A NIGHT of STARS and STRIPES
TREMENDOUS SUCCESS!
The stars -- 847 of them -- were certainly shining on April 12th when alumni, parents and friends gathered at the Westin Convention Center Hotel to show their love and support of Central Catholic. This annual event always brings out the best in everyone as they bid on wonderful gifts at the live and silent auction. Smiles were seen and laughing heard throughout the ballroom in an atmosphere that celebrated the tradition of Central Catholic High School while paying tribute to our country.
Chaired by Mary and Steve Zappala ’75, the 2008 Auction broke all records, raising over $290,000 for tuition assistance and improvements to the school. The Auction Committee volunteered countless hours of time and talent so that the 19th Annual Auction could be a success. They are all to be congratulated!
As Steve Zappala made his opening remarks, he commented “I am overwhelmed standing here at the podium looking around this ballroom to a sea of twinkling star table decorations and hundreds of guests having a great time! What a night for Central! This truly is an event!”
Shining stars of the evening included the Pittsburgh Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums; Brian Vukmir ’93, the lucky winner of the $20,000 grand prize; adorable Labrador puppies; and perhaps the brightest star of all, Most Reverend David Zubik, Bishop of Pittsburgh. To the delight of the Auction guests, Bishop Zubik made an after-dinner appearance, speaking to as many as he could as he made his way to the front of the room. Brother Richard invited the Bishop to make a few remarks, and gave him the honor of drawing the grand prize winning ticket.
All in all, the 19th Annual Viking Victory Auction will go down in history as the night the stars shined for Central Catholic High School!
To view pictures of the 2008 Auction, click here. Photography by Roy Engelbrecht Photography, Inc.
