Immaculate Heart of Mary School held their 2017 annual gala fundraising banquet and evening at the Holy Eucharist Parish Centre in Winnipeg’s East Kildonan. The theme of the evening – “A Night at the Oscars” – lent to star-studded atmosphere and fun throughout the evening. Everyone came dressed in their finest. Formal wear was the spirit of the event. The Master of Ceremonies, for the third time in a row, was Archeparchial Syncellus, Fr. Mark Gnutel. His well-prepared jokes, witty comments and just overall enthusiasm had everyone engaged throughout the night.

       Metropolitan Lawrence Huculak, the Archbishop of Winnipeg, opened the evening with an appropriate message before blessing the event and meal. Just prior to this, Fr. Mark managed to award the Metropolitan the first trophy of the evening.

       The ballroom was aptly decorated for the special evening and additional theme-related props were also on hand. This included a red-carpet walkway and a walk of fame displaying the stars of well-known celebrities reminiscent of those found on Hollywood Boulevard.

       The evening included improvised stage performances, awards, silent auction and an art auction featuring the opus of the grade 7 and 8 students on the theme of “125 years of Ukrainian Immigration to Canada”. School Principal Rod Picklyk spoke about the school and handled the art auction portion. Sr. Anne Pidskalny, SSMI, the Director of IHMS and very much tied to the spirit of IHMS also addressed the guests and offered the closing prayer.

       ‘A Night at the Oscars’ was the school’s Annual Fund Raising Dinner for 2017! Every family in the school community was encouraged to try to be present themselves for thr event. This wonderful evening included live jazz music rpvided by the Jeff Presslaff Trio, hors d’ouvres, a spectacular meal catered by Bergmanns on Lombard, wine, fabulous prizes. All proceeds from the Dinner will be directed towards the academic, spiritual and cultural programs at Immaculate Heart of Mary School.

     Justin Copp the Chair of the IHMS Fundraising Dinner Committee and the whole committee and all volunteers, the staff at Holy Eucharist Parish Centre and people of good will who helped out deserve a standing ovation for an excellent evening.