by Joe Bollig
joe.bollig@theleaven.org
OVERLAND PARK — What do you call good food, good music, good friends and a heck of a good time for a good cause?
That’s Amore: Take 2!
The School of Love, an independent association of the faithful that works with the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life, is hosting a hybrid drive-in and/or stay-at-home livestream event.
The School of Love works with engaged and married couples to do spiritual and relationship formation.
Amore: Take 2 will take place from 7-10:30 p.m. on Sept. 26 in the large parking lot of Mr. P’z Bar and Grill, 103rd and Mastin, Overland Park.
Every year about this time, the School of Love hosts Amore as a gala benefit at a posh place in Overland Park.
“It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Mike Dennihan, executive director of the School of Love. “Amore is to celebrate and support the mission of the School of Love.”
This year, the apostolate — like everyone else — ran into a bit of a challenge: the COVID-19 pandemic. The usual indoor swanky and inspirational affair wasn’t going to work. Mike and his wife Kristi, director of mission for the School of Love, had to get creative.
And they did — and came up with Amore: Take 2.
Here’s how it works. First, the participants must sign up to participate — whether they will be doing so in the drive-in or stay-at-home way.
Drive-in participants can start showing up at 6 p.m. They will be directed to a parking place. There will be social distancing, but it’s OK for households and friends to gather in their own parking group. For this option, during registration one must click “seating preference.” The parking group will be called a “table.”
There will be carside food ordering, a program and entertainment provided by the Mikey Needleman Band.
While participants are rocking out in their cars, they can watch the live-stream portion of the event, which includes opportunities to donate to the School of Love or make bids during the benefit auction. The in-person participants must bring a smartphone or other device to participate.
People at home watching the live-stream can enjoy the music and program, as well as participate in the auction.
A video will be produced from the event. People must register for free tickets to participate. For more information and to register, go to the website at: schooloflovekc.com/benefit.
