Northern Chautauqua Catholic School is hosting its second annual fundraising gala on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Dunkirk Lighthouse. A Night on the Red Carpet Gala is open to the entire community and beyond. The gala will include catering by Duper’s, an open bar, a silent auction featuring local artists and treasures, live entertainment, and more.

Northern Chautauqua Catholic School is the last remaining parochial school in Chautauqua County. The school’s mission is to provide a foundation for Christian living by integrating and nurturing faith through teaching and example, and thereby becoming an extension of the teaching mission of the Roman Catholic Church. NCCS is a Christ-centered community which stimulates academic excellence and emphasizes family values and respect of self and others all in an atmosphere of kindness, love and understanding.

NCCS offers a high-quality education with a curriculum that adheres to both New York State and diocesan guidelines and offers excellence in Catholic education for children in grades pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

“Last year’s gala was such a wonderful evening for everyone, especially the school, so it was very clear that this needs to become an annual event,” said Janie Villella-Sharon, NCCS general music teacher and parent of three NCCS students.

Villella-Sharon is the chair of the school’s gala and extremely excited to share her love of the school and all the attributes she believes it brings to the community. “I am extremely passionate about our little school. All three of my children attend there and they love everything about it. The ability to go to school, in our own community, with an atmosphere that is supportive educationally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually is an undeniable advantage in today’s ever-changing world. I will always help in whatever way possible to sustain this wonderful institution. In the words of an inspirational leader, ‘great things are happening at Northern Chautauqua Catholic School.'”

Over the past few years, NCCS has worked, against the odds, to continue to provide exceptional educational experiences in a family-values based atmosphere. With a massive decrease in funding from the Dioceses of Buffalo over the past five years, the amazing families, alumni, faculty, and private donors of Northern Chautauqua Catholic School have worked tirelessly to offset that loss with fundraising efforts such as the annual gala.

“100% of the proceeds from the Night on the Red Carpet Gala will go directly to operating costs, teacher salaries, and programming at Northern Chautauqua Catholic School. Every penny will be a step in the right direction to keeping our doors open and the children safe and thriving,” says Villella-Sharon.

For tickets, or to be a sponsor, email the Gala committee at nccsgala@gmail.com. Tickets for the event are $125.00 per seat or $850 for a table of 8. Tickets and sponsorships are due by Sept. 8.