The Morning Glory Brunch at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center on April 12 made a big splash with everyone. The Sweet 16 annual fundraiser benefitted the SMSC students. Organic gardens, delicious food from local restaurants and live entertainment were the highlights of the day.
The St. Madeleine Dancers were a hit with everyone at the event. They broke out into a lively routine to “Stayin’ Alive.” The cheers from onlookers rang up almost as loud as the music.
The Morning Glory Brunch at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center on April 12 made a big splash with everyone. The Sweet 16 annual fundraiser benefitted the SMSC students. Organic gardens, delicious food from local restaurants and live entertainment were the highlights of the day.
The St. Madeleine Dancers were a hit with everyone at the event. They broke out into a lively routine to “Stayin’ Alive.” The cheers from onlookers rang up almost as loud as the music.
Kay Clark had come in from Corona with her daughter Jada, who was one of the models for Fashion Forward. Clark sat watching the dancers in the shade of a tree on a pretty bench
“I’ve loved meeting so many new people. There is a very warm and loving spirit here,” Clark said.
John Agostini, a student of SMSC since 1990, sat with friends in the gazebo overlooking the garden. He was having a cup of coffee and some homemade chocolates by Sister’s Sweets and Treats.
“I always look forward to this day,” he said. “One of my favorite activities is listening to the live jazz music. I always buy a lot of jazz CD’s. And I enjoyed my mimosa.”
Agostini praised the classes and teachers at SMSC. He takes Computer Technology classes and works in the kitchen. He also paints portraits of women, a skill he learned at the Sophie’s Art Studio. He had high regards for Wendy Morris, the gallery administrator.
“The older I get I see things in a different way. Miss Morris has taught me what I do best,” he said.
Agostini also heaped praise on his art teacher, John Dale. “He gave me the knowledge and wisdom I need and told me that I can do anything I try. He taught me how to be independent,” he said.
It was time for the frog race, the biggest splash made at the Morning Glory Brunch. People purchased plastic frogs for the famous fun race in the pool where the winning frog owner takes home prize money.
Tony Emerson was soaking up the sunshine by the pool along with his daughter Kailyn, 6. “I love this brunch event,” Emerson said. “It helps the school to grow every year. They are able to add new programs.
“And Kailyn gets to be on the team to kick up the water to get the frogs moving,” he said.
His daughter licked the cream of Nicolosi’s cannoli from her fingers. “It’s fun with the frogs,” she said.
At the head of the pool, the plastic frogs were released from their cage into the water. Kailyn Emerson joined the other Triton Team members in kicking with all their might to get the frogs moving. Her mother, Kim Emerson, laughed and cheered along the frogs.
Emerson’s frog did not win this year, but eight years ago her family did take home the prize money for her winning frog. They gave back part of her winnings to SMCS.
“Buying a frog is important to us because St. Madeleine’s does great things here for so many people,” Emerson said.
The new program added this year to SMSC was a vineyard. The students will learn how to grow grapes and process them to make table wines
Wendy Morris, Sophie’s Gallery administrator whom Agostini had spoken so highly, said the weather could not have been more perfect for the event. “People came early this year and sales were strong. Every year it gets better,” she said.
