DETROIT — The Archbishop’s Gala raised a total of $885,000 for Sacred Heart Major Seminary on June 18, the 18th year for the Archdiocese of Detroit’s largest single-day fundraiser.

The gala, a formal affair that supports the seminary’s efforts to form priests, deacons and lay leaders was held in downtown Detroit’s Cobo Center.

Emily Berschback, events manager for the archdiocese, said the gala is more than just a fundraiser.

“The Archbishop’s Gala is a beautiful and spiritually enriching tradition that continues to enhance our Christian community,” Berschback said. “It is an honor to be able to plan such an event and allows us to showcase the awesomeness of Sacred Heart Major Seminary.”

Berschback said 850 people attended this year’s gala, matching last year’s record total. Msgr. Patrick Halfpenny, pastor of St. Paul on the Lake Parish in Grosse Pointe Farms and a former vice rector of the seminary, emceed the event, and Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron offered closing remarks.

The evening also included musical performances from some of the seminarians, a cash raffle of $25,000, and the debut of a short video documentary featuring the seminary’s newest graduates and their journey to the priesthood. The impactful video, professionally produced by Chicago-based Spirit Juice Studios, can be viewed on Sacred Heart Major Seminary’s YouTube channel.