Extravaganza

During the annual Extravaganza wrapup meeting at Rudy's Tempana, Jackie & John Woolway and Mary & John Luther proudly announced Extravaganza 2020 proceeds at $410,000!

These proceeds, along with Saints Annual Appeal, were used to fund student activities during the academic year of 2020-21. Parents will recall that back in August 2020, with the uncertainty of student participation in extra- and co-curricular activities, the traditional direct mails and kickoff of the Saints Annual Appeal campaign were postponed until we had a clearer picture of how COVID restrictions would impact the curriculum and the extra-curricular program. However, eventually, all levels of student activities practicing and competing were resumed with a full schedule. The need was real and immediate. Through the success and your support at Extravaganza, the student activities, clubs and athletics continued to teach important life lessons about teamwork, fairness, honesty, winning, and losing.

Get ready for Extravaganza 2021 on Saturday, November 13

Mary & John Luther, 2021 Extravaganza General Chairs, shared that Patty & Joe Novacek have joined the General Chair team as 2021 & 2022 General Chairs. Jackie & John Woolway, who oversaw an especially challenging yet very successful Extravaganza, have agreed to co-serve with the Luther's and Novacek's.

It will be a great year to participate and attend Extravaganza events, starting with the class gift gathering parties.

Class Party Dates & Locations:

Monday, August 16th- Freshman GG Party in the Commons (same day as Freshman Orientation) 6:30-9:30
Friday, August 20th- Sophomore GG Party at Lacey & Chris Martin's home
13920 Mastin Street, OP 66221 – 7 – 10 p.m.
Saturday, August 21st- Junior GG Party at Shannon & Richard Scott's home
15413 Mastin Street, OP 66221 – 7 – 10 p.m.
Saturday, August 28th- Senior GG Party at Jackie & John Woolway's home
16000 Cody Street, OP 66221 – 7 – 10 p.m.

Class gift gathering parties, themes, and gift suggestions:
Hosts & co-hosts for each of the classes hold a party to gather gifts for the school's largest fundraiser. Each class is assigned a gift theme by the silent auction committee. These class gift themes are merely a suggestion for gifts to ensure that a variety of gifts are gathered. In mid-July the auction committees will post a registry link with a wish list and gift suggestions.

Volunteer:
A great way to meet new friends, work together with existing friends and help the students & coaches at Saint Thomas Aquinas is to volunteer during Extravaganza planning and setup. There are over 30 committees and a fit for every skill set from master organizer to creative table decorator. The jobs are broken down to be manageable and fun! Complete the Parent Volunteer form or contact Mary Luther, mltmw@yahoo.com Patty Novacek, pnovacek@hotmail.com or Jackie Woolway at jackiewoolway@gmail.com. Any of the General Chairs can help you determine which committee you would like to work on and make sure you are invited to the Extravaganza 2021 Kickoff Meeting in August!

On behalf of the Extravaganza General Chairs, Jackie & John Woolway and Mary & John Luther, the Advancement Office is thrilled to announce a record-breaking Extravaganza with net proceeds totaling over $400,000. In a year of larger expenses for student activities and reduced revenue from the Saint Annual Appeal and spectator sports, the generosity of the community is greatly appreciated.

After a few false starts and much discussion “The Show DID Go On” when Extravaganza became a true hybrid event on Saturday, November 14, 2020. The gym was minimally decorated for a “peanut gallery” of 100 guests who enjoyed a delicious PB&J dinner served by a dozen Class of 2021 Senior Envoys. The Extravaganza Program was LIVE STREAMed to 475 viewers who participated in the very successful 2 for 1 Match Challenge and Live Auction. Thank you to the early efforts of the Steering Committee and Gift Gathering hosts to create a community of enthusiastic donors and gather a stunning variety of items.

Thank you to the Athletic Office, Coaches and Moderators for stressing the importance of taking advantage of the opportunity to support the 2 for 1 match challenge issued by two generous donors. Over $313,000 was raised from the generosity of our current parents, faculty, coaches and an impressive # of alumni parents and young alumni!

Through the success of Extravaganza, the students at Saint Thomas Aquinas will be able to continue with academic excellence and the opportunity to participate in their activities, talents, and passions throughout 2020-21 academic year.

Thank you to Michele Gress for donating her photography skills to document and remember Extravaganza 2020.