PETOSKEY – May 20, 2025 – St. Michael High School (SMHS), the only Classical high school in Northern Michigan, today expressed its deepest gratitude to its sponsors, attendees, and other supporters of its Fourth Annual Celebration Gala, held a few weekends ago at Holy Childhood of Jesus Parish in Harbor Springs.
“Thanks be to God! That was without precedent and our most successful Gala yet,” proclaimed Executive Director Larry Rudnicki. “Thanks also to our many generous supporters. Not only did we reach our ambitious fundraising goal, but our students and our mission were celebrated with overflowing joyful exuberance by well over two hundred attendees.”
“We’re grateful to our many faithful supporters and we thank you all for a spectacular evening!” added Headmaster Kevin Weed. “Our fundraising work, even with this breakthrough event, is far from over. While reaching our $250,000 target all but ensures a successful start to the 2025-26 academic year, we’re striving to construct a firm financial foundation for St. Michael, not merely for next year, but for decades to come.”
“The impact our donors have is life-changing for the young men and women pursuing excellence and holiness in our joyfully Catholic culture. Thank you for helping us build something beautiful at St. Michael High School!”
As announced previously, an anonymous creditor provided a $30,000 ’matching challenge’ in conjunction with Gala fundraising and has forgiven debts owed by SMHS in that amount. The former creditor stated, “What a blessing it is for our family to heed the call of the Church to forgive debts of the distant past, particularly in this Jubilee Year. We’re pleased to help St. Michael advance its essential mission, bringing Catholic joy and hope to the families of our Diocese. May the Lord continue to richly bless St. Michael and its faithful, persevering community.”
For more information on St. Michael High School, its mission, its Gala, and how you can help it succeed, please visit the SMHS website at stmichaelchesterton.org.
The festive Gala evening began with a vibrant cocktail hour, opening comments and a blessing from Fr. Peter Wigton, and brief updates and ‘thank yous’ from the SMHS leadership team. They were interrupted by a surprise guest, transported via ‘time travel’: G. K. Chesterton, perhaps the greatest writer and thinker of the 20th century, and the man for whom the Chesterton Schools Network is named. He regaled the crowd with plain-spoken commentary, wit, and a dollop of British bluster!
As a tasty plated dinner concluded, the Gala-goers were treated to a delightful choir performance, a ‘sneak preview’ of a forthcoming SMHS promotional video, and compelling testimony from Fr. Mitchel Roman on the tangible benefits and value of a Classical education.
The live auction was a boisterous affair and a highlight of the evening! Auction items included: three stunning Catholic icons, dinner at The Depot (with Fr. Roman), and a premium golf package featuring some of the finest local courses. The bidding was spirited and widely enjoyed.
The ‘Fund a Need’ paddle raise that followed was generously answered by attendees – and the wild ‘final basket’ bidding set a new standard of one-upmanship and chaotic live auction fun! The Gala program concluded with senior Russell Vandermus providing testimony from SMHS students regarding the impact the school has had on their formation as young men and women.
The night wound down into a celebratory ‘afterglow’ segment, with Vandermus and SMHS alum Daniel Keefe providing music perfectly attuned to the buoyant mood of the parish hall.
Mr. Weed concluded, “I’d like to thank Kendall Hayes, our Gala Chair, as well as Shelby Kolka, and everyone who helped make our Fourth Annual Gala a memorable celebration!”
“I’d also like to emphasize our gratitude for our generous Gala sponsors, including the donors of our prized auction items! Finally, I’d like to thank Holy Childhood of Jesus Parish and Fr. Roman for their sustained encouragement and support.”
“As Bishop Walsh says, ‘We’re all missionaries.’ We can’t build St. Michael without you. Thank you for helping us build!”
St. Michael High School is High School with a Higher Purpose and a proud member of the Chesterton Schools Network. Established in 2013, the St. Michael mission is to nurture and elevate a new generation of joyful leaders educated in the Classical tradition and truth of the Catholic faith. For more information, please visit our website at stmichaelchesterton.org.