63rd Annual Night-in-Blue Makes History

Left: Sr. Helen Jean Novy, HM picks up her spaghetti dinner at the Night-in-Blue drive through. Middle: Magnificat students prepare to-go meals for drive-through patrons. Right: Thousands of grand prize tickets await the drawing in the custom Night-in-Blue drum.

63rd Annual Night-in-Blue Makes History with Record-Setting Community Support

In the spring of 2020, when planning commenced for the 63rd Night-in-Blue Bazaar & Pasta Dinner, the committee—made up of members of the Fathers’ Club, 17 student leaders, and Magnificat staff—knew it would be unlike any Night-in-Blue that came before it. What they did not anticipate was that it would end up being the most successful event in the history of the annual homecoming fundraiser. Although we could not gather in person, the Magnificat Community came together in remarkable ways for Magnificat students with record-breaking support through sponsorships, ads, and ticket sales.

Due to the ever-changing realities of COVID-19, the event took many different shapes throughout the planning process. When ticket sales for the grand prize drawing began in September, the plan was to host a drive-through pasta dinner on Saturday followed by a trip to the Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In on Sunday for the grand prize drawing and a film screening. As the weekend grew closer and COVID-19 cases in the state of Ohio began to rise, the final plan was hatched. We would move forward with the first Night-in-Blue drive-through pasta dinner followed by a virtual grand prize drawing — both on Saturday evening. A school-wide game of virtual bingo kicked off the festivities on Friday, with members of the Fathers’ Club calling numbers over the PA as students (both inperson and via livestream) marked their bingo cards. Then, on November 14, over the span of three hours, students and parent volunteers served 895 spaghetti dinners to drivethrough supporters who were entertained by Magnificat’s own parking lot DJ, Fathers’ Club member Brian Walsh, as they waited for their orders. Later that evening, over 175 students, alumnae, and friends tuned into the school’s firstever Virtual Grand Prize Drawing where they heard remarks from President Moira Clark ’77, Fathers’ Club leadership, and 2020 Night-in-Blue Grand Marshall Sr. Helen Jean Novy, HM. "While NIB looked totally different in 2020, I loved helping plan and work at the event. It was great to see the Magnificat community come together during such a unique time to support NIB like they always do!” remarked Night-in-Blue committee member Brenna King ’23. Fellow student leader Lauren Shearer ’22 said, “Being on the NIB committee was not only fun but also very fulfilling. With this year’s constantly evolving situation, we learned to adapt quickly, communicate effectively, and most importantly, never take anything for granted.”

On the Monday leading up to Night-in-Blue weekend, the Magnificat Alumnae Board hosted a drive-through event for alumnae to purchase their last-minute grand prize raffle tickets. Alumnae from many different classes stopped by to pick up tickets and chat with fellow classmates, and everyone drove away with goodie bags filled with alumnae swag. Thank you to the Alumnae Board and all who drove through to support the time-honored tradition of Night-in-Blue, which benefits every Magnificat student, year after year.

While this Night-in-Blue was memorable for the entire community, it was especially significant to members of the senior class who will attend their next Night-in-Blue as alumnae. Taylor Peura ’21 said that even though COVID restrictions made planning difficult, “it was great seeing everyone at the drive-through pasta dinner and the students enjoying bingo!” And Student Council President Catherine Galla ’21 shared that she “enjoyed watching how alumnae, students, parents, family members, and future Blue Streaks all got involved during this NIB season. It shows how much the community cares about Magnificat students!” In addition to planning the logistics of the weekend, student leaders also played a major role in Night-in-Blue’s marketing efforts this year. They created clever TikTok videos to encourage students to “sell, sell, sell” those grand prize tickets, and they were instrumental in launching Magnificat’s first Instagram Challenge to boost school spirit and broaden Magnificat’s social media reach. Students also pulled photos from the Magnificat Archives to create a Night-in-Blue commercial to encourage members of the community to support this year’s historic event. While reflecting back on the 2020 Night-in-Blue season, Fathers’ Club President Pat Kennedy says, "Planning by the Night-in-Blue Committee took many twists and turns, but despite the unique circumstances we encountered, the community came together to support Magnificat High School. Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, Magnificat leadership, the Board of Directors and the Alumnae Board, current and past parents, the Fathers’ and Mothers’ Clubs, and Magnificat students for all of your efforts! Working together, we were able to surpass our goals and provide valuable funds to support each of Magnificat’s young women."