Faculty, staff, church members, family and friends came out to support St. Ann School, Emmaus, at its annual gala event held at DeSales University, Center Valley, April 26.

The theme of the Kentucky Derby was displayed throughout the Night at the Races event.

Many of the guests attended the event dressed in their colorful dresses and bold hats for the ladies and suits, bow ties and fedoras for the men.

The gala has been held annually since 2013 and is one of the school’s largest fundraisers.

The evening began with a cocktail hour at which attendees could have fun playing casino games and bidding on silent auction items.

Vince Tranguch welcomed the guests and thanked the numerous sponsors for the event.

The Rev. Monsignor Edward Coyle provided the Invocation. Principal of St. Ann School Beth Shields offered remarks and Cecil Sibanda, guest speaker, thanked the St. Ann community for helping their sister school in Zimbabwe.

Tranguch presented the Diana Kile Distinguished Educator Award to retired teacher Pamela Caton. A parishioner at St. Ann’s for 38 years, Caton has had a positive impact on decades of students, many of whom attended the gala. Caton has served the community as a kindergarten teacher, prekindergarten teacher, religious coordinator, Vacation Bible School leader and volunteer in numerous school and parish events.

“I am honored to be a part of the St. Ann Church and School community,” she shared.

Caton encouraged families to “get involved with school and parish activities. You will gain so much more than you give. There is no greater gift than helping children grow in God’s love.”

Also recognized with Warrior Awards were Deacon James Friend and Deacon Ben Servagno. Friend has considered St. Ann Parish his home for more than 17 years.

“Having moved to the Lehigh Valley in 2008,” he shared, “the people of St. Ann’s became our extended family.”

Ordained in 2024, Friend offered guests a message to “be open to God’s plan for your life. Be humble in prayer and service. Never give up.”

Deacon Ben Servagno has been a devoted member of St. Ann Parish for almost 30 years.

He serves the St. Ann community as a leader with Helping Hands, Knights of Columbus, Men of St. Joseph, Marriage Ministry and many other projects. He told the guests “St. Ann Church and School helped us form and support our family’s faith life, rooted in service, love and tradition. It has been a place where faith is lived, nurtured and passed onto future generations.”

Following the presentations, Kelsey Tranguch donated delicious cupcakes for a Cupcake Pull Drawing. Then it was off to the races!

Ten races occurred throughout the night for guests to win “money” to use to purchase tickets for the basket raffle. The guests could also “win” money playing the casino games for the basket raffle.

The silent auction included numerous baskets with one including a Super Bowl Champions Eagles football autographed by the Lehigh Valley’s own Saquon Barkley.

The evening ended with a Winner’s Circle Drawing in which one lucky guest won a cash prize as well as a bouquet of flowers.

The gala organizing committee included Cecilia Birdsell, Kristen Bogert, Holly Heydorn, Courtney Kazmierczak, Diana Kile, JoAnn Knerr, Katie Page, Lisa Schultz, Judy Schilling, Beth Shields and Kelsey Tranguch.