Unique fund-raiser brings parish, community together

A-tisket, a-tasket, St. Pius X has the basket.

Participants at the Loudonville parish's fourth annual Fall Festal will have the opportunity to bid on several creative baskets ranging from "Uniquely New York" to "Music, Music, Music."

The bidding is just one part of the parish's unique fund-raiser on Oct. 25, said Cindy Pettit, co-chairperson.

Dinner first

The evening begins with host families from the parish and school inviting friends and family to dinner at their homes. Dinner guests make a $25 donation to the parish. Following dinner, the host families and guests go to the parish center for the Apres Dine, which includes desert, live entertainment and the basket auction.

The baskets are the creation of school and parish organizations, Ms. Pettit said. For example, the "Music Music Music" basket was made by the parish choir and contains such items as tickets to the New York City Opera.

The "Uniquely New York" basket was made by the fourth grade class as part of their study of New York State. The basket includes ski passes, New York vacations, apple pie coupons and apple cider donuts. The second grade donated a "First Communion Basket," which includes everything needed to host a First Communion celebration.

Pitching in

Through the baskets, Ms. Pettit said, "everyone in the parish or school has contributed in some way. Participation is incredible."

But the baskets aren't always baskets. "One year, we actually had a desk," she said. "It was called Student Surprise, and it was filled with school supplies. It's not always a basket. Some are enormous and can't be carried."

The highlight of the festal for Ms. Pettit is "the interaction with the parishioners and school parents." The fund-raiser, she said, "integrates the parish and school. It brings them both together. It is an evening of unity."

Rev. Michael Farano, pastor, agreed, saying: "It's a great event in terms of bringing people together. It's a cooperative venture between the school community and the wider parish community."

Community event

The festal is also an opportunity to introduce people to the St. Pius X community. Since host families invite their own guests, which include neighbors, friends and family, people who might not be familiar with the parish or school get to meet parishioners.

"It's a way to meet new people and get together with old friends," Ms. Pettit said.

"It's a great way for new parishioners to get to know the parish," Father Farano said. "If you're new to the parish, it's a great way to get to know parishioners."

(For more information on the Oct. 25 Festal, contact Cindy Pettit at 869-8662.)

(10-16-97)