All proceeds from Party on the Plaza will benefit scholarships at Newman University. The event is co-hosted by Newman alumni Veronica and J.V. Johnston. J.V. Johnston is also Chair of the Newman Board of Trustees.
The evening begins at 4:30 p.m. for those who wish to participate in the celebration of Sunday Vigil Mass in St. John’s Chapel on the Newman campus. Party on the Plaza activities will begin at 5 p.m. on Founders Plaza, just south of the De Mattias Fine Arts Center. Among the many activities and features at the event will be artists providing demonstrations of their work, street performers, mimes portrayed by the Newman student improv group The Sloppy Joes, a caricature artist, and a photo booth provided by Legacy Bank, entertainment sponsor of the event.
Auction items will include the original maquette of the statue of John Henry Cardinal Newman that stands outside Sacred Heart Hall created by sculptor Babs Mellor, who is donating the maquette to the auction. Other auction items include an all accommodations trip to Naples, Fla., provided by Carla Stovall Steckline and Larry Steckline, a Christmas in New Orleans package for two donated by Village Tours & Travel, tickets to local events, and many other items.
A dinner featuring steak, French au gratin potatoes, a fall veggie medley, a field greens salad, dessert and coffee will be served at 6 p.m. An open bar will be available throughout the evening, and party goers can also purchase a glass which will contain a version of the famous “Hurricane” drink from New Orleans, with free refills through the party. The evening concludes with a fireworks display at 9 p.m., followed by a dance featuring Zydeco music by the acclaimed local band, The Mudbugs.
Volunteers are needed for several aspects of party preparation. Alumni, faculty, staff, and students or friends who would like to learn the techniques of “wine bottle art” are needed to help create salable centerpieces for the event. Work can be performed on the volunteers’ schedules, with supplies provided. Empty green wine bottles are also needed, as well as volunteers to help work at the event. To volunteer or to contribute bottles and supplies contact Ann Fox, 316-640-5508.
Reservations for Party on the Plaza are required. Tickets for the entire evening are $100, $70 of which is tax-deductible. Tickets are also available for those arriving at 8:30 p.m. or later for fireworks, drinks and dancing for just $35, $25 of which is tax-deductible.
To reserve tickets, contact [email protected], or 316-942-4291, ext. 2228 or visit http://partyontheplaza.eventbrite.com.
Sponsors for this event include:
Entertainment sponsor
Legacy Bank
Presenting sponsor
Foley Equipment Company
Media sponsor
Wichita Business Journal
Wichita’s Big Talker 1480 KQAM
Sportsradio 1410 KGSO
Firework sponsors
Catholic Family Federal Credit Union
Menges Rental
Event sponsors
ABC Liquor
Adorers of the Blood of Christ
Donlevy Lithograph
House of Schwan
J.V. and Veronica Johnston
Noreen Carrocci and Bob Benson
Wescon Products
Party hosts
Bell Carpet and Floor of Abbey Carpet and Floor
Bob and Anne Simpson
Dale and Alice Wiggins
Great Western Dining
Jill and Tom Docking
Mid America Exteriors
Tony and Miriam Madrigal
Via Christi Health
Westar Energy
