Dear Friends,
I’m excited to share the final numbers from this year’s Party by the Pavilion. Last year, our net revenue was $25,830. This year, I set what felt like a very bold goal: $42,000 in total revenue with a $12,000 budget. And while we didn’t quite hit that goal, what we accomplished was incredible. This year, we brought in $40,747 and spent $11,344, giving us a net revenue of $29,403 — our highest fundraiser yet.
That is because this parish continues to show up, give generously, and work together in the most beautiful way. And while I may have been the one up here asking for help and organizing the pieces, this only happens because of all of you. Parishioners showed up in so many little ways that made the night possible.
From everyone who donated drinks and food, to the Knights of Columbus who helped me bring over 500 chairs from MWR the day before the event and then came right back on Monday morning to help me take them all back, to the Columbiettes, who baked and donated so many delicious cupcakes and desserts.
And of course, all our sponsors, those who cooked and served the food, the volunteers who showed up early, stayed late, sold tickets, painted faces, and everyone who said “yes” every time I asked for help, all of those that showed up with their families, or invited a friend.
A special thank you to Ivonne Mendez and Carlos Betancourt, Jessica Tyus, Zac Cannon, all of the Parish staff and Father Arturo for all their help with all the planning. This event was successful because this parish loves each other and serves each other so well.
And if you’ll allow me one quick personal note…
Almost three years ago, I had just moved back to Fayetteville. I did a Catholic book study with a few women from the parish, and I asked them to pray for me to help me find a way to use my gifts for God and for this community. About a month later, Father Arturo came to me and said, “I have this idea… we’re going to plan a big party.”
Now let me be very clear: party planning is not one of my gifts. I had never planned a fundraiser or anything close to this in my life. But what I do love is creating community. And through this event, God has shown me other gifts I didn’t know I had, and He has allowed me to meet so many incredible people in this parish, people I may have never had the chance to know otherwise.
As God and the Army would have it, my family and I will be relocating to Washington, D.C. next summer. So being able to serve this parish in this way, even for a short time, has been one of the greatest blessings of my life here.
Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for helping me. Thank you for loving this parish the way you do. And thank you for making Party by the Pavilion a reminder of what community, generosity, and God’s goodness look like in action.
Sincerely,
Alex Baca
Event Organizer