Bishop Hendricken High School, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary, has come up with a recipe to have fun, honor former Gov. Philip W. Noel – who helped save the school when the bishop was prepared to close it – and raise a projected $170,000 to help offset tuition costs for boys who need it.

What’s more, in this time where group gatherings are limited and masks are mandatory, they plan to do it without selling a single admission ticket.

The For the Boys virtual gala commences with Mass at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, on Facebook. A cocktail hour sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Todd Sefla and family follows, with a drink created by Hendricken alum Mike Lester, owner of the Dorrance, especially for the occasion.

“The Holy Spirit,” as the cocktail is dubbed, is gold and appropriately garnished with lime to give it the school’s colors. And how might you obtain a Holy Spirit while sitting at your computer watching the gala?

Lester and his son, Connor Curran, have an answer for that, too. The recipe is on the Hendricken website, along with video Curran edited showing how it is made – be sure to stir, but not shake it.

And dinner? Gala planners have thought of that too, suggesting that attendees join with friends for their own Zoom party and order take-out from one of the restaurants featured on the website. The restaurants are all owned by Hendricken graduates.

It is truly the spirit of Hendricken that Father Robert Marciano, president of the school, aims to celebrate on Saturday.

With that in mind, he finds it appropriate that Noel should be the first recipient of the school’s medal of honor, which will be cast for the occasion and physically presented to him on his return from Florida. Fr. Marciano said the medal honors an individual whose contribution has dramatically contributed to the school and its mission.

Saving the school when the Brothers of the Holy Cross announced plans to leave and late Bishop Russell McVinney decided to close it in the 1970s was on top of Fr. Marciano’s list of defining school moments. Parents, students and graduates of the school mounted a vigorous campaign to change the bishop’s mind and keep the school open. Noel, a former Warwck mayor and governor, was among the many leaders contacted to assist.

And what did Noel do or say to help the cause?

In an interview last week, Fr. Marciano said he asked the same thing of Noel, who told him that was between him and Bishop McVinney.

Fr. Marciano observed that the bishop was dead, so couldn’t he reveal what happened?

“He said when he gets to the gates of heaven, he wants to be sure Bishop McVinney lets him in.”

Noel laughed when told of Fr. Marciano’s story. He downplayed the role he may have played in saving the school, but not what he thinks of Hendricken.

Hendricken was saved when the Congregation of Christian Brothers agreed to staff the school, and the Diocese of Providence made the necessary funds available.

“Throughout this time period, and as Mayor of Warwick (1967-1973) and Governor of Rhode Island (1973-1977), Governor Noel remained a steadfast supporter and a visible presence assisting with efforts to keep the school open,” reads a press release issued by the school.

“I love that school,” Noel said when reached at his Florida home. “It’s a great educational experience with morality and religion.”

Noel will have remarks for the gala that his daughter was preparing to video last week.

Also slated to have remarks by video are Mayor Joseph J. Solomon, former mayors Francis X. Flaherty and Scott Avedisian, and this year’s Hendricken young man of the year, Brian Harrington. A performance by Hendricken's Arts Academy Chorus is also planned.

A fundraiser, albeit virtual, wouldn’t be complete without a raffle.

In recognition of the school’s 60th “Diamond” anniversary, Brian Cipolla ’85 of Reflections Jewelers has donated a pair of round diamond stud earrings set in 14kt white gold, valued at $5,000. Only 100 raffle tickets will be sold, with all proceeds benefiting our For the Boys Gala.

And a gala won’t be complete, too, without fireworks.

Fr. Marciano said the committee has thought of it with a video from a display at the school’s homecoming … all of it coming together from the comfort of your home.

Donations may be made at hendricken.com/fortheboys.

STATE’S 68TH GOVERNOR:

Former Gov. Philip Noel, as seen in this portrait from the State House, will be honored with Henricken High School’s first medal of honor Saturday at the virtual For the Boys Gala.