St. Mary announces $1.5 million building project with auction event

Storm Lake St. Mary Ball and Charity Auction Chairs Jeff and Amanda Foell, and co-chairs, Adam and Kate Friedrichsen, announced the theme for the annual auction as well as a $1.5 million building project.

At the Jan. 6 event theme announcement, leadership also announced that the fund-a-cause will be major renovation and modernization of the community gymnasium entrance and first floor of the high school. The theme for the event is Black and White: A Panther Tradition, giving a nod to the school’s colors. The event will be held on March 14 at the Buena Vista University Siebens Forum.

“Black and White: A Panther Tradition, seems to be a great fit for the theme this year,” said Jeff Foell, alumnus of St. Mary High School.

“We want to speak to the heart of who we are as Panthers and focus on the tradition black and white has held throughout our history,” added Adam Friedrichsen.

Plans include relocating the coach’s office, concession stand, and men’s and women’s restrooms. The project will include updating paint, lockers, doors, flooring, ceiling, trophy cases, and reconfiguring the west staircase, with intent to showcase the school’s Catholic identity.
The original high school addition was built in 1954 with no major structural changes to the first floor.

“We believe renovating the community gym entrance will boost enrollment by showing our community and guests we are committed to modernized spaces and learning. Additionally, the renovation will increase school pride and loyalty,” Amanda Foell pointed out.

“The renovation also addresses safety concerns in the current lobby and will be a key component to future physical growth of our campus," noted Kate Friedrichsen, who serves as a K-5 counselor at the school.

Father Brent Lingle, school president and St. Mary Parish pastor, acknowledged the project is a larger scale than most spring event building improvement projects.
“We recognize this is a larger goal for our fund-a-cause than we’ve had in the past, but we have faith we can get this project started this summer. We are asking our community to pledge large gifts by March 1,” he explained.
 The St. Mary's Ball and Charity Auction, a cornerstone fundraiser for the local Catholic School, includes dinner, live and silent auctions, and live entertainment.  Tickets can be purchased online at StormLakeCatholic.com, or at the parish office. For details, contact the St. Mary Parish Office at (712) 732-3110 or visit
https://stormlakecatholic.ejoinme.org/blackandwhite.
 
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