As guests settle into their seats for Party on the Plaza: A Day at the Races on Saturday, Sept. 26, they will be greeted by vibrant flowers, moss-covered horse heads and handcrafted horseshoe decor around Founders Plaza.
Each centerpiece and arrangement was a labor of love from Kyrstin Gable, executive assistant to the vice president for institutional advancement. Her behind-the-scenes work, which totaled more than 400 hours, was all in an effort to benefit student scholarships.
“I have been blessed to contribute to Party on the Plaza in this way because this is something that I truly love to do,” Gable said. “I love to see an idea come to fruition; I love to do decor for an event or decorate a space. However, this has been more fulfilling because I know that the effort is for something more important. If my effort increases enjoyment and engagement of guests at this fundraiser, then it’s been worth it.”
A new theme brings a new atmosphere
Party on the Plaza brings alumni, benefactors, community leaders and friends together for an evening of fellowship and philanthropy. With 99% of Newman undergraduate students relying on financial aid, proceeds directly support student scholarships.
After three years of celebrating Roaring ’20s style, the advancement team introduced a new theme for 2026: A Day at the Races. The transition meant trading in flapper dresses for derby hats, mint juleps and completely new decor.
“Last year’s was more of putting together what had already been done,” Gable said. “This year has required a lot of forethought, planning and execution by everyone on the advancement team.”
Gable’s role in that effort was creating everything from centerpieces to floral arrangements to bring the Kentucky Derby theme to life.
“Bob (Beumer, vice president of institutional advancement) has been so gracious to trust my process and has allowed me free range to work on whatever I came up with,” Gable said.
Answered prayers and budget creativity
Crafting a completely new aesthetic while keeping costs low required resourcefulness. Gable prayed that God would help her make the most with limited resources.
“I have big ideas, and sometimes big ideas require a big budget,” she said. “But this is a fundraiser and the purpose is to help students, so the least amount of money that we can spend, the better.”
She believes the outcome — which went above and beyond what she had hoped — was truly divine intervention.
“The position I held before working at Newman exposed me to online auctions, and one day while looking, shortly after praying, I found a huge bulk of silk flowers, probably $600 worth, and I ended up paying $100,” Gable explained. “There have been other ways I’ve been able to cut costs, but this was the biggest.”
With nearly 1,000 silk flowers secured, Gable found peace and inspiration as she tackled the massive creative project.
“Every time God answers a prayer so directly, I am humbled and thankful, and this was no exception,” Gable said. “During this process, I have found myself multiple times talking to God casually in ways like, ‘What should I do for this?’ or ‘How will I make this work?’ and an idea always come to my mind. I smile and say, ‘Thank you’ or ‘Great idea.’”
Hundreds of hours of crafting
Gable began brainstorming and gathering supplies in February, then started assembling in March to allow ample time in case of setbacks.
Her handcrafted creations include 19 intricate horse head silhouettes, 17 horseshoe centerpieces, 15 whiskey barrel vases, moss balls, topiaries and a barrel fountain.
While the vases and moss balls assembled more quickly, the centerpiece production alone demanded the bulk of Gable’s time.
“I’ve spent over 400 hours on centerpiece assembly alone, not including shopping or planning,” Gable said. “Other elements have taken less time. I’m not sure how long I will have spent when it’s all said and done, but I’m not focused on that. I just want everything to come together for the fundraiser.”
Heart behind the mission
Throughout the process, Gable was motivated knowing that every cut, ribbon and painted board ultimately supports Newman students.
“I have learned to trust my own process when I’m not sure how something will turn out,” Gable said. “I have learned the discipline of continued work when I’m ready to be finished and onto the next thing and I have learned what amazing coworkers I have. They have helped, encouraged, given and executed ideas, and I’m so thankful for them.”
Above all, Gable hopes the atmosphere helps guests experience the sense of community that makes Newman unique.
“Newman is a special place filled with amazing people,” she said. “I hope that guests see the heart behind Newman, that our students are special and worth investing in and that investment can change lives that, in turn, better society. It’s a reciprocal action that I am thankful to be a part of.”
Event details and schedule
Party on the Plaza: A Day at the Races takes place Saturday, Sept. 26. Those unable to attend in-person can still participate in the silent auction, which opens online at 1 p.m. on Sept. 23.
Schedule of events:
- 4 p.m. — Optional Mass in St. John’s Chapel, inside Sacred Heart Hall
- 5 p.m. — Check-in opens in De Mattias Fine Arts Center, followed by cocktails and silent auction bidding in the Gorges Atrium and Founders Plaza
- 6:30 p.m. — Dinner served on Founders Plaza
- 7 p.m. — Online silent auction bidding closes
- 7:30 p.m. — Live auction begins
Reserve your tickets
Party on the Plaza features a fun-filled night of delicious food and drinks, raffles, unique auction items and spectacular entertainment.
