"Casino Royale" Fundraiser

Saint Augustine School of Andover is on the cusp of completing construction of a major campus expansion and addition of the James D. Doherty Centennial Gymnasium. In support of this massive financial undertaking, the school will host its annual Spring Extravaganza fundraiser on Saturday, March 14, 2105 at the Wyndham Hotel (123 Old Andover Rd. Andover). The annual fundraiser, this year themed “Casino Royale,” extends several years of effort to fund the gym’s construction. Tickets cost $75 per person and include dinner, complimentary casino chip voucher for use in casino games of chance (voucher holds no monetary value), and access to both the silent and live auctions. Regional businesses including Leonard Orthodontics, Andover Pediatric Dentistry, Pimentel Construction, and the Falvey Family & Portsmouth Pediatric Dentistry, are lead sponsors, while dozens of area restaurants, shops, banks and retailers have joined in support of the school’s efforts to build its gymnasium.

“When I look outside and see the structure we’ve been working so hard to build for years, it truly takes my breath away,” said St. Augustine School Principal Paula O’Dea. “It is so gratifying to see so many dedicated families and businesses come together for a common goal. We’re incredibly blessed and equally as excited to open the doors of the gym come March.”

Once a simple mansion located at 1 Chestnut Street, Saint Augustine School-- an historic and recognizable landmark in Andover founded in 1914 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur-- has since evolved to its current and expanding footprint at 26 Central Street. Yet, throughout its 100-years, the school has never had a gymnasium. Students and faculty instead have leveraged a small black top surface and coinciding grass playing field, in addition to the Knights of Columbus Hall located two blocks away, for physical education during the school year. Countless numbers of St. Augustine School faculty, students, families, local businesses and friends have worked tireless to plan and support expansion of its current location to deliver a much needed physical asset to the school—which should officially open in March 2015.

Fundraising Efforts Continue at St. Augustine School

Given the completed project price tag of $1.9 million dollars however, the overall cost associated with such an expansion leaves room for additional financial support. The school has therefore outlined numerous ways to creatively and forever highlight special donations through the ‘purchase of a brick, for example.

The upcoming ‘Casino Royale’ Spring Extravaganza also provides a unique way to support the local landmark through an established online auction courtesy of Bidding For Good (www.biddingforgood.com/staugustineandover/casinoroyale). Now open through March 14th, the St. Augustine online auction highlights rare sports memorabilia and tickets, area restaurant gift certificates, vacation packages and unique excursion packages. In addition, all online bidders will be automatically placed into a free raffle for a chance to win: (2) Two ‘anytime’ lift tickets to Nashoba Valley Ski Area ($104 value) or (2) Two tickets to “That Hopey Changey Thing” at the Stoneham Theater ($100 value). All proceeds go directly to pay the final gymnasium price tag.

Several other options exist for donors to consider beyond online bidding including:

· Donate to the Spring Extravaganza ‘Casino Royale’ Fundraiser: Items are still needed for the live or silent auction such as sports tickets, services (lessons, tax preparation, legal support, etc.), gift cards, baskets or merchandise.

· Sponsorship: Donation options ranging from $150 - $25,000 all come with unique benefits such as advertising, publicity, signage, guest tickets and more. Several businesses also have an opportunity to have their logo painted on the perimeter of the gymnasium floor or permanently displayed on a gymnasium bleacher.

· Honor Roll: Earn representation for your family name or business at the back of the Spring Extravaganza program book. No amount is too small, and all donations are greatly appreciated.

Tickets to St. Augustine School’s ‘Casino Royale’ can be purchased online at: www.staugustineandovercasinoroyale.eventbrite.com or by delivering ticket form and payment to the St. Augustine School main office. Tables of 10 can be reserved in advance, as can high-top tables of 4. The evening activities begin at 6:00 p.m. with a welcome reception, followed by dinner, casino games of chance, and a silent and live auction.

About St. Augustine School

Founded in 1914 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Saint Augustine School (26 Central Street Andover, Mass.) provides a high-quality Catholic education to children Nursery through Grade 8 within an environment supporting, encouraging and nurturing spiritual, intellectual, social and personal growth. St. Augustine School celebrates its strong Catholic identity, promotes academic excellence and fosters respect and justice for all individuals. Through its dedicated group of educators committed to teaching and learning in the Catholic tradition, St. Augustine School recognizes the unique gifts in each child and remains committed to helping each child reach their full academic, social and physical potential. For more information visit St. Augustine School at: www.staugustineandover.org.