Approximately 400 Mount St. Mary Academy alumnae, parents, faculty, staff and friends filled the McAuley Center gymnasium on Saturday, March 14, to celebrate the school’s 175th anniversary at Dinner Belles 2026: One Belle of a Birthday. The sold-out biennial dinner and auction raised roughly $175,000 for the school, including more than $35,000 for a cafeteria redesign project during the evening’s paddle raise. It was a birthday bash to remember, one worthy of the momentous occasion!
Since its inception in 1985, Dinner Belles has been a time for friends of the Mount to enjoy an evening of camaraderie, good food, and friendly bidding. This year’s planning committee, chaired by Class of 1991 graduates Dena Wortsmith Daniel and Christina Rossi Clark, worked tirelessly for nearly a year leading up to the March fundraiser to ensure a fun and memorable night for all in attendance. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by Waldo’s Chicken, custom cupcakes and cookies from Heather’s Cookies, signature drinks, a meaningful birthday blessing from longtime MSM Chaplain Msgr. Lawrence “Fr. Fred” Frederick, and silent and live auctions filled with an array of exciting items. The special night ended with a packed dance floor, glow sticks and live music by the Diamond Empire Band.
Special guests in attendance included members of Mercy Education’s leadership: Sr. Lisa Griffith, executive director, and Kim Baxter, associate director. Former Mount presidents, Sr. Deborah Troillett ’73 and Karen Goodhart Flake ’65, were also present.
Mount St. Mary Academy wishes to thank everyone who helped make Dinner Belles 2026 such an incredible event. The school is especially grateful for the event’s many generous sponsors and gift-in-kind donations.
Proceeds from Dinner Belles benefit the annual giving campaign at Mount St. Mary Academy, which supports student programs, technology and facility improvements, faculty compensation, tuition assistance, and more.
View all the photos from Dinner Belles 2026 at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCNfCb.
