Florida Catholic | St. John Neumann High School Celtic Ball

Celtic Ball raises the green

Annual St. John Neumann High School event provides funds for academic and financial aid programs.

DONNA HEISER | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 03.07.08

NAPLES | The luck of the Irish filled the air as St. John Neumann High School hosted its annual Celtic Ball Feb. 23 at the Naples Grande Resort & Club.

More than 150 guests were greeted with the sounds of students playing bagpipes, while “leprechauns” and Irish dancers milled about the silent auction tables encouraging bidders.

“The Celtic Ball marks the seventh year of St. John Neumann’s highly successful fundraising event that benefits our school’s academic programs and financial aid program,” said Principal Laura Campbell.

Courtesy Photo
St. John Neumann High School Celtic Ball chairperson, Lorrie Griffin and her husband.

This year’s gala, chaired by Lorrie Griffin, raised about $85,000.

Revelers applauded as loyal Catholic school supporter Mitzi Magin made the highest live-auction bid for dinner with event honoree Bishop Frank J. Dewane. Bishop Dewane also gave the invocation and welcomed guests to the event.

Fox 4 News anchor Patrick Nolan gave a presentation on his personal Catholic school experience and the importance of Catholic education.

Auction items ranged from a classic Italian meal in the home of Tony Grasso, St. John Neumann’s science department chairman and sports coach, to a sunset champagne plane ride and tour for two above Marco Island. The evening’s sponsors included the Seminole Tribe of Florida; Kraft Construction; St. Leo’s Parish; The Aerial Companies; Cheffy, Passidomo, Wilson & Johnson; Dise Wealth Management and Leslie S. Magin.

St. John Neumann High School was established in 1980 and is Collier County’s only Catholic high school. Students of all faiths are welcome to participate in its mission of providing a strong liberal arts college preparatory curriculum enriched in Catholic traditions.

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Celtic Ball raises the green

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