Undaunted by the pandemic, supporters of the 47th Annual Snow Ball gave a record $3,302,440 million and counting to assist the most vulnerable in our communities served by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Over 1,000 attendees across the Archdiocese and beyond participated in the first-ever virtual gala livestreamed from Fiorella’s Event Center on Saturday, January 16, 2021.
Craig and Karen Gaffney, parishioners at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Basehor, Kansas, served as Snow Ball Presidents. “This evening, for the first and hopefully the only time in history of the Snow Ball, we are celebrating an entirely virtual event,” said Craig Gaffney in his remarks on Saturday. “While we truly miss celebrating tonight in person with all of you, it has already been a great evening and the celebration has just begun.”
Rather than the traditional in-person event, more than 200 Snow Ball celebrations took place in homes across 13 of the 21 counties in our service area and in more than 11 states. Guests had multiple ticket package options to choose from, including “The Potluck,” which paid tribute to the event’s roots.
The virtual evening began with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, D.D. Later, an inspiring hour-long reception hosted by Nate Bukaty, Sports Radio 810 WHB broadcaster, along with Catholic Charities staff, highlighted the people, stories and impact of Catholic Charities in our community. A few local celebrities shared their support through video messages, including Super Bowl LIV Champion and Kansas City Chiefs punter, Dustin Colquitt, who kicked off the live portion of the main program.
Father Al Rockers, Senior Associate Pastor at Church of the Nativity, and Snow Ball Pastoral Liaison, set the tone for the program that followed, with an inspirational reading from the Gospel of Matthew 25. Lauren Solidum, President and CEO, as well as the Gaffneys and Archbishop, followed with heartfelt remarks of gratitude. The evening also included a shout-out from a very special guest, His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan.
It takes an incredible group of individuals to make Snow Ball possible each year. We are incredibly grateful to Craig and Karen Gaffney, Snow Ball Presidents; Susan and Ernie Straub, Honorary Presidents; John and Mary Campbell, Patron Committee Chairs; Joe and Melissa Valenciano, Table Committee Chairs; and all those who served on our various committees. We so appreciate everyone who supported and participated in our virtual Snow Ball event!
“I speak for all those that make the Snow Ball possible,” added Lauren, “when I say that we cannot wait to be back in the ballroom visiting, dancing and making new Snow Ball memories in 2022!”
