Nearly 200 people gathered Friday, April 19th to celebrate Catholic education in North Platte, and to enjoy the speaking talents of three local St. Patrick’s alumni.

The North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment-Trust, Inc. held its Testimonial Dinner event at the St. Patrick’s Church Parish Hall. Guests enjoyed a wine tasting provided by Feather River Vineyard and Kwik Stop Stores, dinner, and a program featuring brothers Kevin (’74), Tim (’76), and Dr. Jeff (’77) O’Connor. The O’Connor’s shared stories and memories from their time at the North Platte Catholic Schools, and also gave testimony to the benefits they received from Catholic education.

Kevin is the head men’s basketball coach and Athletic Director at North Platte Community College.

Tim owns and operates The Sports Shoppe/Big Red, Etc. in North Platte.

Jeff is an optometrist at Complete Eye Care Associates in North Platte. All three O’Connor’s also have children that graduated from St. Pat’s High School.

The fourth O’Connor brother, Daniel (’81), resides in Arizona.

 The Testimonial Dinner also serves as a fundraising event. Endowment Director Wendy Dodson asked guests to partner with the school system to continue to fulfill the mission of quality, Catholic education in North Platte. Dodson says that the Endowment is currently in its 36th year of service to the school system, providing essential funding for general operations, special projects, facility improvements, tuition assistance, and scholarships.

The event Friday was supported by 36 sponsors, and Dodson says that with donations, pledges, and matching gifts from NebraskaLand National Bank and Union Pacific Railroad, the proceeds will be around $40,000 for the North Platte Catholic Schools.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity and support of our community,” Dodson says.

For more information on programs of the North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment, please call 308-534-5939.