The Khaki & Plaid Gala Celebrates First King and Queen

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Catholic News Agency

The sounds of the song “I just can’t wait to be king” quickly faded and the room fell silent as all 1,100 guests waited in anticipation for the announcement of the 2015 Khaki & Plaid Gala Homecoming King and Queen. Ten of the Alamo City’s top business and civic leaders had accepted the challenge of raising funds and spreading awareness about Hope for the Future and Catholic school education in the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

After receiving the secured envelopment containing the winners’ names, emcee Bruce Vaio, opened the enveloped and smirked with joy as he declared Revered Eric Ritter of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and School the King for 2015. Father Eric was crowned by Khaki & Plaid Gala Executive Chairs Dave and Judy Rettinger. With an enormous smile, Father Eric stepped to the edge of the stage, flashed the University of Texas Longhorn symbol in victory, which evoked cheers from the audience and a hiss sounded from the Aggie fans in the room. Within minutes the crowd paused in silence as the announcement for Queen was up next. All five ladies dressed in plaid with white sashes indicating their court status were smiling and ready for this moment, months in the making. Vaio received the next sealed envelope, and opened the announcement.

“It brings me great pleasure to announce,” Vaio declared in a booming voice, “2015 Khaki & Plaid Gala Homecoming Queen is…Diana Barrios-Trevino!” Barrios-Trevino of Los Barrios Enterprises gasped, smiled and stepped forward in her custom plaid evening gown, to receive her tiara for her accomplishment.

The crowd went up in a roar and camera flashes began to fly as the newly announced King and Queen came together on stage to relish in their victory. The couple took to the dance floor for the first dance as King and Queen, performed by the evening’s entertainment, Austin-based, The NightOwls. All together the Homecoming Court raised over $298,000, which will greatly benefit families and children in the Archdiocese.

Father Eric reflected on his journey to the crown, “This was an exciting and challenging endeavor that helped us raise money and awareness for Catholic Schools.”

The Khaki & Plaid Gala completed its sixth year and continues to grow. With record breaking attendance, funds raised also hit an all-time high. Over $688,000 was raised that evening thanks to the generous contributions from underwriters, table sponsors and guests. Hope for the Future was blessed to have so many supporters leading up to, and at the event, effectively making Catholic school education obtainable for 573 children. Although Hope for the Future anticipates over 3,000 tuition assistance applications for the 2015-16 school year, the funds raised at the event is a leap forward to the nearly $5 million that will be needed.

“From the bottom of our HOPE-filled hearts, Thank You, to our Executive Chairs, Dave and Judy Rettinger, our Honorary Chairs Cathy and Frank Burzik and the Plaidtastic Planning Khommittee for all of their efforts in making this year a complete success,” said Julie Seguin, director of Hope for the Future.

The evening was filled with dancing, great silent and live auction items, a blissfully tasty plated dinner, and of course PLAID. Recently crowned Barrios-Trevino recognized the importance of the moment, “Being a member of the very first Khaki & Plaid Homecoming Court was a huge blessing in my life! I met the most wonderful and giving people, their generosity was inspiring.” She exclaimed, “I am so thankful we helped raise awareness for Catholic school education.”

Click HERE for the Hope for the Future home page.