On Friday 18 November, Daylesford Abbey celebrated its 54th Annual Dinner Dance Gala & Auction, where 120 guests gathered at Aronimink Golf Club in Chester County, PA to support Daylesford Abbey.
The successful evening raised over $48,000 to support Daylesford Abbey.
The Gala celebration began with cocktails while guests perused an incredible array of auction items including priceless experiences like dinner with Abbot Domenic, Eagle tickets, artwork, get-away vacations and so much more! Bidding started the week prior and there was fierce competition among in-person guests and people bidding remotely.
After the cocktail hour, guests dined on a sumptuous meal of either chicken, salmon or beef with a warm, apple crip for dessert. The elegant environs at Aronimink provided the perfect setting for this 54th annual celebration.
As the dinner hour began, Abbot Domenic Rossi, O. Pram, offered grace before meals and then he was joined by retired Abbot Robert Antonucci, O. Praem, Frater Jeff Himes, O. Praem, Fr. John Novielli, O. Praem. Fr. Carl Braschoss O. Praem. And Fr. John Zagarella, O. Praem. in the community’s rendition of The Vivat.
After dinner, Back2Life opened the dance floor. Of course, the first dance to start off the evening was a spirited version of the Mummer’s Strut!
Perhaps the highlight of the evening was a surprise appearance by Sr. Elton John himself! Well, technically it was Fr. Zagarella doing his spot-on impression of the pop icon. Fr. John is an avid fan of Elton John and last week’s tribute performance by Daylesford’s Prior coincide with Sir Elton’s retirement and final concert.
A special thank you to the Dinner Dance Gala and Auction co-chairs, Bill and Regina Brown, as well as committee members, Stephen Alleva, Douglass and Barbara Bigford, Jeanne Byrne, Michael DiLeo, Dennis and Michele Howard, Cristiana Junod, Robert and Franne Lytle, Maureen Manousos, Margery McGann, Rosemarie Reynolds, Nancy Robertone, Patrick and Pamela Sweeney, Moe and Sharyn Tehrani, Fr. John Joseph Novielli, James Griffin and Diane Yanosh. Everyone worked so diligently to ensure a successful event.
Daylesford Abbey is a Norbertine community located in Paoli, Pennsylvania. The Norbertines are a 900-year-old Catholic religious community committed to living in commino and dedicated to a life of contemplation, worship, and service. The Norbertine life revolves around specific ministries focused on healing and reconciliation. Norbertine priests serve in parish ministry, education, social work and other apostolic commitments while remaining rooted to their Abbey community. Money raised during the gala dinner and through the auction goes to directly support the ministries of Daylesford Abbey.
