beyond the St. Joseph community to attend. Download a copy of the invitation and reply card here or call the school at 319-377-6348 to request to be added to the mailing list. “Like” us on Facebook and recommend others “like” us, too!
What do the proceeds from Shamrock go to support?
Each year, the funds raised from the event are used to support special projects at the school like bathroom renovations, Promethean Smart Boards and special arts programs. The funds from last year were used to install a new phone system to allow for greatly enhanced communication throughout the school.
In partnering with the incredible success of Charger Challenge last fall (which is the students’ fundraising event), the funds raised from this year’s Gala will be used for improvements to the school’s multi-purpose space that is the cafeteria and the gym and the auditorium. One of the most exciting improvements to the space will be new bleachers. If you’ve ever attended an event at the school you know how monumental and much needed this improvement is.
How do I get a sneak peek at the Shamrock auction items?
The Shamrock auction program is now available! View the Auction Booklet. Traditional favorites include: travel packages, sports packages, jewelry, art and more! Also visit our Facebook page for some photos of the priceless items St. Joseph students and staff have been creating for the occasion.
What is the entertainment for the evening?
Expect a wonderful evening of auctions, games, socializing, eating, and this year, live acoustic music by The Pericycles and a few surprises.
What time should I arrive at Shamrock?
Doors open and bidding on the silent auction items begin at 5:30 p.m. The earlier you get to the main ballroom at the Longbranch, the earlier you can stake out your desired items and socialize! The food stations will be available from 6-8 p.m. and the live auction will start around 8 p.m. Auction items can be purchased with cash, check or Smart Tuition.
What do I need to do from here?
If you haven’t yet, purchase your Shamrock tickets today! Deliver your reservation/payment to the school office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or drop it in the mail to St. Joseph Catholic School, c/o Shamrock, 1430 14th Street, Marion IA 52302. The last day to purchase tickets is Feb. 16!
Here are 10 things you can do to support Shamrock 2018
- Like and share our Facebook page {Charger’s Shamrock, Marion IA}
- Consider joining the planning committee – we love new ideas and like to have fun.
- Donate an item to the silent auction – we’d love to showcase your talents or feature your business. Donations are requested by early February in order to be included in the event brochure.
- Ask your employer to donate or sponsor – remember it’s for the kids! Drop us a line at shamrock@sjcsmarion.org if you have ideas to share or need the sponsorship details.
- Purchase and sell 50/50 raffle tickets {now available at the school office}. The more we sell, the more you could make as the winner takes half the cash!
- Call the babysitter and make your reservation to attend Shamrock on Mar. 3.
- Start saving your cash – the auction items are awesome!
- Volunteer to help set-up the day of the event – many hands make light work.
- Sponsor a complimentary teacher/staff ticket – it is a gesture that speaks volumes.
- Invite friends or family members to join you – all are welcome!