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Now in its 59th year, the annual Harvest Ball returns Nov. 14. A dinner and auction, it's St. Francis Catholic School's largest fundraiser of the year. It will be held at Elmwood Country Club.
"The annual Harvest Ball provides an opportunity for families, alumni, supporters and members of the Marshalltown community to come together in support of St. Francis Catholic School. Reflecting this year's 'Gathered in Grace' theme, the evening will celebrate the community and connections surrounding the school," said Christine Isom, who serves as the ball's design chair.
The evening kicks off with a social hour at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and a live auction at 7:30 p.m. As in past years, most of the auction items were crafted and created by students.
"I feel like those are really the heart of Harvest Ball. Parents get very excited to bid on those pieces," said Gabriela Wheaton, who co-chairs alongside Anna Hargrave.
Live auction items include a Kansas City Chiefs pregame package, trips and retreats, student class projects, etc. Silent auction goodies include game night packages, food items, experiences (such as shopping sprees and meals with teachers) and more.
Last year's Harvest Ball brought in more than $71,000 in net profits, surpassing the aim of raising $65,000. In 2026, the hope is to go beyond that with $75,000.
"We know it's a goal, but I think we can get there," Wheaton said.
She noted that last year's funds helped the school expand the Extended Learning Program (ELP), which supports students who require additional academic support or enrichment opportunities.
"But that was only the beginning and we need to continue funding to support the additional resources that are necessary to sustain and improve it," she added. "Technology is another area we will continue to invest in, but it's such a significant financial undertaking with other competing priorities it will be a multi-year project. So improvements are made as the funding will allow until the long-term goal is met -- before we have to do it all again."
She said this year's Guardian Project (funded by Harvest Ball proceeds) seeks to raise money to buy new furniture for students and staff. The focus of the Guardian Project changes year-to-year.
"They are using some very old furniture items," she said. "People in the community will know those specific funds are held to go specifically toward that project...there are teachers that don't have desks. You would be surprised at the cost of these items. I know a lot of the teachers are moving to more flexible seating to support the needs of the students. Things are evolving, and sometimes students need to have different seating options to focus a little better."
In years past, the Guardian Project funded playground equipment, a bathroom upgrade, and 2025 saw security improvements.
The remainder of any money raised from Harvest Ball will go toward saving up for new curriculums, teacher trainings, and aiding with tuition.
Wheaton said St. Francis seeks to invest in more than its students, but also the wider community and generations to come.
"I know not everybody wants to donate to a Catholic school, but they are also investing in the future," she noted. "I think that's why a lot of the community is behind us and investing in education in Marshalltown all around."
Tickets cost $65 per person or $120 per couple or $550 for a table of eight. Tickets may be purchased by calling the school, mailing a check or online at: my.onecause.com/event/organizations/sf-0013c00001oEjpgAAC/events/vevt:d796ddff-e2fd-4270-acc1-e0a726ae8265/home/story
For questions, assistance with purchasing a ticket or setting up a donation, email: harvestballsfc@gmail.com