Recently, a couple (wishing to remain anonymous) who loves our mission at St. Gianna’s Women’s Homes called with an interesting idea: having a St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Deer Springs Winery.
The winery is owned by James and Barbara Partington, Jennifer and John Reeder and Kathleen Hennagir (Jennifer and Kathleen are daughters of James and Barbara). The winery is located on 16255 Adams Street, only 12 miles east of downtown Lincoln. Nestled in the original farmstead that has been in the family for three generations, it was a perfect venue for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration and fundraiser for St. Gianna’s.
Immediately after entering the original homestead, the guests were encouraged to write on their name tags their Irish heritage. Some knew details of their relatives and their home counties, others like me wrote, ‘I have an Irish grandmother.’
The evening featured hor d’oeuvres, corned beef and cabbage, and, of course, multiple wines from Deer Creek. Entertainment was provided by the Whoozon1st Band, made up of Don Bennett and his wife Barb Biffle Bennett. They played a myriad of instruments as they sang beautiful Irish music and ballads. The surprise special guest was our own Bishop James Conley. All had a wonderful time as we raised $7,000 for St. Gianna’s.
One of the guests, Tony Messineo of Valentino’s and Premier Catering fame said, “Father, I’m a little nervous. I’m used to preparing Italian fare, not Irish corned beef and cabbage!” None of the 30 guests noticed.
One said it best: “This was some of the best corned beef and cabbage I’ve ever had!” This came from Msgr. Liam Barr, who was born and raised in Ireland, so he should know something about corned beef and cabbage!
I would like to thank the couple who came up with this idea, organized it, and put it all together. Thanks also to our guests who together contributed $7,000 for St. Gianna’s.
Many thanks to James and Barbara Partington, Jennifer and John Reeder, and Kathleen Hennagir for hosting the event at Deer Springs Winery, Tony and Carmen Messineo and Premier Catering for the wonderful food, and Don and Barb Biffle Bennett for the awesome music. We are most grateful for helping us assist the many women and their children who come to us escaping domestic violence and abortion. St. Patrick, pray for us!
