On Saturday, April 29th, Blanchet students jitterbugged the night away to raise awareness and funds for the vulnerable mothers and babies served by our Father Taaffe Homes and Pregnancy Support Services program.

Blanchet High School seniors Haley Severin and Tony Beyer hosted The Swingin’ Classics dance at Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Haley and Tony have been planning the dance for months as part of their senior service project, an effort entirely student-initiated and led.

“We basically think of a way to improve an aspect of the community or to serve someone, and we can choose who we help. Some students help the school, others help non-profits, and one group helped the Salem Police,” she explained.

Haley said they chose to benefit Father Taaffe Homes because of their own personal connections to Catholic Community Services. “We believe in what Father Taaffe does and the impact of the program in the community,” she said. The Mount Angel Knights of Columbus sponsored the event so that every dollar raised could go directly to Father Taaffe Homes. The students raised nearly $800.

The Swingin’ Classics dance featured lively big band music, dance lessons, and refreshments. “The most fulfilling part was the actual event, where I saw the community come together to support Father Taaffe Homes,” she said. “We had members of local parishes, Blanchet students, friends, family, and other members of the community.”

We appreciate our partnership with Blanchet High School and their support of Father Taaffe Homes and Pregnancy Support Services.