A NEW ORLEANS JAZZ CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Wow! What a time we had on Saturday! I believe this year’s annual fundraising event was the best ever! Many people contributed so much of their time, talents, and efforts into making the evening truly spectacular in every way! Our committee chairperson, Bill Lintz, did an incredible job pulling everyone and everything together and his co-chairperson, Leanda Robinson, was amazing as she oversaw so many aspects of the entire event. Carole Boucard and Mary Herin outdid themselves with organizing the silent auction which brought in a record amount this year! And, of course, Chef Rose Vallee and Gena Vallee and their entire family were absolutely off the charts with their delicious food. And Anita Sherman and Laura Leonard decorated Harris Hall so beautifully and elegantly! Let’s not forget our own in-house auctioneer, Fr. Andrew Sherman, whose auctioneering skills once again set records in proceeds for the live auction items.

Wycliffe Gordon was beyond amazing as he performed one of the best concerts we’ve ever had here at St. Gregory’s since I’ve been here! His guests, La Lucha, and Charlotte Vaughn, were outstanding, and I was blown away at their artistry and talents.

We always talk about how St. Gregory’s makes a difference and how this annual concert/dinner makes such an important difference in the lives of those in our community. However, I want to share a story which really brings this thought home in a profound and tangible way. A lady from Ft. Lauderdale had attended one of the “Candlelight Concerts” recently and saw the flier about Wycliffe and our “New Orleans Jazz Christmas” in the pew and decided to go online and purchase a ticket. Not being familiar with St. Gregory’s, she decided to only purchase the concert ticket. At the reception afterwards that evening, she met my sister, April, on a whim, as April came up to her and commented on her lovely blue outfit which seemed to match Wycliffe’s shoes! I walked up and introduced myself and found out that she had not purchased a dinner ticket and regretted that decision. I told her it would not be a problem if she wanted to stay (I gave her my seat at Wycliffe’s table.) She was so impressed with St. Gregory’s hospitality, ministries, and people, that she ended up donating a sizable amount that evening! And she attended the 10 AM service on Sunday morning! Stories like this are what “making a difference” really means! St. Gregory’s made a difference in her life and she, in turn, has made a difference in the life of St. Gregory’s.

Happy Advent and Merry Christmas to all!  

Tim