2025 Nativity Stars Gala

Jolly Roger Murder Mystery Dinner Theater

 Get ready for an unforgettable evening of entertainment at the Gala! This year, we're excited to present a thrilling Pirate Murder Mystery Dinner Theater that will have you on the edge of your seat. The show, "Who Killed Jolly Roger?", will begin at 7:30 PM. 

Setting:  The Tavern at Blackguards Bay. Caribbean, 17th Century.

Premise:  Last year Captain Jolly Roger Avery convinced the captains of four ships to join his own on the largest raid against the Spanish Colonial powers in history.  They were successful, however due to the unexpected arrival of Spanish Warships, the pirate fleet ran without divvying up the loot.  It is now six months later, in the safety of the tavern in Blackguard's Bay, where the crew of the five ships return to receive their fair share. The night takes a turn to the sinister when the self-proclaimed Pirate King tries to swindle the rest.

 
In "Who Killed Jolly Roger?" you'll be whisked away to a den of pirates and thieves, bawdy shanties, and murder! There are four suspects over a dead man's chest, can you uncover who killed Jolly Roger?

The ARTfactory is a non-profit organization founded in 1984 to enhance life in Northern Virginia through the arts. After relocating to the Hopkins Candy Factory in Manassas in 2002, it has become a vital part of the local arts scene. Offering a range of programs including an art gallery, theater, visual arts and dance classes, Arts on the Go™ events, summer camps, and concerts, the ARTfactory aims to engage people of all ages, celebrate diverse cultures, support new ideas, and foster teamwork within the creative community.

As the school's largest fundraiser, there is a lot of fun in store!

This adult-only (21+) event includes:

Silent & Live Auctions | Seated Dinner | Open Bar | Pirate Murder Mystery 

Class Basket & 50/50 Raffle Drawings | Heads or Tails | Costume Contest | Plenty of Fun!

Attire: Cocktail Attire or Pirate-Inspired!

Silent Auction bidding will open March 21st (Noon) and close on April 5th (8:45 p.m.)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS THE FINE PRINT/RULES OF THE AUCTION

Enjoy the entertainment, exciting auctions, and a night filled with fun! 

SCHEDULE of EVENTS

CHECK-IN/COCKTAIL RECEPTION - 6:30 PM

Guest Check-In | Silent Auction Open | Passed Hors d'oeuvres and Open Bar (Cafeteria)

Raffle Tickets & Heads or Tails Necklaces available for purchase. 

WELCOME & BLESSING

SALAD COURSE/SCENE ONE - 7:30 PM

Scurvy Prevention Salad

INTERMISSION

DINNER COURSE/SCENE TWO 

Caribbean Jerk Chicken | Caribbean Jerk Beef | West Indian Samosa w/ Mint Chutney Sauce (V)

Rice Pilaf & Steamed Vegetables

INTERMISSION

 Costume Contest Winner | Heads or Tails Game

LIVE AUCTION/PADDLE RAISE

 Silent Auction Ends (8:45 PM) | Live Auction | Appeal Video | Paddle Raise 

DESSERT COURSE/SCENE THREE

Coconut Cannon Balls | Tortuga Spiced Rum Cake | GF Cake (upon request)

Audience has Opportunity to Interrogate Suspects | Check-out Opens

SCENE FOUR

Sleuth Sheets Collected & Reviewed by Cast | Culprit is Revealed!

CLASS BASKET & 50/50 RAFFLE DRAWINGS

CLOSING REMARKS

Photobooth 

Embrace the adventurous spirit at our photo booth! Strike a pose with fun props and backdrops perfect for any daring adventurer. Don't miss the chance to take home a memorable keepsake from our pirate-themed gala!

Elevate your wedding, corporate event, fundraiser, or private party with the ultimate photo booth experience from Rick's Clicks!  Knight of Columbus Rick and Debbie bring over 20 years of experience in capturing life's most special moments through photography.  Together, they bring the fun, laughter, and memories to life with their professional open-air photo booth!

Costume Contest 

Arrr, mates! While pirate-themed attire is encouraged, it's not required - Feel free to dress up for an elegant evening (cocktail attire) or add a touch of pirate flair to get into the spirit of adventure! Those who dress up in their best pirate attire will be entered into our costume contest for a chance to win a prize. So, grab your eye patch, put on your finest pirate hat, and join the fun!

Class Basket and 50/50 Raffle Drawings

 Class Basket Raffle:
Each class has put together a themed basket filled with amazing goodies! Tickets will be sold for a chance to win one of these fantastic baskets. The more tickets you buy, the greater your chances of taking home a prize. All proceeds go towards supporting our school programs and activities!

50/50 Drawing:
Want to try your luck and win big? Buy a ticket for our 50/50 drawing! Half of the funds raised will go to the lucky winner, and the other half will benefit our school. The more tickets you buy, the bigger the prize! Don't miss your chance to win and support a great cause at the same time.

Tickets for both the Class Basket Raffle and 50/50 Drawing are available after ALL Masses Mar 22-23 and Mar 29-30, as well as at the event. Drawings will take place during the gala, April 5th. NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN!

Good luck and thank you for supporting our school!

Heads or Tails Game

Purchase beaded necklace $15 (presale) or $20 (night of) to play for your chance to win a Yeti Roadie 60 Wheeled Cooler!

Here's how it works:

• You'll receive a necklace to wear you purchase your game entry.
• At the event, we'll ask everyone to choose 'heads' or 'tails.'
• As the game progresses, we'll eliminate players with each coin flip.
• The last person standing will take home the incredible Yeti Roadie 60 Wheeled Cooler!

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING CATHOLIC EDUCATION!

Funds from this annual fundraiser supports events and items such as: 

STEM Initiatives | School Assemblies | Enrichment Activities | Field Trip Transportation 

Teacher Development | Community Events | and more!

Additionally, we plan to purchase robots to establish a strong robotics program, offering hands-on experiences in robotics and coding, along with competition opportunities for grades 3-8!

YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS - CLICK BELOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!