August 5th 2023
Oh, what a night!!!!!! 
In the midst of a boiling summer heatwave, the only thing hotter was the 70’s Get Down Gala at St. Ferdinand’s Catholic Church Saturday night, August 5, 2023.  The Parish Hall was transformed into a ’70’s extravaganza with some of the grooviest chicks and dudes this side of the Blanco County Line.  There was no shortage of long hair, go-go boots, bell bottoms, or attendees that partied like it was 1970!
The Chair of the Gala planning committee, Debra DuPont, related the history of the Gala saying that, “St. Ferdinand’s used to have a Gala every year but this is the first one since 2019 and hopefully this will be a watershed moment resulting in popularity of future events.   In the past, the Gala was held the first weekend in August and despite the Texas summer heat, turnout has always been excellent.”   
Thanks to the seamless efforts and planning of the committee, the Gala is always a huge success, and this year was no exception.  Many thanks to parishioners and ministries for their generous donations and support.  Special kudos to the rest of the Gala Gang, Peggy and John Duran, Carolyn Savanich, M.J. Hill, Tricia Hampton, Jo Anne McElligott, Marilyn Bowman, and Cornelia England.
Gala tickets sold in advance included dinner and drinks.  Attendees enjoyed an open bar serving a great selection of wine and beer.  Prime Rib was on the menu and purchased locally at Lowes Market.  Dinner was prepared and served by Old 300 and included fresh green beans, creamy mashed potatoes, and warm fluffy rolls.  Dinner was complete with delicious slices of carrot cake purchased from The Chess Club.
It wouldn’t be a 70’s party without Elvis making an appearance!  He arrived just in time to assist with the auction.  Elvis, also known as Keith DuPont, entertained the crowd while demonstrating auction items up for bidding and awarding raffle baskets.  The classic white jeweled suit, lambchop sideburns, and gold sunglasses earned him first place in the men’s costume contest.  Janie Cain swept the women’s costume contest with her lovely iridescent pastel bell bottom jumpsuit that shimmered in the light.
As the evening progressed, the Photo Booth became a source of remembering days gone by and the capturing of new memories.  It was an impressionable touch of the 70’s era and a source of fun for everyone.
“Getting Down” to the raffle and silent auction.  There were 53 raffle items and 12 live auction items.   This year’s Gala proceeds will go towards refurbishing older buildings especially the parish hall.
Debra DuPont worked tirelessly to make the Gala successful and states, “These types of events are a lot of work but also a lot of fun and our faith community benefits in so many ways!” 
So, stay tuned for next year’s exciting Gala 2024 theme to be announced...