By Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger
DAVENPORT — The Black and White Gala – A Celebration of Life has continued to grow in its support of life ministries.
A Mass will be held Aug. 14 at 5:30 p.m. at Christ the King Chapel on the St. Ambrose University campus. Afterwards, bagpipe musicians will lead pro-life supporters to the Rogalski Center on campus for the mix and mingle, dinner, silent auction and raffle.
This year’s hosts are St. Andrew Parish-Blue Grass, St. Mary Parish-Davenport, St. Alphonsus Parish-Davenport, St. Peter Parish-Buffalo and Ss. Mary & Mathias Parish-Muscatine.
Charlene Merritt, one of the event’s organizers, said the gala was moved to St. Ambrose which has more space. For the past five years the event has been held at parishes in the Davenport Deanery. But as the fundraiser grows, space needs are also growing.
Those who attend the event are encouraged to wear black and white attire in their display of an unwavering decision for life, she noted.
Cost for the event is $30 per person; reservations are due Aug. 5.
To make a reservation or donate gifts/services for the silent auction, contact Brad Merritt at (563) 529-1820 or email bcmerritt@mchsi.com. Make checks payable to Our Lady of Lourdes Life Ministry.
Some of the raffle prizes include a week’s vacation through World-Wide RCI network, a Go-Pro camera, HON office chair, child’s John Deere ground force tractor and wagon, $250 in gas vouchers, framed art from Woodland Gallery and more.
Donations for raffle tickets are $5 each or 6 for $25. Tickets are available at the event or in advance by contacting Kathy Loomis at (563) 349-6274 or kmlqciowa@q.com. You don’t need to be present to win.
Pro-life organizations that benefit from the gala include Life and Family Education Trust that oversees the Women’s Choice Center, Birthright, Project Rachel, Quad City Right to Life and other life ministries.
