A team of St. John’s Episcopal School parent volunteers planned and hosted the first-ever combined Golf-n-Gala Friday, March 15. Benefiting the school, the event featured a golf tournament during the day, followed by an evening gala, auction and raffle. All festivities were held at Dallas Athletic Club.

A total of 114 golfers spent a beautiful and breezy day on the Jack Nicklaus-designed course. After a morning tee-off and lively afternoon awards ceremony, players relaxed in the Sawicki & Lauten Sports Lounge until the evening party.

At the gala, about 300 guests enjoyed cocktails, a buffet dinner, live and silent auctions, dancing, and live music with In Motion. The poolside view and indoor/outdoor venue set a casual tone at the resort-themed event. Auctioneer Dean McCurry led a dynamic bidding competition during which party-goers vied for once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like jetting off to New York for Fashion Week; a private coaching session with former NBA All-Star Rolando Blackman; tickets and backstage access to Jimmy Kimmel Live!; and in-studio guest passes for The Ticket’s Bob and Dan Show. A Fund-a-Need drive raised $15,425 specifically for the St. John’s Teacher Endowment Fund, which will provide a continuing source of income for teacher salaries and benefits.

A highlight of the evening was the second St. John’s raffle, co-chaired again this year by Molly and Leon Banowetz. Grand-prize winners Angela Thornhill and Linda Gramley will share $10,000 of NorthPark Gold. Second place went to Gina and Chris Gramlich, who will enjoy $2,500 in NorthPark Gold. Sarah Teachout won the third-place price of $1,000 in NorthPark Gold. With its expenses generously underwritten by Mercedes-Benz of Plano, Parker School Uniforms, Allie Beth Allman & Associates, and Veritex Mortgage, the raffle alone raised more than $56,000 for the school.

Proceeds from the Golf-n-Gala, co-chaired by Debbie Gilmore, Amy Lauten, Jennifer and Chuck Sharpe, Garrett Adams, and Steve Williamson, will help fund St. John’s programs like continuing education for teachers, new athletic equipment and programs, classroom technology, and student financial aid. Lead sponsors for the golf tournament and gala were North American Spine, Southern Botanical, Sharpe & Associates, and Sawicki & Lauten.

Tournament winners were:
First Net Team
Jody Savant
Joe Angelone
John Cole
Sean Gros

Second Net Team
Vince Pocente
John Miller
Mark Ferguson 
Dan McVicker

First Gross Team
Billy Rousseau
Chanda Rousseau
Gary Green
Terry Snodgrass

Second Gross Team
Chris Leap 
Dallas Lee
Phillip Juett
Shane Hammond

Longest Drive –  Hole #3 - Greg Bordelon
Longest Drive – Hole #13 - Darrell Hernandez
Closest to the Pin – Phillip Juett