.png){kind=small}
Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father
MATTHEW 5:16
THE LIGHT WAS NEVER MEANT TO BE OURS
Hollywood has always celebrated the spotlight. This evening celebrates something greater. Inspired by Matthew 5:16, Defenders' Ball 2027 invites us to reflect not on how brightly we shine but on how Christ's light shines through us.
The theme draws on the elegance and romance of Hollywood's Golden Age; roughly the 1940s and 1950s and anchors it in our faith.
Hollywood has always been about the spotlight: lights trained on a single star, glamour in service of the self. We are asking a different question. What if all that beauty, the elegance, the grandeur, the warmth of a golden room, was turned outward instead? What if the light wasn't about being seen, but about lighting the way for others? The spotlight was never meant to be ours. Christ calls us not to bask in the glow, but to let His light move through us, illuminating others, lighting the way, glorifying the Father. A Light Unto Others takes the beauty of the Golden Age and gives it that higher purpose.
THIS YEAR'S
FUND-A-NEED
The 2027 Defenders' Ball fund-a-need are the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary (SCTJM), a religious order founded in 1990 by Mother Adela Galindo in the Archdiocese of Miami, dedicated to evangelization, formation, and living out the Marian charism in the heart of the Church through education, parish ministry, and service. The funds raised will directly support the building and expansion of their motherhouse campus in Miami, helping them grow their mission and extend their reach to more souls who need to encounter the love of Christ and Our Lady. In a beautiful way, they embody the very spirit of our theme. These sisters are not seeking the spotlight. They have given their lives to something far greater, pouring themselves out in service, in prayer, in teaching, and in presence so that others may encounter the love of God. They do not keep the light for themselves. They carry it into schools, parishes, retreat centers, and communities, lighting the way for souls who are still searching. They are, in every sense, a light unto others.
Lead-Up Events To Defenders' Ball
Saturday, August 15; 11:00am-2:00pm (EVENT COMPLETE)
Rosary and Rosé
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Rosary and Rosé, a beautiful afternoon celebrating the Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven with prayer, brunch, rosé, and fellowship. We are grateful to our host, Anna Shamo, and to all who helped support the Defenders’ Ball Wine Pull.
Saturday, September 19; 6:00pm-9:00pm
Havana Nights
Join us for a Miami-inspired evening of great food, refreshing drinks, lively music, and wonderful fellowship. Celebrate with friends while getting a first look at what's to come for the 2027 Defenders' Ball. 60 tickets available, reserve your spot today! Hosted by parishioners, Michael and Debra Altenhofen.
Saturday, December 5; 6:00pm-9:00pm
Mistletoe and Martinis
Our last Defenders' Ball lead up event of 2026. Join us for Mistletoe & Martinis, a festive evening of delicious food, seasonal cocktails, Christmas cheer, and wonderful fellowship as we continue the celebration leading up to the 2027 Defenders’ Ball. Gather with friends and fellow parishioners for a joyful evening together during this special season.Tickets will be available October 22. Check back then and grab them fast because it will sell out!
Saturday, January 23; time TBD
Trivia Night
Gather your team and put your knowledge to the test at Trivia Night on Saturday, January 23. Another fun event leading up to the 2027 Defenders’ Ball! Join us for an evening of costumes, table decorations, friendly competition, great food, drinks, and plenty of laughs. Tickets available in November.
Frequently Asked Questions
Meet the 2027 Defenders' Ball Team
Chairs
Brandon and Angela Kressin
Co-Chairs
Brian and Alyson Jones
Auction Co-Chairs
Kelsey Dolezal and Brittany Glynn
School Auction Co-Chairs
Jenny Smith and Colleen Franke
Communication Co-Chairs
Katie Geist and Ann Madden
Decoration Co-Chairs
Natalie Ismert and Ann Madden
Volunteers Co-Chairs
Kristal Ronnebaum and Ashley Pretzer
Wine and Bubbles Pull Chair
Anna Shamo
Graphic & Materials Designer
Sargon Shamo
Catering On-Site Coordinator
Mollie Hammond
Auctioneers
Greg Foote and Aaron Kuhlmann