Friday night is sure to be an enchanted evening for the Bishop England High School community as parents, alumni, teachers and friends will gather to celebrate the school's first Crystal Ball.

The party will take place Friday evening at the Daniel Island Club from 7 to 11 p.m. and will feature heavy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, entertainment from the East Coast Party Band and silent and live auctions.

"We thought it would be a great way to bring parents and alumni together," said Mary Nemeth, chairman of the gala committee of the school's new Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and director of relationships and giving for the school. "It's all about building relationships, and we've gotten an incredible response so far."

Nemeth explained that the PTO is a new addition to the school. Michael Bolchoz, the school's principal, decided to add the organization when he came to the school last year as a way to build community. One of the main priorities of the group is to promote a strong working relationship among the students, parents, teachers and administration. The PTO also hopes to contribute resources that will enrich the curriculum, technology and facilities at the school.

While building community among school supporters, the Crystal Ball will also raise funds to expand the technology resources of the school. "All of the proceeds from the gala are going to fund technology," said Nemeth. This year the PTO is focused on raising funds for the improvement of the school's technology to ensure that Bishop England can offer state-of-the-art programs that allow the school to remain a competitive school choice.

"People in Charleston have been so great about donating auction items," she added. "The community has given back so generously. People have been so willing and so excited to help. Also parents and alumni have helped so much. People have donated their decorating skill and time. A family has donated the fun photo booths that we will have at the gala and which will be filled with BE stuff, like boas, hats and scarves. Members of the East Coast Party Band are BE alumni. Months and months have gone into planning this event, and people have been so generous. Ellen Dudash and Anne Durney have been outstanding in helping with the PTO and the gala committee. It's a true example to the students of what giving is all about."

Some of the auction items include:

<0x25BA>An original oil painting by artist Laurie Meyer. Meyer will unveil a new painting Friday night that captures a moment in Bishop England history when the football team won the AA state championship this past fall representing the 100th state championship for the school.

<0x25BA>Four days and three nights at a newly constructed Washington, D.C. condo

<0x25BA>Three night stay at Lake Lure in North Carolina

<0x25BA>A tour for eight on the Palmetto Breeze

<0x25BA>A sapphire and diamond ring from Skatells

<0x25BA>A limousine excursion with after-hours shopping experience at Cynthia Rowley on King Street

<0x25BA>A sapphire necklace from Croghan's Jewel Box

<0x25BA>Dinner for four at Charleston Grill

<0x25BA>A party for 14 at the King Street Grille VIP room

<0x25BA>A party for 20 at Taziki's

<0x25BA>Admission for 10 to Cinebarre and gift certificates to Wild Wing

<0x25BA>A Spoleto theatre and party package

<0x25BA>A credit to Crescent Moon Orthodontics

<0x25BA>Gift certificates to M. Dumas and Son, Gwynn's, Paisley

<0x25BA>A makeover at Stella Nova Salon and Spa and lunch at Verde

<0x25BA>Lunch and golf for four at the Daniel Island Club.

Tickets for the event have sold out, but the PTO is still accepting contributions. To learn more, contact Mary Nemeth at the school by calling 849-9599, extension 121 or mnemeth@behs.com.