Saint Simon Royal Extravaganza Turns 21
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Saint Simon The Apostle Catholic Church in Indianapolis will hold its 21st annual Royal Extravaganza on November 7.
Shawna O’Brien, marketing coordinator for the Extravaganza, says the event provides an opportunity for the community to come together in a festive setting to support the parish.
“Royal X is one of our parish’s largest fundraisers, with money raised supporting over 30 different ministry areas including religious education, youth ministry, A-Rated Saint Simon the Apostle School, and various community outreach programs,” O’Brien says. “Friends, family and community members are welcome and encouraged to attend.”
O’Brien is grateful for the large turnout of corporate sponsors.
“Our parish community includes many wonderful businesses who donate to this event via corporate sponsorships,” O’Brien says. “We’re grateful for these sponsorships, and would like to acknowledge the following companies and thank them for their generous donation to The 2020 Royal Extravaganza Event: EMS Group, The Harlan Family Foundation, Marten Design, Dellen Automotive, Zink Distributing Company, Sun King Brewing, Main Event, Lenex, Children’s Dental Center, Katz, Sapper & Miller, The Liotti Family, Apex Therapy Clinic, The Basement, Bishop Chatard High School, Cathedral High School, CPM Construction Planning and Management, Guidepoint Security, Holmes Insurance Group, Prime Smile, Salvage & Company, and Sharper Surgery.”
In response to safety concerns related to COVID-19, Saint Simon will hold a tailgate-style fundraiser this year, in an effort to bring attendees together in a safe manner.
“We feel the Saint Simon community really needed to see each other and enjoy fellowship,” says Kelly Simerly, a co-chair for the event. “This was the best option to ensure a safe event for everyone.”
Attendees can expect a range of fun activities.
“The theme of the event prior to deciding on outdoor was ‘Homecoming,’” Simerly says. “It was working perfectly since we had been at Daniel’s Vineyard the last several years, and were coming back to Saint Simon for the event. We’ve asked people attending to dress as they remember their high school or college homecoming, with letter jackets, cheerleading uniforms and spirit wear. This year’s event will still offer a live and silent auction, and a live band.”
Multiple food truck vendors will also be onsite for the event.
“So much of what was traditional will be different,” Simerly says. “We are utilizing fire pit stations as our tables. Ticket prices include a folding chair with the Saint Simon logo. Ten chairs will sit around a fire pit. So many of our decisions were based on COVID restrictions, and minimizing risk as our number-one priority is to keep our community healthy.”
Co-chair Michael DeSanto says the fire pits and chairs are keepsakes for attendees.
“S’mores kits, and beer and seltzer stations, are also available onsite throughout the event,” he says.
Simerly is optimistic about the Extravaganza.
“We’ve been really blessed with our community,” Simerly says. “Local businesses, restaurants and services have been ready and willing to help out. The Saint Simon community is awesome about giving back and shouting out businesses that support us. We’d love to help them help us. We have an email if they have inquiries: saintsimonrx@gmail.com.”
Father Doug Marcotte is also grateful.
“There is no doubt that the global pandemic has made 2020 unlike any other year in the history of our parish,” Marcotte says. “Through it all, I have been greatly edified by the incredible generosity of our community, and the dedication and hard work of our parish pastoral team and school ministry team. Above all I have been pleased to see our parishioners continue to seek out and make community in creative ways. After all that is what Jesus Christ calls us to, relationship with him and relationship with one another.”
Saint Simon The Apostle Catholic Church is located at 8155 Oaklandon Road in Indianapolis. For more info on the upcoming Royal Extravaganza event, including sponsor details, frequently asked questions and more, call 317-826-6000 or visit saintsimon.org. A list of sponsors may be viewed at royalx.ticket.qtego.net. For more information, please go to saintsimon.org/royal-extravaganza.
