![Joe Amarosino and Marty Kane at the Virtual Christmas Auction]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1607373462/stsebs/gzte2gh5dbhffw0tcuaf/Auction2020_joeandmarty.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1607373462/stsebs/gzte2gh5dbhffw0tcuaf/Auction2020_joeandmarty.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1607373462/stsebs/gzte2gh5dbhffw0tcuaf/Auction2020_joeandmarty.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1607373462/stsebs/gzte2gh5dbhffw0tcuaf/Auction2020_joeandmarty.jpg","width":1038}])
Over 400 parents, alumni, past parents and members of the St. Sebastian's community tuned in from home to participate in the annual Christmas Auction on December 5, 2020. The pandemic – and the snowstorm - did not stop our community from supporting our beloved School, with “Home for the Holidays” serving as the theme of this year’s virtual event. The generosity of the community was overwhelming, and the Christmas Spirit of the St. Sebastian’s Community shined brightly.
The event, broadcast from Cramer Studios, featured a live auction, along with student entertainment, a prayer from Fr. John Arens, and remarks from Headmaster Bill Burke and Guild of St. Irene President Laurel Mullen P'19, '21. Guests were entertained throughout the program by current parent auctioneer, Marty Kane '84, P'22 and our Master of Ceremony Joe Amorosino P'24. The silent auction, which started the previous day, had bidders vying for hundreds of items, from professional chef experiences to premier vacation getaways, and a Sweepstakes with exciting prizes added to the fun!
Proceeds from this year’s Raise the Paddle went to offset expenses that the school has absorbed due to COVID-19. After hearing a message from Headmaster Burke about the importance of keeping our boys safe but in school, viewers watched a powerful video featuring several staff members and alumni interns who explained the everyday school experience and changes due to COVID-19. The donations started to roll in electronically and we surpassed our Raise the Paddle goal of $200,000!
We are so grateful to our Auction Co-Chairs Athena Balouris-Grover P'22, Kara Field P'24 and Dana Fulham P'14 '24, and Guild of St. Irene President Laurel Mullen P'19, '21, along with the Auction Committee, who gave their time, talent, and resources to bring the auction to fruition under extraordinary circumstances. We also extend a special thank you to Patrick Martin ’99, P’26 and Cramer Studios for helping us to produce a professional live program. And, of course, thank you to all our generous donors, sponsors, advertisers, and bidders who helped us make our first-ever virtual auction a great success!
View the Livestream Christmas Auction Program at: stsebs.org/auction
Fixed price items are still available to purchase at: bidpal.net/sebsauction20/browse/fixedPrice
