St. Edmond is holding its 29th annual Friends of St. Edmond Ball Saturday.
The event is a celebration of Fort Dodge's Catholic school system, according to Tom Miklo, director of development.
"It's also a fundraising event where we hope to raise needed funds for our budget items," he said. "In the previous 28 years, we've raised about four and a half million in net proceeds that have benefited our system."
He added, "It's just a big gathering of Catholic school supporters. It's one of Fort Dodge's biggest social events of the year."
The theme for the ball this year is "Our Children, Our Masterpiece."
"That was created by our board chairs," Miklo said. "They obviously felt it very fitting. There are a few items that are really that theme. The elementary school children have put together some heart projects they worked on. It's very fitting, and we're excited."
There will be both live and silent auction items.
Live auction items include a framed, matted portrait of Sacred Heart Church, a new Trek bicycle, a $1,000 tuition scholarship to Iowa Central Community College, ownership of a timeshare at Cliffs of Peace Canyon in Las Vegas, two tickets to a Kansas City Chiefs regular season game, and a spa package at Sahar's in Des Moines, among other items.
Silent auction items include necklaces, rings, pendants and bracelets from Kirkberg Connections, a child's handmade wooden wagon, Ducks Unlimited items, Brie West paintings and a Kindle.
There are 42 live auction items and 84 silent auction items.
Tim Barry, St. Edmond president, said he is excited about the event.
"I think the St. Edmond community is excited," he said. "This is the 29th St. Edmond ball, and it's a celebration of our education, it's a celebration of people who believe in St. Edmond and wish to support it. It's a night of fun and entertainment, and we anticipate a very successful evening."
He added, "It's a way for St. Edmond to express our appreciation to people who believe in us and support us."
The Friends of St. Edmond Ball will be held Sunday at the Best Western Starlite Village Inn and Suites. This year's entertainment is Flipside. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Contact Brandon L. Summers at (515) 573-2141 or bsummers@messengernews.net