To the editor:

We’re all in! The theme of the 37th Friends of Saint Edmond Ball was exemplified on so many levels and in so many ways these past few weeks. A journey that began late last year with the primary challenge of following a record-breaking year for funds raised quickly changed course in March as the COVID-19 global pandemic began to take hold in our country and state. We were faced with the harsh reality that the traditional SE Ball that has been penciled in on the first weekend in May for the last 36 years would not take place. Despite this devastating setback, the choice was made to double down. This year’s event became a ‘No Show’ ball and the live and silent auctions were moved to an online auction. We were concerned about asking our friends, neighbors and businesses for support as the uncertainty of this coronavirus took its toll on our economy. We are proud to say that our community responded in a big way, exemplifying our theme “We’re all in!”

We are extremely grateful to the many individuals and organizations that contributed to another successful SE Ball. First and foremost, thank you to everyone that made a special gift, bought a ticket, purchased raffle tickets, donated to our auction, placed a bid, or joined our live social media event. Saint Edmond is incredibly blessed, and we are extremely humbled by your generosity. Thank you to anyone that volunteered your time to make a phone call, share a post on social media, or promote the ‘No Show’ ball in any way. Many thanks to Tom Miklo and Mary Lynn Biggins for guiding us in the right direction and supporting us along the way as well as Travis Patterson for his technology support in taking our event online. Special thanks to Monsignor McCoy, Father Feller, and SE President Mary Gibb for their contributions to our live ‘No Show’ ball broadcast.

As co-chairs, we are beyond thrilled to share that the 37th Friends of Saint Edmond ‘No Show’ Ball has raised net proceeds in excess of $250,000. Even though we could not be together in person, the Saint Edmond community has risen to the challenge once again. We’re all in!

Craig and Jamie Schlienz

Adam and Kari Swisher

2020 St. Edmond Ball co-chairs