St. Mary’s Academy 28th Annual Auction, “Singing in the Rain” Raises Over $1 million

Portland, April 9th, 2016. The St. Mary’s Academy community showed its generosity by supporting the school in raising over $1 million, during the 28th Annual Auction, Singing in the Rain, at the Oregon Convention Center. (photo credit, Andie Petkus)

“The generosity of the St. Mary’s Academy community is truly meaningful,” said Christina Friedhoff, the school’s president. “During the event, we talked about how central the concept of “We believe young women are powerful” is to St. Mary’s Academy. The fantastic success of our auction shows that our parents, alumnae and benefactors truly believe in the value of the outstanding all-girls Catholic college-preparatory education that St. Mary’s Academy offers our students.”

The auction is St. Mary’s annual signature fundraising event, however this year’s celebration was a unique experience. The Convention Center’s Portland Ballroom was transformed into a spring gala where guests could shop the silent auction, strike a pose in the rain inspired photo-booth, hear the defending Oregon 6A choir champions, the Marian Singers perform under the umbrella canopy, and enjoy our mistress of ceremonies Cathy Marshall of KGW TV taking them through an entertaining tour of over 40 live auction packages. An impressive $333,000 was raised during the Bids for Kids paddle raise, which directly supports St. Mary’s tuition assistance program that benefits over 40% of students at St. Mary’s. In total, the auction raised a remarkable $1,001,591!

The evening was co-chaired by St. Mary’s Academy parents Susan Bishop, Carol Halsey and Monica Kavalieros who brought together alumnae, parents, teachers and community members in celebration of our school. “I was thrilled and humbled by the support of our donors that night” said Emily Niedermeyer Becker ’86, vice-president for development at St. Mary’s Academy. “Alumnae, parents and community members alike cast over one million votes of confidence in our school.”