Fun and games planned for St. Patrick Parish Auction Night
Published on February 20th, 2002
STONEHAM, MA – By this time every year most of us have had enough of cold temperatures, dirty snow and dreary surroundings, and we look forward to the promise of brighter days and the coming of spring. Springtime beckons us to come out of our shells and reconnect with others for more meaningful fun, conversation and camaraderie.
And each year, just at the doorstep to the official beginning of spring, St. Patrick Parish offers an opportunity for parishioners and friends to do just that at the St. Patrick Parish Auction and Game Night, a fun-filled evening featuring great food, music, games and prizes. Its popularity helps raise money for the more than 30 programs and ministries St. Patrick Parish offers to the Stoneham area community.
This year the event is scheduled for March 16 and will return to the Americal Civic Center in Wakefield. Many of the donations come from local businesses who have generously supported the event for the past several years, such as event sponsor Stoneham Ford and co-sponsor Dr. Jon Chase.
St. Patrick Parish Auction and Game Night offers something for everyone. Several years ago, the event was changed from a formal dinner event to a lighter format with people spending less time in their seats and more time milling about playing carnival and casino games and vying for opportunities to win fabulous prizes. Hors d’oeuvres and desserts are served throughout the evening, compliments of Marty’s Catering.
One of the evening’s many highlights is the traditional oral auction, with more than a dozen great items on the block, including four luxury box Red Sox tickets donated by Fox Network, a one-year family membership to the new Reading Athletic Club, a one week stay at a three-bedroom vacation house in Hyannis donated by parishioners Nancy and Paul Cummings, and an American Girl Doll set with hand-made bedding, donated by parishioner Vinnie Vittiglio.
In addition, local orthodontist and event cosponsor Dr. Jonathan Chase is donating a full set of braces to a new patient, and StonehamBank will once again provide for “A Catered Affair,” a dinner party for 10 which includes a five-course meal along with hostess and staff to prepare, serve and clean up in the comfort of one lucky bidder’s home.
Among the most popular of the oral auction offerings is an amazing array of sports memorabilia up for grabs, a cache so valuable and nostalgic it rivals even the most fanatic collector’s stash. With autographed collectibles from some of Boston’s finest Red Sox hitters to a certain number four who donned black and gold and brought Lord Stanley to Beantown many years ago, bidders have a chance to bring home a piece of their childhood dreams or that of their children’s or grandchildren’s.
Other evening favorites are the silent and Chinese auctions which offer even more chances to win great prizes such as a theater and dinner package compliments of the Stoneham Theatre and Kromel’s Playhouse Café, pediatric dental work donated by Stoneham dentist Dr. Eugene Mickey, a Dinner-A-Month package donated by local restaurants, creative theme gift baskets donated by each grade at St. Patrick School and get-away weekend hotel packages.
In her second year as event chairperson, parishioner Peg Moynihan initially worried about her ability to pull off another successful evening amidst an uncertain economy. But it was not long before she realized the depth of parishioners’ and community members’ commitment to St. Patrick Parish.
“Parishioners have helped out this year more than ever,” she said.
And not just in grand ways. Moynihan said that donations of a gift certificate here, a movie pass there and other similar contributions have enhanced gift baskets or helped to create nice theme packages for both the silent and Chinese auctions as well as for the grand prize table.
Co-chairperson and St. Patrick parishioner Mary-Kate Lodi agrees.
“The parishioners have been terrific. They really have come through with donations and help in general. People have been coming out of the blue,” she said, noting Cathy Doucet who contacted Lodi earlier this week with a donation of her in-home interior design consultation service, Interiors by Doucet, to a lucky bidder.
Moynihan and Lodi also praise the parish’s auction committee of hard working volunteers, comprised of St. Patrick Parish volunteers, friends of the parish and St. Patrick School parents.
“(We’ve) worked with a great group of people,” said Lodi.
“They’re all just great...I’ve really gotten to know the parish, the business owners and the town itself,” Moynihan added.
Stoneham resident Chris Carli returns as auctioneer and one-man-band Tom Bruhl, who was a hit with the crowd last year, will provide entertainment. Dancing is added to this year’s schedule of events as the evening winds down.
Moynihan also promises a couple of surprises this year, including a door prize, but she’s mum about further details.
“We’re trying to make it even more fun this year in light of current events,” Moynihan said.
A new blackjack table will compliment other game favorites such as ring toss, football throw, darts and a putting green. Participation in any of the games wins players tickets to the grand prize table.
Last year, when Moynihan, who is a Melrose resident, heard that her parish was in need of someone to chair this important event, she volunteered on the spot.
Now, as she nears the end of her second year in the capacity of chairperson, she can look beyond the hard work, the legion of phone calls and at times the frazzled nerves, and she plans to enjoy all that the night has to offer. She will then prepare to turn over the reins as chairperson to the next volunteer, along with the knowledge, experience and creativity that each past chairperson has added over the years.
Many people have already found out just how much fun a St. Patrick Parish function can be, and both Moynihan and Lodi encourage others to join in the fun. The date is March 16. The evening runs from 5:45 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and is for adults only. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling Peg Moynihan at 781-665-2807.
Community involvement is inherent in the mission and practices of St. Patrick Parish. The parish invites the community to share in the festivities of auction night, an event which in turn helps keep the community well served.
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