There are certain dates on the Perryville calendar that longtime residents circle in green ink. For many, the annual St. Patrick’s Auction, hosted by the St. Vincent Educational Foundation, is one of them.
This year’s auction — celebrating its 41st year — will be held Saturday, March 7, in the St. Vincent Gymnasium. Registration and the gym doors will open at 4 p.m., with the evening’s program beginning at 6 p.m. The event is expected to conclude around 10 p.m.
The auction is the foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year, supporting continued success and a thriving Catholic education at St. Vincent Schools. Funds raised benefit students, teachers, and campus needs, helping ensure the school remains strong for future generations.
Tickets for this year’s prime rib dinner are $60 per plate, up from $50 in previous years. Organizers say only a limited number of seats remain. Those interested in attending should contact Sara Hennemann, foundation president, at 573-517-1381 or by email at hennemann6@gmail.com to inquire about availability.
For those who have attended in the past, the evening’s structure will feel familiar: fellowship, dinner, spirited bidding, and a strong sense of community purpose. But 2026 also brings a renewed focus on one key initiative.
Later in the program, organizers will spotlight a special “Make It Happen” presentation. This year, the foundation is seeking to raise $65,000 for campus safety upgrades. These improvements are intended to strengthen an already safe and welcoming campus in preparation for the future.
Another feature designed to expand participation is online bidding. A QR code in an auction ad appearing in this issue will allow supporters to browse and bid remotely, enabling those who cannot attend in person to still participate in the auction and support the “Make It Happen” effort.
Organizers say this option opens the door for alumni, extended family members, and community supporters who may be out of town or unable to secure a seat at the event. The St. Vincent Educational Foundation supports St. Vincent Schools’ mission by raising funds and fostering long-term financial stability.
Over four decades, the St. Patrick’s Auction has grown into a signature event — equal parts fundraiser and reunion — bringing alumni, parishioners, and friends of Catholic education together under one roof. While the atmosphere features festive St. Patrick’s décor and plenty of good-natured competition for auction items, the purpose remains clear: strengthening Catholic education in Perryville.
Those who have attended before often describe the night as a celebration of shared history. Parents visit with teachers. Alumni reconnect with classmates. Community members who may not have children in the school still show up to lend support, recognizing St. Vincent’s role in shaping the area’s faith and civic life.
For those who have never attended, this may be the year to see what it’s all about. With limited tickets remaining, organizers encourage interested guests to act quickly. Even if attendance isn’t possible, supporters can still participate by bidding online and making donations.
Forty-one years is a milestone few fundraisers achieve. The St. Patrick’s Auction has endured because of steady community support and a shared commitment to faith-based education.
On March 7, that tradition continues — with green decorations, generous hearts, and a collective effort to “make it happen” for the next generation of St. Vincent students.
