Catholic school celebrates Rocktoberfest

by Cori Hilsgen

news@thenewsleaders.com

When celebrating, it is always a good idea to dress for the occasion. That is what St. Joseph Catholic School Principal Karl Terhaar and parents did  to promote a new fundraising event called the Rocktoberfest Sept. 29 in St. Joseph.

Terhaar said that for the past few years, St. Joseph and St. Cloud campus Catholic schools have done their fundraising together. Because the two now have separate identities, the fundraising initiatives will also be separated.

The St. Joseph Catholic School sponsored this new fundraising event that they felt appeals to a larger audience.

The event included a polka Mass followed by a German buffet dinner in the St. Joseph Catholic Church Heritage Hall Parish Center with strolling concertina music provided.

Also included at the event was a beer garden with traditional German food, games and craft beer. Entertainment for the evening was provided by a 35-piece Bavarian Band, The Bavarian Musikmeisters, as well as a rock-n-roll band, Radio Nation. The name “Rocktoberfest” came from the combined event and music.

More than 200 people attended the German buffet dinner, and more than 400 people attended the other activities.

Terhaar said the $24,000 raised from the event will help purchase new curriculum, update technology, provide training for staff, and pay utility bills and salaries for teachers and staff.

“The fundraising goal is to exceed our basic budgetary needs so we are able to invest in the school,” he said.

This year, excess in fundraising will be put toward technology updates, supporting the school’s preschool program with age-appropriate playground equipment and funding facility improvements.