(Remsen) — The Avalon Ballroom was packed full of supporters Saturday evening as they celebrated the 26th annual “Friends of Remsen St. Mary’s Fundraising Ball.” A check in the amount of $61,000 was presented to Father Bill McCarthy to help with expenses at the Remsen St. Mary’s schools.
Auctioneer Jim Klein conducted the bidding for the reverse auction that raised $60,155 to help purchase a much needed boiler for the high school, and the top bid for the naming rights of the gymnasium was at $6,400. Speakers for the event included classmates Bob Augustine and Dean Harpenau from the class of 1985. Both talked about various individuals, from Remsen St. Marys who had a profound impact upon their lives. While in college at Mount Marty at Yankton, both speakers were asked to write together about an individual that had a great impact on both of their lives. They focused on former teacher and baseball coach, the late Marv Thelan.
Harpenau told the gathering that Marv Thelan would always want his players to be mentally prepared for any game, saying the preparation begins the night before a ballgame.
Harpenau says, even today at the state tournaments, people still talk fondly about Theland. He says the one-time Remsen St. Marys coach gave the small school some recognition.
Harpenau says Theland would instill confidence in students whether it was in the classroom, or on the ball diamond.
Tim Osterman lead the gathering in another rendition of the “Oster Coaster” which was made famous during the appearance at the Iowa Boys State Basketball Tournament held in Des Moines.
With their arms extended, and swaying from left to right, forward and backwards, the crowd re-enacted the roller coaster cheer. Following the “Oster Coaster,” Osterman lead the crowd in the familiar chant “I Believe in R-S-M…I Believe in R-S-M…I Believe in R-S-M.”
On behalf of the Remsen chapter of the Knights of Columbus, Steve Pick presented a check to Remsen St. Marys officials amounting to $2,000.
RSM Ball chairs, Tim and Connie Begnoche.
Bob Augustine says he was able to learn the value of hard work ethnic through a Catholic education. He says he still uses those morals and life’s values through his career.
Augustine informed the gathering in order to achieve any goals, you must first believe in yourself.
The speaker then reminded the “Friends of Remsen St. Marys” of the many achievements that were accomplished from the little Catholic school during this past school year.
