Pearls of Wisdom a wonderful success!

A good time was had by all. That’s an oft-repeated and vague phrase, but in some cases it fits!

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There were smiles all around at the October 6, 2023, Pearls of Wisdom gala at the Richland Country Club. It was a lovely experience with many special touches.

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We can thank many people, but let’s start with Co-Chairs Lauren Barca and Courtney Conklin. They promised us an “elevated” experience, and they delivered. Courtney, a REALTOR®, may hear the chant, “location, location, location” in her sleep. Attendees report great pleasure at enjoying the view from the balcony. The weather was balmy and beautiful. Phoebe Lin, the harpist, provided the musical greeting, and the room was decorated in elegant fashion.

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There was an eclectic display in the Silent Auction area with sunglasses and watches, sports packages and whiskey tastings, themed hostess baskets and area attraction passes. Many Christmas presents were collected and secreted into closets! We thank Chris Piciacchia of Professional Golf Events, for implementation.

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Music closed the evening, too, with our own Kelley Colopietro, but in between we remarked on the remarkable pearls and textbook table décor, the attentive table service from the Club staff, delicious food, and an exciting Live Auction delivered with great gusto by Thomas Mattingly who volunteered his time.

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We thank the Live Auction participants:

Chris and Tricia Casa Santa for Mass at their grotto, inspired by the grotto at Notre Dame, and catered dinner in their home.  Two events were proffered and purchased at $1,500 apiece. Friends of Carole Anne Ellers and Dr. Janet Donahue will each enjoy the Casa Santa’s hospitality and an Italian meal.

Mara and Thomas Lehrman will enjoy Prayers and Pizza with the Dominican Sisters at Dominican Drive. We thank them for their $1,000 donation. We thank Coco’s Italian Market and Restaurant for providing the pizza.

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Julie Cox and Debrah Glennon were all smiles as they each secured the use of the Park City, Utah, skiing community condominium for $5,000 donations. We are grateful to Drs. Sean and Janet Donahue for making it possible.

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James Maiocco enjoyed “sweet suite seat” status at the Tennessee Titans game against the Carolina Panthers. We thank James for his $700 donation and the Ajax Turner for making it possible.

James is such a sports fan that he also secured four suite tickets to the Nashville Predators game where they played the San Jose Sharks. We thank him for the $800 donation and Ajax Turner for making it possible.

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Scott Farrington purchased the amazing and creative artwork produced in our presence. We thank Scott for his $1,100 donation and Olasubomi Aka-Bashorun for sharing his vision.

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What you really want to know is how much the League is able to donate to the Aurelia Varallo Mariana Memorial Scholarship! Great news. We will provide $14,000 to each of St. Cecilia Academy, Pope Paul Prep and Fr. Ryan High School to support a girl’s education. In addition, we added $2,000 to the St. Michael Academy fund as we watch that campus grow to include a high school.

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Since the fund was established and named its first recipient in 1998, the members and supporters of the Nashville Catholic Business Women’s League has raised $620,000 in support of girls’ Catholic high school education.

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Super news! Lauren and Courtney are stepping up again for 2024 as co-chairs! And Jennie Guinn and Lisa Link will be the Silent Auction co-chairs. We would like to have a money manager focused on the event and a Live Auction Chair. More committees with clear tasks and deadlines will be established so you schedule your efforts, too! Consider your skill set and be thinking!