Former Chicago Bears Player To Host Marian Catholic's Fundraiser

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — Marian Catholic High School is hosting its fifth consecutive fundraising gala this year, despite challenges faced by the coronavirus pandemic. The school has decided to make the event— Veritas V Virtual Gala — virtual, emceed by former Notre Dame and Chicago Bear, Chris Zorich.

The event will take place on Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Marian normally hosts the annual gala at the school, where attendees can eat dinner, mingle and venture around to different stations within the event. The private school had over 160 attendees in 2020, resulting in $125,000 donated to the Sr. Simeon Fund — a fund used as tuition for need based students.

The school is aiming to raise an additional $125,000 or more in scholarship funding this year, and hopes to do so by holding a live auction, having student speakers, performances, a paddle raise and surprise celebrity guest appearances.

"You can join us no matter where you live...or what you’re wearing...because this year’s scholarship gala will be virtual," the school wrote on the website.

Carol Burke Swanson, Director of Development at Marian Catholic told Patch planning the gala this year was a must to continue to provide to students.

"We're a private school. We rely on fundraising. It is just so important to grow each year, [to help] more people who need assistance," Swanson said. "So we're like, 'how can we make sure that we can still raise $125,000, yet we really can't plan to be together?' [We] started hearing people going virtual. My boss started following other places that were hosting virtual galas ... and we're like, 'we've got to try this. We've got to make it work.'"

Swanson said the school's goal is to have at least 100 people watching the event online. The event is free to join, but participating in activities require a fee. She said the school is excited to have the former football player emcee the event.

"An alumnus of the school is friends with Chris, and we asked her to reach out for us. Everyone in the Chicago area knows who Chris Zorich is, and when he got back saying he is in, we were so excited," Swanson said. She said other celebrities will be at the event, but cannot name them at this time.

Zorich is a former defensive tackle, who in college, played for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and in the NFL for the Bears and Washington Redskins. He was also the athletic director at Chicago State University from May 2018-July 2019.

One prize offered in the auction is a trip to Paw Paw Lake in Michigan. Another location that has yet to be disclosed will be up for grabs at the auction. Swanson said the school initially wanted to make the second location an international destination, but due to the pandemic, it will be a domestic spot.

The school said a VIP package for the event includes three bottles of premium wine, a suggested list of food pairings and a 45-minute presentation with a renowned sommelier. VIP reception starts at 6:30 p.m. and costs $150 per ticket. Space is limited to 100 people for the VIP package.

All proceeds from the event will go towards families impacted by the pandemic. For more information about the event and to buy a ticket, visit the Marian Catholic High School website.