After being postponed due to the weekend’s inclement weather, the Good Shepherd Christian Academy Celebrity Waiter Dinner and Auction found success Sunday.

The small school serves approximately 80 families with children ranging in age up to fifth grade. As grade levels have been added, the school has grown and intends to continue doing so. With 160 guests dining at themed tables, an important step was taken toward that goal.

As organizers envisioned the evening, they considered people who would make good waiters for the dinner tables. Those who were suggested and agreed to assist were charged with filling their tables with eight people each. From there, further waiters were conscripted and other reservations were filled.

Each table had its own theme. One table wore dental bibs while another was adorned with fishing equipment. One table was red white and blue while another was decorated in green shamrocks. Members of each table were encouraged, but not required, to wear clothing to match the theme. One table was even served by its own Elvis.

Joe Bautista served as the master of ceremonies and helped bidders keep track of their standings in the silent auction. Hors d’oevres were donated by K.B. Specialty Foods, and the meal was catered by Texas Roadhouse. Sponsors included three First Baptist Church Sunday school classes; Baraca II, Believers and Thankful Hearts, as well as Acra Automotive Group. Other support was offered in the form of the 62 items on the silent and live auction blocks of the evening.

The first-time event was initially estimated to have brought in $15,000 for the school, according to Jamie Hellmich, one of the event organizers. The funds, they hoped, will help in the process of hiring an administrative coordinator, which may enable the institution to add sixth grade to its repertoire.

The curriculum at Good Shepherd is centered on Christian teachings and the goal is to provide an educational environment that is spiritually based, emotionally encouraging, physically safe and intellectually challenging, according to publicity materials.

To learn more, visit www.gcsacademy.org or call 663-3778.