MARYVALE ACADEMY OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE — GALA 2017

February 14, 2017 — Maryvale Academy held its 11th Annual Gala on February 4, 2017, at the St. Elias Centre, 750 Ridgewood Ave in Ottawa. The theme of this year’s Gala was “For Love of You”, which echoed the words of the Blessed Virgin Mary in her prayer to Jesus at Fatima and honored the 100th anniversary of this apparition.

Since its humble beginnings, the Maryvale Gala has grown into one of Ottawa’s largest and most entertaining Catholic social events of the year. This year’s Gala saw a record attendance of about 330 guests, among whom were Ottawa Archbishop Terrence Prendergast and Auxiliary Ottawa Bishop Christian Riesbeck, Bishop Scott McCaig of the Military Ordinariate of Canada, and 14 Ottawa-area priests. Other guests included 30 Maryvale Alumni and representatives of Action Life, Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO), the Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF), the Catholic Register, NET Ministries of Canada, the Queenship of Mary Religious Community, and many local parishes.

Maryvale Academy expressed its great appreciation of this year’s Gala Sponsors, which included the Archdiocese of Ottawa, the Eternal World Television Network (EWTN), the Companions of the Cross, Trinity Development Group Inc., Geerts Roofing, Crazy Horse Stonegrill Steakhouse and Saloon, and the Central Bierhaus. The support of these businesses and organizations helped to make this year’s Gala the largest fundraising success in Maryvale’s history.

Many other organizations, businesses, religious communities and generous individuals also contributed towards the success of Gala. This year’s Gala program featured 30 advertisers, and over 160 businesses and individuals donated vouchers, gift cards, experience packages and items for the Silent and Live Auctions that took place at the event. Gala guests were also given the opportunity to pose for complimentary instant photographs.

The contributions of Maryvale’s many benefactors were recognized in the Gala program, and their names are listed on Maryvale Academy’s website.

As in previous years, Gala guests feasted on a delicious and varied buffet, and listened to short speeches by Mrs. Helena Champion, Principal of Maryvale Academy, Dr. Tim Lau, Chairman of the Board of Maryvale Academy, and Archbishop Prendergast. Guests were also entertained by humorous remarks from two of Maryvale’s graduating students, Adam and Jacob.

The highlight of the evening was a performance by Maryvale’s Sacred Music Choir, accompanied by a live string ensemble. The choir’s final hymn was a stirring rendition of Maryvale Academy’s school anthem, A Song for Maryvale, composed two years ago by a Maryvale parent. The hymn’s chorus evokes the motto of Maryvale Academy: “Discipulos Christi Facere” or “Making Disciples of Christ.”

As the evening finished with music and dancing, many guests were already looking forward to Gala 2018. Indeed, Maryvale Academy is even now gearing up for next year’s event, which requires many months of preparatory work by dedicated parent volunteers. 
It is not too early to get involved! If your business or organization may be interested in becoming a Sponsor of Maryvale’s Gala 2018, please contact the Gala Committee at gala2018@maryvaleacademy.ca, or call us at (613) 321-2186