Click here to view a gallery of photos from the 2025 Gala, including portraits!
2025 Fundraising Gala Recap
Parishioners and guests launched themselves back in time as we celebrated our annual parish gala at the historic Centro Asturiano in Ybor City. The theme of the evening surrounded our church’s 120th Anniversary, with members of our Historical Society in period dress greeting attendees as they arrived.
Nearly 250 joined the friars, deacon, and staff for this important fundraiser, with proceeds targeted for the continuation of preservation work begun in 2024, specifically on the church dome. Guests were entertained by live music throughout the night, including a surprise appearance by choir member and cantor, Alexis Setteducato! More than 70 lots were on display as part of the silent auction, featuring staycations, art, date night packages, sports memorabilia, and more. Our live auction, led by choir member and reader Mark Louie, saw bidders compete for a dinner with the friars, or a night at the Straz Center with Fr. Steve!
The friars, deacon, and staff of Sacred Heart thank all who attended, volunteered, or donated as part of this year’s gala. Fundraising information related to the gala will be published in the coming days.
The Aim for Our 2026 Fundraising Gala
The celebration will directly benefit Sacred Heart Church’s four vital outreach ministries: St. Vincent de Paul, Bikes from the Heart, Loving Hearts, and Hands of Hope, each dedicated to serving those in need with dignity and love. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy engaging activities, with proceeds supporting these ministries and their impactful work.
A thoughtfully curated auction will highlight sustainable, locally sourced, and artisan goods, reflecting the Franciscan commitment to environmental stewardship and ethical living.
While the gala is certainly a time for our parishioners to gather in celebration, we know that this year’s event will have a lasting impact long after the band has struck it’s last chord, or the gavel falls to close our auctions. The friars, deacon, and staff of Sacred Heart hope you have the opportunity to join us this fall, as we continue this important work.
Be sure to check back soon for tickets and additional details on auctions and the schedule of events.
Sponsor Information
The parish Event Planning Committee is already meeting for this year’s gala and would be happy to add you as a volunteer in advance of the event, assisting with sponsorships, acquiring auction items, or preparing elements of the event.
Sponsorships are currently available, with options available to fit any business’s budget. Be sure to visit or share our sponsorship page with the decision makers at your business.
Sponsor an element at the gala! | Our goal is to operate the event as close to net-zero as possible, to ensure all revenue from ticket sales, sponsorships, auctions, and donations directly aid the needed preservation of our church dome. Consider sponsoring an event element for to feature your business.
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- Trip Raffle Sponsor | $5,000
- Ministry Feature Video Sponsor | $5,000
- Décor Sponsor | $1,200
- Print Sponsor | $1,200
- Gifts & Favors Sponsor | $1,000
