Saturday Night Comes Alive at Holy Family Gala

It is often said that challenging times can bring out our most creative ideas and that certainly can be said for the theme of Holy Family Catholic Community’s recent Gala held on Saturday, February 27. States Bernie Schaeffer, Holy Family’s Director of Operations, “We wanted to create a virtual experience like no other we had seen; fast-paced, incorporating skits, musical guests, and special guests appearances, yet celebrating all that is wonderful and unique about our community.” Gala Chairs, Chad and Roshny Archer and Erich and Cobey Struckmeyer, along with Holy Family’s multi-talented staff hosted their first virtual Gala, “Live from Holy Family it’s Saturday Night Live.”

Much like the long running television show that inspired this year’s gala, there were comedy skits featuring Holy Family Pastor, Fr. Terry Keehan and HFCA Principal, Mrs. Kate O’Brien; musical guests including Gene Garcia, Director of Music and Worship, and Isabella Ouellette, a 5th grade student at the Academy; and even some amazing surprise appearances by past and current members of the Saturday Night Live cast--Jon Lovitz, Joe Piscopo and Heidi Gardner. While past Galas have been adult dinner-dance events, this year hundreds of families streamed into Studio HF and enjoyed 100 minutes of entertainment from the comfort of their own homes.

Fr. Terry Keehan explains, “Our annual Gala brings together our entire Catholic Community and friends. This event supports and enhances our nationally and internationally recognized Academy, Adult, Teen, and Family Faith ministries, and our parish’s exceptional programs in social justice and outreach.”

Gala Co-chair, Chad Archer pointed out that, “Last year’s Gala held in February 2020 may have been the last time most of us were with a large group of people without being physically distanced and masked.” Even considering the events of the past year, Co-chair Cobey Struckmeyer added, “It was amazing to see the strength and support of so many wonderful individuals, families, and businesses that helped make this year’s gala such a success.”

Community is the core of parish and school life. Considering the technical expertise, production resources, talent, and commitment needed to create this virtual event assures all of us that Holy Family continues to be a vibrant community.

Even before March 2020, Fr. Terry began every Mass and every gathering at Holy Family proclaiming, “We are in this together.” Over the last several months, he has also added, “And we will come through this stronger.” The energy and generosity generated by this year’s gala certainly shows the strength and vibrancy of the Holy Family Community.