Submitted photo Northern Chautauqua Catholic School opens this week.

Northern Chautauqua Catholic School is hosting their first fundraising gala on Aug. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Dunkirk Lighthouse.

The “Under the Stars” 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, 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.

“NCCS is more than a school, it is a family,” said general music teacher and musical director, Janie Villella-Sharon. “Just like a family, we have our challenges, but we always overcome them by working together and staying positive.”

Villella-Sharon is the chairperson of this year’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. Unfortunately, in 2020 all our funding from the Buffalo Diocese ceased. This accounted for $2,000 per student to help offset costs and allowed us to keep the tuition at a minimum for all our families. Since losing this funding, the Home School Association has worked very diligently to raise those funds through multiple fundraising efforts, including the “Under the Stars” gala/ 100% of the proceeds from the gala will go directly to the funding and sustainability of the school.

For tickets, or to be a sponsor, email Ms. Janie and the Gala committee at nccsgala@gmail.com. Tickets for the event are $125 per seat or $850 for a table of 8. Tickets and sponsorships are due by Aug. 19 .