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Corpus Christi Catholic plans annual gala

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: November 11, 2009

TEMPLE TERRACE - Sandy Goetz's children could easily be coined as "Army brats."

The assignments of their father, Lt. Col. John "Jack" Goetz, have taken the family to many areas of the country and even Hawaii. Along the way, they have been in the company of many VIPs, seen a multitude of memorable sites and enrolled in several top-notch schools.

The family now lives in Temple Terrace, where the youngsters, ages 3, 8 and 10, attend Corpus Christi Catholic School. Their mother, Sandy, is so impressed by the school that she's volunteered to co-chair this year's annual gala, the school's major fundraiser.

"There is just something very special about Corpus Christi," she said. "It's the whole package, and my kids absolutely love this school."

The event, that in some years has yielded more than $75,000, is set for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Museum of Science & Industry. It is titled Table of Plenty Gala 2009.

The Tuscan-themed evening will feature cocktails, appetizers, dinner and a dessert table, as well as a wine market, a live and silent action, entertainment and dancing provided by SouthTown Fever.

"It should be a spectacular event," Goetz said.

For the first time in the event's history, an online auction, which can be accessed on the school's Web site, will run through the night of the affair.

It allows people to bid on items not available at the event. Sports memorabilia, restaurant gift certificates and school-related opportunities such as being principal for the day and coach for the day are among them.

"The money we've raised in the past has been used to fund several of the school's capital projects," said Jennifer Penn, co-chairwoman of the event. "One of its really nice benefits is having a computer for each child in the science lab. And we also added the accelerated reader program that was really a big thing because it enhanced our students' reading skills."

Helen Dawson, a Corpus Christi alumnus whose four children, ages 7 through 13, attend the school, said tuition alone does not cover the cost of many of its programs.

"The fundraiser has allowed us to purchase our Honeywell Instant Alert system, improve the school's playground equipment and pay for the children's field trips to MOSI, Lowry Park Zoo and area wetlands.

"Knowing the benefits I had as a child I feel very fortunate that our children can attend. I think the most important thing about a Corpus Christi education is that it focuses on spirituality and Christian values so that students can go out in the world and make a difference."

Eighth-grader Libby Zimroth, the school's student government president, said the school's state-of-the-art technology has benefitted her in her 10 years there. And she hopes people will pack the banquet hall at MOSI.

"My school is a great place to receive an education, and the gala helps to enhance what we have here," she said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Corpus Christi Catholic School's Table of Plenty Gala 2009

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 21

WHERE: Museum of Science & Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa

COST: $75 per person

TICKETS/INFORMATION: www.corpus christicatholicschool.org or call the school office, (813) 988-1722

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 731-8026.

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