Schaeffer, who is part of the committee alongside her husband, Chad, plus Matt and Sarah Cosgrove, and Susan Laufersweiler, believes it will “help generations beyond my children” by creating a strong foundation.

The event takes place Saturday, May 7 from the Best Western Starlite Village Inn & Suites in Fort Dodge. Doors open at 6 p.m.

“I am blessed to be able to serve,” Schaeffer said. “Not only are we good friends, but we also are all passionate about this year’s theme: ‘Sharing our Faith, Creating our Legacy…Together.’ It was important for us to articulate our feelings through this year’s theme.

“I believe by serving on this committee, I am helping generations beyond my children and creating a good foundation for the next generation.”

Along with the ball, which will include dinner, live music from The Tank Anthony Band, auctions and more, there will also be a Friends of St. Edmond golf outing at Lakeside Municipal Golf Course on Friday, May 6. On Saturday, May 7, there will be a vendor fair at the school along with both an alumni and friends basketball tournament and an alumni wrestling tournament.

“I am most looking forward to coming together as a community to support the school, teachers, staff and students,” Schaeffer said. “Our children have been given great opportunities at St. Edmond because of fundraisers like this. I want everyone to come together to celebrate and give back.

“I can’t think of a better way than an event where there is food, music, socializing and fun.”

Due to COVID-19, events have been either canceled or completely online over the past couple of years.”

The ball is the largest school fundraiser during the year with money raised going directly to the school’s operating budget. The donations assist families with tuition, maintain and improve the integrity of buildings and provide means to gain access to upgraded equipment and supplies for teachers.

“It has been two years since we have been able to hold a live event,” Laufersweiler said. “We are extremely grateful that our supporters have stuck with us during these tough times. We are hoping that there will be a huge crowd that will come out to the Starlite to show their support in person.

“I am completely blown away by the amazing support of our friends, families, parish and Fort Dodge community,” Laufersweiler added. “The ball co-chairs, Matt, Sarah, Chad and Molly have really done a fabulous job preparing for this event. They have done a great job stepping into this role, finding lots of great auction items and connecting with new supporters.

“I am in awe of the numerous monetary donations and auction items that have already come in to help this event succeed. God has blessed us by putting so many generous supporters in our midst. We are truly lucky to be a part of this great community.”

Tickets can be purchased at the St. Edmond business office or online at www.st-edmond.com under the “Ways to Give” tab. There will also be car and tuition raffles held with the first prize being the choice of either a Toyota Camry from Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota, a Jeep Renegade from Shimkat Motor Co. or a Chevrolet Trailblazer from Kemna Auto Fort Dodge.

Also in the raffles will be $2,500 from Flooring America Design Center and $2,000 in groceries from Hy-Vee. Two winners will receive $1,000 off their tuition for the 2022-23 school year.

Bidding is currently taking place at www.biddingforgood.com/seball.