The Kuemper Catholic School System is celebrating another hallmark year for the Friends of Kuemper Ball, which raised over $560,000 for the parochial school in its 42nd year. The theme for this year’s event was “Rooted in Tradition, Blooming for Tomorrow,” and the efforts were led by ball chairs Matt and Laura Hausman and Ryan and Dani Steinkamp. Hausman and Steinkamp say so many volunteers offer their time, talent, and treasure to make the Kuemper Ball a success each year, and it was rewarding to see it all come together Saturday evening.
Including the evening’s live auction, the Heider Foundation-matched Ball Blitz, and donations received the night of the ball, the 2026 fundraising total was $561,171. Raising over half a million dollars for any cause is impressive, and they say the generosity of Kuemper’s benefactors never ceases to amaze, especially considering the ongoing “uKnighted” capital campaign for Kuemper’s campus overhauls.
Near the beginning of this year, Kuemper Catholic announced it had already raised over $20.5 million for its estimated $30 million campus project. The chair couples say they are so many people to thank, from the donors and supporting businesses to the staff from Lidderdale Country Store and Mighty Mayhem, who provided the night’s entertainment.
The winner of the $25,000 Vehicle Raffle, sponsored by Champion Ford, Macke Motors, Motor Inn, New Way Ford, Team Auto Group, and Wittrock Motor Company, was Dan Bauer. The $10,000 Ag Raffle, sponsored by Haley Equipment, Rueter’s, and Van Wall Equipment, went to Knobbe Plumbing and Heating. With the 2026 event now wrapped up, organizers are already looking forward to 2027’s Friends of Kuemper Ball.
