This is a printer friendly version of an article from the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune. Posted with the permission.
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April 27, 2009

Royal Event fills Catholic schools' needs

By Deb Cleworth
Daily Tribune Staff

The Assumption High School gymnasium was crowded and noisy Sunday, but not because of any sports competition.

Hundreds of people showed up to eat, visit and bid in an auction during Wisconsin Rapids Area Catholic Schools' 29th annual Royal Event.

"We use this as a fundraiser to get stuff for sports and musical equipment," said Miguel Estrada, a 16-year-old Assumption High School sophomore. The Wisconsin Rapids resident was one of many students, parents, alumni and staff members who volunteered.

Proceeds are used for operating expenses at the local Catholic schools, which include the high school and Assumption Middle School, St. Vincent de Paul and Our Lady Queen of Heaven grade schools and St. Lawrence Early Childhood.

The array of attractions included children's games in an outside tent, themed gift baskets, bingo, video games, live and silent auctions, and, of course, the food.

"It's our biggest fundraiser, and it's important for the success of WRACS," said Wisconsin Rapids resident Mary Ashbeck, as she sold food tickets for the 17 booths that lined the gym walls. Ashbeck and her husband, Joe, an Assumption graduate, have two children who attend Assumption middle and high schools.

Ashbeck knows how important the fundraiser is. Declining enrollment and increasing costs contributed to last June's closing of St. Philip Catholic School in Rudolph and Sacred Heart in Nekoosa.

Sunday's event drew people who wanted to support the schools and others who just wanted to have fun.

"It's a little too cold for yard work, so they come here and have fun instead," said Carol Davis, a 1983 AHS grad. She and her husband, Tom, an '82 AHS graduate, manned a popular cotton candy booth. They own the equipment and donate their time and product for fundraisers.

"Plus, we're the most popular house in the neighborhood," she said with a laugh.