Comedy and Cuisine

What is Comedy & Cuisine?

St. Cecilia Comedy & Cuisine began in April 1998 as a salute to Mrs. Bonnie Pryor, who had then served 25 years as St. Cecilia’s principal.

Since then the event has raised more than $1 million. The event funds capital improvements. Over the past 11 years, Comedy & Cuisine funds have provided a new science lab, computer technology, gym and kitchen renovations and new exterior windows for our school. Proceeds from last year’s event helped fund the renovations to the library and office and reception area.

The event is not just a way to raise money, it also builds community. Those who attend or volunteer get to know other school parents and parishioners better and develop a stronger understanding of what
makes our school special.

The night of Comedy & Cuisine is a semi-formal dinner that includes live and silent auctions, along with awards and entertainment. Invitations will be sent in February so watch for yours in the mail!

Chairs

Each year Comedy & Cuisine is chaired by parent volunteers who try to make the event successful and fun.

This year’s Chairs are Rus and Marci Biven and Mike and Martha O’Connor

2010 Chairs are Michael and Kimberly Joyce and Mike and Julie Swartz

Honorary Chairs

We are pleased that Barry and Mary Agnes Gerken and Bob and Mary Kay Gerken are serving as Honorary Chairs of 2009 Comedy & Cuisine. Barry and Bob are graduates of St. Cecilia Grade School and Cathedral High School. Both couples have a long history of service and support for the school and parish.

Honorees

Each year Comedy & Cuisine selects honorees to recognize for their service. For 2009, Comedy & Cuisine will honor Leo Batenhorst as Great Steward and the Stoffels as Great Family.

Over the years, Leo with strong support from his wife, Rose, has served as a dedicated school employee, coach, festival leader and many other roles. Leo and Rose have been parishioners for 48 years.

You’ll see Leo making meatballs for the Cathedralfest spaghetti dinner or running the grill at school soccer parties. He brings energy and humor to all his volunteer work. He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus, an usher, funeral committee volunteer, bingo volunteer and he also repairs pews in the Cathedral. His favorite role is playing Santa at schools, retirement centers and parties.

Comedy & Cuisine is also honoring the multiple Stoffel families and generations of Stoffels who have served as coaches, festival volunteers, outstanding school supporters and many other roles. Clarence “Mitt” and Mary Ellen Stoffel joined the parish in 1943 and with their 10 children became a vital part of the school and parish. Now Mitt and Mary Ellen’s children, grand-children and great-grandchildren are carrying on that tradition.

Over the years, 31 Stoffels have attended our school. At one point in the mid-1980s, 14 Stoffels were attending at the same time. Twenty-two Stoffels have been baptized at the Cathedral and nine have been married there.

Entertainment for the Night

Comedian John Paul Morgan will bring his high-energy talents to Comedy & Cuisine 2009. John, a New Orleans native, is a talented performer who was invited to participate in the prestigious Montreal Comedy Festival and has opened for such performers as Jerry Seinfeld.

Underwriting

Along with auction and ticket proceeds, Comedy & Cuisine raises money through cash donations. Underwriting letters were mailed in November. Please send your donation to the Rectory. These cash donations are an important source for funding improvements to our school.

Men’s Night Out

All gentlemen of the school and parish are invited to Men's Night Out from 8 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, Jan. 17 at California Taco, 33rd and California. The event is a fund-raiser for Comedy & Cuisine. Enjoy a friendly game of cards, food and drink. There will be sports on TV for the non-players. Come out and have some fun and get to know other school dads and parishioners. Suggested donation: $25.

How you can help

We need more volunteers and auction items! Please contact the Bivens at 561-9471 or the O’Connors at 551-0333. Or use our Contact form. Silent auction categories include home, kids, arts, jewelry and sports. Gift certificates for restaurants and services also are needed.

Also needed are donated packages for the live auction. These can include sporting events, concerts, gourmet meals, golf trips and vacations. Get creative.

If you have items to drop off you can do it on Mon. Jan. 19th from 7-8pm, and starting in Feb. every Monday through Mar. 2nd at 7pm in the Graham Parish Center conference room. Of course you can always turn items into the school office any day!

Also make sure to ask your children about the incredible art projects they are working on for the auction!!