February 28, 2019 — Maryvale Academy held its 13th Annual Gala on February 9th, 2019 at the Tudor Hall, 3750 N Bowesville Rd. in Ottawa. The theme of this year’s Gala was “No Greater Love,” and the Gala poster highlighted this theme with a wooden cross paired with a single red rose. This year’s Gala was the most successful in Maryvale’s history, raising over $43,000 – a larger amount than any previous fundraising event.

Maryvale Academy was founded 14 years ago by a small group of local Catholic families who envisioned a nonprofit school in the classical tradition, with Christ truly at the centre. From its humble beginnings the school has now grown to a thriving community of 77 students and 10 teachers and staff for grades JK-8.

The school does not receive any government funding, and it has intentionally kept tuition costs lower than most other independent schools in Ontario, in an effort to serve Catholic families from all walks of life. As such, fundraising efforts like the Gala are essential to the continued operation of the school.

The school’s inaugural Gala took place in 2007 and quickly became the school’s keystone fundraising event. Over the years, the Gala has grown into one of the most highly anticipated and entertaining winter events in Ottawa’s Catholic community.

Once again this year, the Gala broke all past attendance records. Over 400 guests from across the Ottawa region attended the event, some hailing from as far as Toronto, Montreal and Kingston. More than 20 priests, deacons and religious attended the Gala, including the religious sisters of the Queenship of Mary and the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. Attendees also included federal politicians and political candidates, a sitting judge, and several representatives of faith-based media and nonprofit organizations including The Catholic Register, Action Life, Catholic Christian Outreach, NET Ministries, the Catholic Organization for Life and Family, Campaign Life Coalition, and Mission of the Redeemer Ministries.

Ottawa Archbishop Terrence Prendergast addressed the audience and gave his support and encouragement to Maryvale’s educational mission of Making Disciples of Christ. The audience also heard inspiring words from a member of Maryvale Academy’s Board of Directors, two graduating students, and a Maryvale alumnus.

Although he was unable to attend, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Luigi Bonazzi, Apostolic Nuncio to Canada sent his greetings and the Holy Father’s Apostolic Blessing on the occasion of the gala, a blessing that extends to all who attended or who support Maryvale Academy and to all the students and staff of the Academy. Maryvale is highly honoured to receive this blessing and show of support.

A highlight of the evening was an exquisite musical performance by representatives of Maryvale Academy’s award-winning Sacred Music Choir, accompanied by the Deo Gratias String Ensemble, under the direction of Maryvale Academy’s Music Director Leora Nauta. The choir performed several stirring musical traditions ranging from the 15th to the 20th century.

Maryvale Academy would like to express its gratitude to the generous businesses and organizations that sponsored our event: the Archdiocese of Ottawa and ExcelHR (Gold Sponsors), Phaze3 Management (Silver Sponsor), and Catholic Christian Outreach, Central Bierhaus, Companions of the Cross, Crazy Horse Steakhouse and Saloon, Geerts Roofing, and NET Canada (Bronze Sponsors).

In addition, nearly 30 advertisers were featured in our popular Gala Dinner Program, and over 150 businesses, organizations and individuals made donations or contributed items towards our silent and live auctions. Maryvale is grateful for these contributions and donors were listed by name in the Gala Dinner Program and at the event.

Finally, the school would like to deeply thank each Gala guest and all those who contributed, whether financially or through prayer, to the success of this event. The resounding success of this year’s Gala is a testament to the overwhelming support that Maryvale has gathered in the Ottawa Catholic community over the years, and also ensures Maryvale Academy will continue to flourish and grow into the years ahead.

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Luigi Bonazzi, Apostolic Nuncio to Canada has sent his greetings and the Holy Father’s Apostolic Blessing on the occasion of our annual Gala.  His Grace Archbishop Prendergast has informed us that the Holy Father’s Apostolic Blessing extends to all who attended or who support Maryvale and to all the students and staff of the Academy. We honoured to receive this blessing and kind show of support!