SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR ANNUAL WINTER GALA!
When: Saturday, February 7, 2026
OUR MISSION
To support the individuals who make an active choice to form our Catholic children through prayer, teaching, sacraments and service.
IHM Winter Gala Proceeds
The success of the IHM Winter Gala depends on your generous support. We understand that you value giving to a cause you believe in and knowing how your donation is used. In 2024, 100% of the paddle raise went to teachers/ school staff. The remaining gala profits were split evenly between the parish and the school. Thanks to you, over $57,000 went directly to benefit our teachers and school staff.
In 2025, 100% of the proceeds of the Winter Gala (including paddle raise and all profit) were designated to teachers, faculty, school staff and catechists (PRP Teachers) in the form of recognition bonuses for their discipleship in responding to our mission of Catholic education. We raised over $90,000 to give to the educators of IHM!
Your donation continues supports the individuals who make an active choice to form our Catholic children through prayer, teaching, sacraments and service.
In 2025, all Gala proceeds went support the educators of IHM. This is a generous investment in our teachers, staff and catechists who support the Catholic education of our students. The estimated breakdown for 2025 is based on last year's disbursements and projections for this year.
Estimated Breakdown for 2025*
|
|
% of funds raised |
# of bonuses |
|
Teachers/Admin |
80-85% |
2 Bonuses (May/November) |
|
Support Staff (Aides, Office, Café) |
10-12% |
2 Bonuses (May/November) |
|
Catechists (PRP Teachers) |
3-6% |
1 Bonus (May) |
*All numbers are projections based on prior year’s results. Some changes may occur based on the amount of money raised, number of disbursements, etc. The goal is to keep these ranges close. Any changes to the allocation will be done in partnership with the school administration and parish leadership.
We strongly believe that one of the best ways to support our children’s Catholic education is by supporting the people who support our children. Because we depend on YOU for this fundraiser, we want to be fully transparent on how the money we raise will be used. We cannot do this without you and appreciate your support!
1) VOLUNTEER on the gala committee or at one of our events. If you would like to join the Gala committee, please contact Ashley Rozier or Belinda Puening.
2) DONATE Items to the Gala Silent and Live Auction :
a. Donate a unique basket or experience (email [email protected])
i. Donate FCC, Reds, Bengals, UC, Xavier, Dayton, Notre Dame, FCC, Aronoff/Playhouse in the Park
Tickets, Concert tickets, Sports/Arts Coaching; Time at lake homes/condos/rentals,
Hotel/airline points, artwork, sports memorabilia
d. Don't know what to donate? Make a financial donation through IHM's website and we'll shop for you!
3) CONNECT the committee to potential donors and/or sponsors
a. Do you have a connection at a local business that would be willing to sponsor, create an auction experience or donate an item? Know a local celebrity who can emcee?
4) ATTEND the Gala—Get your tickets to one of the best nights of the year! (You can organize a table if you want to, but feel free to come without a pre-defined group—-the dinner + the program is short. You will be mingling/dancing most of the night).
5) If your not planning to attend the event, but would like to donate, you can make a straight financial donation or bid through the silent auction!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How are the bonuses allocated?
Bonuses will be given twice in 2025--one at contract renewal in the Spring and a second bonus given before holidays. Pools will be created by Teachers/Admin, Support Staff and Catechists, with the dollars allocated within the pools. The first Spring bonus will be larger and weighted based on years of service (for teachers/faculty) and hours worked (for support staff). The second Holiday bonus will be smaller and evenly distributed between the admin/teacher and support staff. Catechists will receive one bonus per year, allocated based on time commitment.
Why don't the Gala proceeds go to scholarships, like in previous years?
With the implementation of Ed Choice, scholarships are tiered to provide support up to full tuition. With Ed Choice in place, there is less need for scholarships.
What is a Catechist?
Catechists are people who teach the Catholic faith to students at IHM school and in the PRP programs. (Some of them are our own IHM teachers). Any catechist who is also a teacher will receive a recognition bonus for both services. Only Catechists that teach the youth of IHM (even if done so at another church) will be included in this recognition bonus.