Gala honors school’s supporters

It was Bishop Gorman High School’s biggest fundraising event of the year and it was only natural that the school would honor two of its biggest supporters, Albert “Big Al” Faccinto and his wife, Kathie, who were inducted into the Royal Order of the Gael at the 32nd annual Knight of the Gael gala.

Each year, the school honors individuals, couples, committees or foundations for their dedication to the school and Catholic education.

Faccinto, who graduated from Bishop Gorman in 1968, is now president and CEO for MGM Resorts International marketing, overseeing marketing efforts for the Bellagio, MGM Grand, Aria and MGM Macau.

“He can walk into any group in any country and make people feel good and he’s great with people,” said longtime friend Patrick Moon.

Nearly 700 Bishop Gorman alumni, friends and family turned out to Red Rock Resort on March 27, not only to honor their classmate and his wife, but also to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Tuition Assistance Fund.

Bishop Gorman High School, founded in 1954, is the only Catholic college preparatory school in Southern Nevada. The first Knight of the Gael fundraiser was held in the school gym on Maryland Parkway in 1983 and honored the late Jackie Gaughan and his wife, Roberta. It raised $15,000.

Since then, the Knight of the Gael fundraiser has raised more than a million dollars and the school moved to Hualapai Way and Russell Road. It has more than a thousand students.

A life-size cardboard cutout of Faccinto was the first thing the guests saw as they entered the hall on the way to the party room. After a fabulous Champagne reception and silent auction, the honorees entered the ballroom escorted by Bishop Gorman’s high-stepping drummers and cheerleaders in uniforms.

Bishop Gorman President John Kilduff described the event as “more like a homecoming for alumni and students that celebrates the success of our students.”

On each dinner table were notes from Bishop Gorman students expressing their gratitude to supporters. While guests dined on a variety of salads, salmon and desserts, theater students danced and sang songs from the Oscars.

Guests included Gustav Mauler; Bede Wevita; Mike and Marjie Walsh; Bob and Rasheda Ali-Walsh; Kerry Lieb; Jennifer and Kevin Kiefer; and Dustin and Ingrid Lewis.

Auction sponsors were MGM Resorts International, Piero’s, the Palms, Gustav’s Master Chef Catering, and Berger &Son Fine Jewelers.

Major sponsors included Station Casinos, Bernhard &Williams, Encore Productions, Destinations Design, Five Star Creative and Wirtz Beverage Nevada.