Cardinal's Gala Raises $880 Thousand to Support Seminary's Mission Each year, the Cardinal's Gala benefit dinner seems to get bigger and better, and this year's event, held on June 22, was no exception. A capacity gathering of 655 guests poured into the Presidential Ballroom Room of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Dearborn for an evening of entertainment, great dining and even better fellowship. The Sacred Heart Major Seminary Foundation produced the eighth annual Gala, which raised $885 thousand in support of the seminary and its mission. This is the highest total raised by any Gala, and over $300 thousand more than last year's event. Beyond supporting the general operating budget, some of the proceeds will fund the endowments for six new academic chairs and increase the pool of financial aid for worthy students. Gala co-chairs Kathy and Richard Genthe, president of Genthe Chevrolet, along with honorary chairs Alecia and Peter Gerosa, North American vice president and general manager of General Motors Corporation, spearheaded the efforts to make the event, entitled "Passion from the Heart," such as success. Master of Ceremony Paul W. Smith of WJR radio masterfully directed the evening. It began with a "Heartfelt Gratitude" reception in the Presidential Foyer, and then a performance in the ballroom by local favorite Jimmy McKee and the Upsetters Band. Prior to viewing a short video detailing the seminary's mission, guests were entertained again with a stirring performance by the choir of St. Augustine and St. Monica Parish in Detroit. After dinner, guests enjoyed a live auction led by Morris Shapiro of Park West Gallery in Southfield, and a raffle drawing for two General Motors automobiles. Robert David Kimal of West Bloomfield won the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette, donated by Mr. Genthe, and Steven Rosner of New Jersey won the 2005 Cadillac STS, donated by General Motors. Bill Cosby was scheduled to be the guest performer, but personal reasons forced him to cancel his performance at the last minute. Nonetheless, the evening was a sparkling success. Don't miss next year's Gala!