We hope everyone had a wonderful Spring Break! We have just a few short days until the Gala is here!!  We are very excited about the enthusiastic response we’ve had and are really looking forward to a great evening filled with fun, friends, food, bidding and dancing!!  Don’t be left out!!!  There’s still time to turn in your reservation by going online to this link.

Thank you again to all those who have had a hand in making this event a success. From our generous underwriters and auction donors, to our amazing volunteers and supportive St. Agnes staff, to our wonderful honorees.  It is truly going to be a beautiful night!! We look forward to seeing you there.

Mimi & Leigh 

Dancing with the Stars -
(Donated by The Disney Foundation, Brenda and Tom Koch, Sandra Ortiz, Woodlake Travel and Paramount Studios)
Lights….Camera…..Salsa!!!  The 14th season of Dancing with the Stars has just kicked off, loaded with what is expected to be one of the most exciting lineups of stars, athletes and entertainers ever to compete for the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy!  You won’t want to miss the chance-of-a-lifetime to watch the fancy footwork up close!  You and a guest are invited to be a part of the audience of a taping of the show!  You have the chance to see the moves of greats such as Melissa Gilbert, Jack Wagner, Martina Navratilova, Gavin DeGraw, Gladys Knight and more!  Use the allotted $500 travel allowance to arrange your flights to transport you to this dancing dream. Your taping takes place on a Monday or Tuesday of this season so it’s time to pack your dancing shoes and quickstep your way to the airport!  While in Los Angeles, you don’t have to stop with the stars at DWTS, as you will enjoy brunch one morning at the famous Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel.  Put on your stargazing shades as the possibilities of who may be dining at the next table are endless!  After brunch, make time to tour the lot of famed Paramount Studios with two tickets for their entertaining Studio Tour.  You will embark on a small-group guided tour to learn the history of legends such as Lucille Ball and classic Academy Award winning films, the making of TV favorites such as the Brady Bunch, Cheers, and Glee and get a firsthand glimpse into the magic of movie making!  After your star-studded swing through Tinsel town, don your two DWTS t-shirts and share your experiences with your friends – you can have your own DWTS competition and use your commemorative paddle autographed by the legendary judging panel, Len, Carrie Ann and Bruno. Must call by March 31, 2012, to arrange date to attend on a Monday or Tuesday during this current season which kicked off March 19, 2012.  

Golf Course Country Club Package -
(Donated by Sweetwater Country Club, The Houstonian Golf & Country Club, Royal Oaks Country Club, Brenda and Todd Huskinson, Danny Grant)
Tee-off for a round of golf with your golfing buddies at some of Houston’s finest Country Club golf courses - Sweetwater Country Club, River Oaks Country Club, Royal Oaks Country Club, Houston Country Club and The Houstonian.
Houston Country Club round of golf for four including club member Danny Grant, not available all day Saturday or Sunday morning. River Oaks Country Club round of golf for four including club member Todd Huskinson. Includes four caddies. Available Tuesday (all day), Wednesday (after 12:00 pm), Thursday (all day), Friday (before 1:00 pm, after 2:30 pm), Sunday (before 1:00 pm). Sweetwater Country Club round of golf for four including carts. Valid Tuesday – Thursday only, no holidays, no valid on Saturday-Sunday. Expires December 17, 2012. The Houstonian Golf & Country Club round of golf for four including carts.  Valid Monday – Thursday (excluding holidays). Expires March 24, 2013. Royal Oaks Country Club round of golf for four including club member Rick Butler. Includes carts. Valid Monday – Thursday.

Couples West Houston Golf Tour -
(Donated by Betty and John Norkus)
Head west and enjoy a round of golf at two of the finest local golf clubs in the Greater Houston area with your hosts, 2012 Dominican Spirit Award Recipients, Betty and John Norkus. You and your partner will tee up with them and enjoy golf outings at both Lakeside Country Club and Royal Oaks Country Club. Must coordinate dates and times with hosts Betty and John Norkus.  Expires December 31, 2012.

Senior Class Bible -
(Donated by Senior Class of 2012, Theodore’s Catholic Christian Book & Gifts)
This bible autographed by each member of the Senior Class will be a true keepsake.  The bible will be a reminder of their mission that a St. Agnes Academy graduate witnesses Gospel values and lives Veritas through word and deed. 

Messiah 2012 -
(Donated by St. Agnes Academy)
Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!  Feel the spirit of Christmas come alive by attending the St. Agnes Strake Jesuit Mixed Chorus’ 2012 Christmas Concert. Enjoy the traditional carols as well as Handel’s Messiah from your six reserved seats, guaranteeing you the “best seats in the house”.  No need to arrive extra early, as your group will also have two reserved parking places.  You may select either performance, December 7 or 8.  Cherish the concert memories with a DVD of the performance, a professional photograph of the Mixed Chorus and a copy of the 2011 CD.  

Calling all U of H Fans -
(Donated by University of Houston Athletics)
Go Coogs!  This is the ultimate package for University of Houston sports fans!  You can catch all the action of our hometown team with 4 tickets to a home football game during the 2012 season.  Also check out the fast-paced action with 4 tickets to a UH Men’s Basketball game!  You and your friends will definitely look the part of true fans while wearing the included 4 UH Athletics Official Nike Game Day Polo Shirts (adult sizes only) and 4 Official Nike Game Day Visors.  Catch the away games from the comfort of home and show your Cougar pride with the included 2 University of Houston Coffee Mugs and Athletics Blankets.  To top it off, your future hall-of-famer can hone his/her skills with this complimentary single session of any UH Athletics Sports Camps this summer (ages vary by camp).  

St. Agnes Magnum -
(Donated by Suzanne & Tom Vaughn)
Show your St. Agnes pride with this unique addition to your personal wine collection.  Take home a 6 liter Magnum filled with a 2009 award winning Meritage, a perfect blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Petite Syrah and Zinfandel.  This bottle offers much more than the tempting corked wine, it features a custom designed St. Agnes themed etching.  No one else will have anything like this in their bar!

Family Bible and Rosary Blessed and Personalized by His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo -
(Donated by Barbara Bone, Mary Regina – The Catholic Store)
This Holy Bible will deserve a place of honor in your home.  Your heart will be filled with the spirit and prayers of St. Agnes Academy as you pray The Rosary with this one-of-a-kind rosary made with murano glass beads (black with splashes of 24K gold and sterling).  The rosary center is a SAA Veritas charm complete with a handmade cross of silver and 22K gold.  Daniel Cardinal DiNardo has blessed the Sacred Scriptures and the handmade rosary and will add a personalized message for the lucky purchaser.  

Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz Center Court Seats -
(Donated by Tube Supply LLC)
Sit up close and watch all the action as you cheer on the Houston Rockets against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 in two prime center court seats located on the floor just behind the scorer’s table at the Toyota Center.  Be a part of the action right where the players check in and out of the game. You will be so close to Clyde Drexler that you can almost touch him. Also includes a jersey autographed by Shane Battier #31 for the Rockets.  Parking pass is included.

A Spa & Golf Weekend Getaway at La Torretta Lake Resort -
(Donated by Clear Channel)
Escape from the everyday and make some time just for the two of you.  Enjoy a two-night stay at La Torretta Lake Resort just an hour from downtown Houston.  Relax, connect, and rejuvenate during your stay.  Take in a round of golf for two on their new Par 71 course designed by Jeffrey D. Blume, Limited that remains fair but challenging on every hole.  Where eco-chic ambience meets the best in luxury relaxation, enjoy two spa treatments of your choice at SpaTerre, and internationally inspired spa offering unparalleled comfort.  Dine at any of their fine dining offerings with a $300 gift card to be used toward food and beverages. Must provide a two-week notice for reservations. Expires July 31, 2012.

1 Year Membership to Westside Tennis & Fitness -
(Donated by Westside Tennis & Fitness)
You don't want to miss out on this exciting opportunity to be a part of a legendary Houston tennis club. With 27 outdoor tennis courts, 4 indoor courts, a state of the art fitness center, a resort style family pool, competition lap pool, an adult only pool with a hot tub, full club house facilities and locker rooms, a recreational soccer/athletic field and newly added beach volleyball courts, this club has lots of offer for family fun! This unique certificate offers a waived initiation fee and a one year membership to Westside Tennis & Fitness where you can "escape" your everyday life and participate in a variety of activities and programs for all ages.

Keep in mind that our Big Board will be electronic this year. When you arrive at La Bella Notte, you will check in to receive a bid packet. This packet will include your program, bidding stickers, table assignments, a bid number, and a card with directions on how to use the electronic Big Board. If your cell service is not working and you cannot text your bids; do not worry! We have a special wireless internet code that will be used at the hotel and provided on the back of the instructions card you will receive in your bid packet. There will also be many Kindle Fires floating around with student volunteers as well as laptops stationed at the Big Board where you can place your bids. We hope you enjoy this new feature!