Making a Difference - The CBA

The Christian Brothers' Auxiliary

Generations of Support for the Lasallian Mission of DLS

The Christian Brothers’ Auxiliary, the CBA, is built on traditions that date back to 1926 when De La Salle Collegiate opened its doors at Conner and Glenfield. Mothers of those first students met to meet the needs of the Christian Brothers who were sent to educate the young men in the Detroit area.

Over the past nine decades, the CBA has expanded its mission to include fundraising events to support the needs of the school and its students.

Current President Leslie Cahill, whose son Patrick graduated in 2000, said, “We are an enthusiastic group of new Moms and Alumni Moms who proudly serve together to make a difference in the DLS community, and we have fun at the same time. “

Leslie added, “Throughout the years, hundreds of women have continued to devote their time, talents, and financial contributions to help make CBA projects possible. Their dedication has helped bring success to our endeavors.”

Their presence at De La Salle adds an indefinable spirit to the school. Brother Thomas Lackey DLS President

Today the CBA, affectionately called “The Mothers’ Club,” is made up of many dedicated women, from new recruits and freshmen moms, to the more experienced members who stay on long after their sons have graduated.

In addition to their three big fundraisers - the Fall Afternoon High Tea, the Christmas Arts and Crafts Show, and the Annual Fashion Show - the CBA has other special events, including Christmas and June parties, and their annual May Crowning in the school Chapel. The moms have also gone on tours and had potluck dinner meetings.

Notably, since 1982, the CBA has contributed nearly $1.8 million, Brother Pat presents Rose DiVirgilio with her 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award and in September gave the Capital Campaign $25,000, for a total of $400,000 to International Robotics Competition. the Preserving the Legacy Campaign, And they enabled every Brother to be begun in 2004. able to see out of our windows and to

In addition to the Capital Campaign Gifts, the CBA has provided things In 2009, the CBA initiated its like chairs for the Chemistry lab and Lifetime Achievement Award to windows for the Brothers’ house, made recognize women who have been the donations to the Senior All-Night best examples of tireless service and Party and the Music Boosters. At each lifelong dedication. graduation for the last several years, Brother Tom notes that the CBA is the CBA has presented a $500 award to more than just a fundraising group. a senior. “Their presence at De La Salle adds an

Brother Thomas Lackey commented, indefinable spirit to the school. I could “The Christian Brothers’ Auxiliary is get mushy and call it love. And yes, one of the most important groups at maybe that’s what it is.” De La Salle. They raise more revenue be warm in the winter. “ for the school than any other group The 2013 CBA Fashion Show by far. Their commitment helped will be held on Wednesday, build the new academic wing at DLS. March 13 at They sent, and I say this with admiPenna's of Sterling. ration and affirmation, a group of Tickets on sale ‘geeks’ to California to compete in the January 17, 2013

Moms Making A Difference

Several Past Presidents of the CBA gathered outside the DLS Library before their November 2012 meeting. To honor the CBA’s commitment to the “Preserving the Legacy” campaign, a plaque was placed outside the Library in 1994, dedicating the Library to the “members of the Christian Brothers’ Auxiliary in recognition of their commitment and support.” The CBA was a key component to the success of the “Preserving the Legacy” campaign. (L. to R.) Jan Thomas, Alyce Hallman, Cathy Trakul, Dorothy Martel, Andrea Rogos, Pam Hrydziuszko, Rose Di Virgilio, Nadine Winiarski, Carol Bardelline, Diane Peklo, Leslie Cahill (Current President)

CBA Members Reflect Service and Friendship

Alyce Hallman began her association with the Christian Brothers’ Auxiliary in 1979, when her older son, Larry, ‘83, was a freshman. Later, her son Joe, ‘88, was a student, and now Joe’s son, Joey, is a freshman. During her 33 years of membership with the CBA, Alyce has served as CBA President, has chaired various events, and has been one of the most active volunteers for the CBA year in and year out.

Alyce said, “I have stayed involved in the Christian Brothers’ Auxiliary for the past 33 years because of its name. Christian Brothers’ Auxiliary. It is not just a mothers’ club. It is a group of women who believe in the school, the Lasallian Mission, and Catholic education. Unlike other PTA’s or mothers’ clubs, the CBA provides support to the Brothers for more than just the four years our sons are in school. All of our projects and fundraising are to help keep the costs down. And, just as importantly, show support for the Brothers, the Administrators, Faculty, Coaches, and Students.”

Alyce also cites the friendships she has made over the years, both spiritually and socially. “I can’t imagine not seeing the great friends I have made over the years. How many of us have friends from school, or parishes, or neighbors that we think about getting together with some day, but that day never comes? Once a month, by coming to the CBA meetings, I get to renew these friendships.”

One of the newer members of the CBA is Shannon Haag, whose DLS alumnus husband Steve graduated in 1988. Their two sons, Christopher, a junior, and Adam, a freshman, participate in the DLS Music Programs, and Shannon herself is the current President of the Music Boosters, and the past Music Boosters Communications Secretary. That Communications Secretary role is one she’ll take on for the CBA in January 2013, as she finishes her second year as the CBA sophomore rep. She is co-chairing the CBA Tea in the Fall of 2013.

Shannon says how impressed she was with not just the number of parents who are active with the CBA, Dads’ Club, and other activities, but also the Alumni. “Their commitment energized me, and encouraged me to get involved and stay involved. I am so grateful to have the DLS Family. With each experience, I have grown as a mother, wife, leader, and friend because of my experiences and friendships through De La Salle. “