Published March 14th, 2012
St. Patrick's Night at SMC Nets Scholarship Green
Cathy Dausman
Dancers (from left) Meghan Sherry, Caitlin Fogarty, Colleen Noland) from the Dillon Moore Academy of Irish Dance perform in soft soled "ghillies". St. Mary's Student and Irish dancer Cortney Millitello (far right) waits her turn. Photos Kevin Nguyen
More than 150 members of the Saint Mary's College Guild turned out for Irish Cultural Night March 2 to raise much needed scholarship money for students. "This is a dedicated group that takes the extra step," said Brother Dominic Berardelli, college liaison to the Guild. Nearly 80 percent of Saint Mary's students need assistance in the form of grants or financial aid to cover the $42,000 annual cost of tuition, room and board, Berardelli noted. Unfortunately, attendance was slightly less than last year due to a basketball game conflict. Dinner included - what else?-corned beef and potatoes, pistachio ice cream and shamrock cookies. Irish piper David Winter and Kevin Roche's Irish Band provided music, while dance entertainment was provided by 14 members of the Dillon Moore Academy of Irish Dance. Three of the dancers also attend Saint Mary's College. The event netted more than $10,000 for scholarships and will be distributed through the college financial aid department. The Saint Mary's College Guild was established in 1939 and is comprised of more than 175 members who are alumni, faculty, staff, parents, community members or friends of the College. The next Guild fundraiser, a fashion show, is scheduled for Monday, April 23.
Event co-chair Millie McCormack shares a toast with Dick Callahan.
Dancers enjoy music from Kevin Roche's Irish Band
Bagpiper David Winter, Irish Pipers Band of San Francisco, starts the festivities.

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