July 3, 2006

St. Christopher’s Parish celebrates 48th successful festival

By Carol Rosen
Editor

St Christopher’s parish held its 48th annual three-day festival and barbeque June 9-11 to raise money for the school and its sports activities as well as the church.

Festival chair Steve Oreglia and rummage sale co-chair Michele Vossoughi pose in St. Christopher School's Little Gym where the clothing rummage sale was held.

The event, as usual, was a big success. Not just from the huge number of people that showed up, but because it celebrates the neighborhood, said Father Paolo. It’s one of those events that bring the Willow Glen community closer together.

The crowds, always big, were bigger than usual, said Steve Oreglia, festival chair. “Friday night we had a record crowd and Saturday’s attendance was even greater. We knew that because we ran out of food sooner than usual. Today (Sunday) is phenomenal,” he added.

The church volunteers start planning the festival in January, he said. As this year’s chair, he’s also grooming David Weaver, who served as co-chair, to take over the top spot next year. There are a total of 80 different co-chairs who take on activities such as games, kitchen, food, silent auction, rummage sale and garbage and cleanup.

They also receive help through sponsors such as Blach Construction, Countrywide Home Loans, Mike Weir, Arnie von Massenhausen, Coldwell Banker, Gina Marciano and Intero Real Estate’s Willow Glen office. Local businesses also help out with the silent auction by providing gifts and gift certificates.

Emma Larson, a third grader at St. Christopher's, gets ready to hammer for a prize. Alma Fasano, right, is running the booth.

Each booth has a well mapped-out plan, following the 48 years of the event. The chair of each, along with parents, parishioners and volunteers work through their list to set up and complete their work. Volunteers encompass parishioners, student parents and even some people whose kids are grown and gone, but who enjoy the pace of the work. Some, like Police Officer Kevin White, work as security. White is a member of the parish.

One area that brings in pure profit is the event’s rummage sale. This takes several months to get going, with donations, storage, cataloging and pricing. The sale at this year’s festival was divided in two with clothes in one area and knick-knacks, books, furniture, dishes, silver and other household goods in the other.

Late Sunday afternoon, rummage sale co-chairs Michele Vossoughi and Kimberly Bovone planned to box up all the remaining items and divide them for distribution at Sacred Heart Community Centers and the Emergency Housing Consortium. Leftover food also is given away to those needing it.

—Photos by Carol Rosen