The Lowdown on the Clement Country Hoedown

Last Friday night, Saint Clement School hosted a boot stompin', knee slappin' Clement Country Hoedown at Ravenswood Event Center. The event space was transformed into a real live hootenanny, complete with hay bales and red-checkered table clothes.

Nearly 400 Saint Clement cowboys and cowgirls dressed in their best western wear and enjoyed a good ole' time, rounded out with a country band and lasso artist spinning rope. All cowpokes were also treated to line-dancing-lessons by entertainer Cowboy Randy. To capture the moment, Saint Clement Parents Association sponsored a photo booth which was enjoyed by many. Food fare included a mouthwatering BBQ buffet and signature cocktail -- appropriately deemed the Porch Swing -- to wet everyone's whistle. Guests were also treated to mouth-watering, western-themed cookies from Sugar by Design as they left for the evening.

The silent auction was one aspect of the event's fundraising efforts. Lucky participants headed home with Cubs and Sox tickets, golf outings, and fabulous canvases by Amy Boyle Photography, to name a few choice items. The bidding was alluring with a new addition this year: unlimited Wine Lots. For a set price, a selection of hand-picked Wine Lots were on sale to as many bidders as possible, enticing wine connoisseurs and the casual wine drinker alike.

A hearty congrats goes out to Bob and Melissa Mueller for winning the grand prize in the tuition raffle: free tuition for one child for the 2014-2015 school year. Our Clement Commits donation, 10 percent of the tuition raffle and silent auction proceeds, will support Chicago catholic school in need, St. Margaret of Scotland. Their principal, Kevin Powers, was an attendee at the hoedown and graciously thanked everyone for their support. The remainder of the money raised at the hoedown will go to support Saint Clement School.

We'd like to give a big shout-out to all of the event sponsors and volunteers, who enjoyed a pre-party VIP reception. And the 15 or so youngins that are a part of the Young Adult Community made the night as cozy as a cool summer breeze by playing the role of farm hands for the night. 

While it sure was fun donning our denim, boots, 10-gallon hats, and fringe for a night, Anchor Ball will be back next year! Save the date for Saturday, March 21, 2015 when we'll meet again for our parish-wide fundraiser at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile. We hope to see everyone there!