ALBANY, NEW YORK - December 16, 2011 - After the guests had gone,
the student displays closed and the remaining desserts put away, plans
for next year’s Holiday Open House were on the minds of many. The success of the event was that impressive. Staff and students worked together to celebrate the holiday season as well as showcase LaSalle’s many activities.

Click for Gallery...

A long-standing Christmas tradition, the Catholic Women's Service League
began the Christmas Open House more than 50 years ago to kick off the
holiday season. This year, a planning committee of League members, agency trustees, and LaSalle staff realized that this event was an opportunity to organize activities maintaining old traditions and adding new ones. They
worked to update the event’s format to heighten awareness of student interests and accomplishments, expand the invitation list to attract a more diverse crowd, and increase attendance. What resulted was an gathering that would mobilize a great number of staff and students.

Several employees wore badges to encourage guests to ask questions about any of LaSalle’s programs and services. A video presentation depicted LaSalle youths participating in a variety of service activities and displays showcased each student’s unique talents and academic projects. In addition, award- winning entries in national competitions were exhibited. Contests represented included National History Day and the Future City Competition held during National Engineers Week.

Morrison Dining Services – provider of meals to residents of the Daughters
of Sarah Senior Community – donated their services to prepare appetizers
for the Open House. Morrison’s head chef, Keith Smith, has recently volunteered to teach students enrolled in LaSalle’s culinary arts program. Throughout the evening Smith worked alongside his future chefs to prepare and serve hors’ d’oeuvres and finger foods in addition to creating an attractive, self serve antipasto table. A buffet of meats, salads, and breads prepared and served by the LaSalle Kitchen Staff followed.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Catholic Women’s Service League.
These funds will be used by the League to operate the many activities they
provide for LaSalle’s boys throughout the year including the Christmas
Boutique, birthday celebrations, and religious observances.