Due to the ongoing pandemic, Academy’s beloved Charlie David Dinner and Silent Auction transformed from a gathering in the Dining Hall to an engagement in cyberspace.
“The Charlie David Dinner is the highlight of the year for all families at CA. We were disappointed to not be able to gather this year due to COVID, but the athletic department still counts on funds raised from the dinner each year to fulfill athletic teams’ needs,” said Amy Huddleston, chair of the event.
From October 2 – 9, Academy families took to the Internet to support the school’s 800-plus student athletes.
To carry on the annual pre-game “chicken dinner” that began 38 years ago, families purchased meals from the Columbus City Barbeque and picked them up at the Middle School carpool lane on Friday, October 2, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. Academy sold 175 meals, distributed by parent volunteers Mike Tamarkin, Mike Bellisari, Chris Boyd, and Kate Tiwari.
A 7-day-long auction continued, and items up for bid ranged from CA spirit wear and signed memorabilia to a weekend getaway and a year’s supply of Velvet ice cream. The event’s website featured all contributions, posted by the Parents’ Association of Columbus Academy (PACA).
By the end of the week, $64,000 were raised in total, with $28,000 from sponsorships and $30,000 brought in by the auction. Local businesses including Able Roof, Hutta & Price Orthodontics, and Morgan Stanley New Albany Wealth Management Group made up for lost income in generous financial sponsorships.
The businesses listed in gallery contributed financial donations which helped us make up the loss of meal ticket sales we usually receive.
Teams’ wish lists include a tennis ball machine, sideline iPad replay system, sideline scorers table, field upgrades, and goalie gear.
The Academy community came together to fully fund the athletic programs and keep the tradition alive.
A comprehensive list of sponsors, auction items, and wish list requests can be viewed at https://pacaevents.
