Memorial Gala Perfect Tribute
On May 16th the Memorial Gala, an evening to celebrate the life of Sister Carol Fisher SSJ and all the good things she did for our Villa community was held at the Ambassador. The Sisters of Saint Joseph were out en masse along with family, friends and alumni of Villa Maria Elementary to remember and honor Sr. Carol Fischer. Carol was the Assistant Principal at VME where she had also taught and was the reading specialist for almost 34 years. She passed away last summer and this evening gave her family and friends an opportunity to come and remember her while rising funds to help ensure that her work continues with the reading programs and home economics lab at Villa Elementary
The affair was highlighted with the artwork of 7th grade VME student, Elaine Khhodzhayan. Her beautiful painting of coral tulips, which won a first place in the annual Villa Maria Academy Art Show earlier this spring, was featured on the invitation, program and bookmark each guest was given to take home. The table decorations mimicked the beautiful flowers in the painting.
Co-hosting this event were Mrs. Robin Vicary and Sister Margaret Frank SSJ, Principal of Villa Maria Elementary. They had the help of a busy committee who included Sherri Dakas, Beth Deck, Janet Demjanenko, Kirsti Geronimo, Patty Gool, Pam Herron, Lisa Ianiro, Aghadeer Khouri, Laura Izzo, Dina Scribner, Lori Yusz and Pam Davis.
Both Silent and Chinese Auctions were held as well as a Committee Choice Wine Collection Raffle which was won by Dr. Scott and Jessica Lim.
Turk Hamilton was the lucky winner of seats for the 2008 Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steeler’s Home Opener, while Mr. Chuck and Pam Herron along with Attorney Jim and Kirsti Geronimo won the bid for a sunset cruise aboard Capt. Richard Vicary’s new boat “Summer Camp” and dinner at the Erie Yacht Club. When the bidding got heated for the boat ride and dinner, the Vicarys generously donated a second outing. Attorney Russ Warner his wife Robin and Mr. Mike and Carol Geiger won this one.
A priceless item called “Sit up Straight” which is a ‘Little Villa’ convent chair hand painted by Villa Maria Elementary art teacher and Villa alumnae, Julia Sullivan Horan, went to Mrs. Elizabeth (Makarowski) Hokaj VME first grade teacher and alumnae. There were over thirty items auctioned off throughout the evening while guests enjoyed the piano music of VME students Julia Marn and Felicity Barrante.
The event was capped off with a video production remembering Sr. Carol and all the contributions she has made to Villa Maria Elementary school and the Sisters of Saint Joseph community.
