The red carpet rolled out and commenced the community’s most robust bash of the year.

Not to salute cinema, lure Hollywood’s elite, parade the fashion prowess of matinee idols and movie moguls.

Rather, for St. Thomas to celebrate its annual Auction & Gala which applauds and honors the relentless Basilian commitment to innovative scholarship and the deeper purposes of Catholic higher education.

[CLICK HERE FOR GALLERY]

On a night when Astro slugging hero Yordan Alvarez detonated a 450-foot three-run bomb to the moon to ignite a World Series clinching victory at Minute Maid Park – the second championship for Houston in six years and only the second in franchise history – a measurable, Eagle vigor and pride swept through Reckling Gymnasium and Cemo Auditorium. The enthusiastic, overflow gathering of supporters, donors, and contributors embraced an occasion to assure the continued excellence in the tradition of goodness, discipline, and knowledge.

[CLICK HERE FOR GALLERY]

Regal style with considerable substance. A ripe moment to make a statement minus velvet Versace gowns or the powder blue Prada that makes one the belle of the ball. Dolce & Gabbana largely given the night off.

Yet, a swanning mood with classic and elegant glitz to match. Glam squads galore. Black-tie ensembles. Some occasional bright and bold.

Particular gratitude to event chairs Heather Curran Kelly, Maru Pruneda, and Jackie Wisnoski teaming with vice president for advancement Mark deTranaltes ‘83 and director of special events & volunteer coordinator Catherine Chandler.

And always a grand time had by all.

Catholic.  Basilian.  Teaching Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge since 1900.