Tradition That Drives Us Forward: The History of the St. Malachy School Parents Club Car Party
By Elizabeth Hulsbrink
Geneseo Current
Which decade comes to your mind when you hear “Dancing Through the Decades”? Admittedly, I immediately went to the 70s! Tight bell-bottoms, flowing Peasant blouse, a leather fringe vest, and lots of beads! Everything about the style, the music, the fun just makes me want to dance! As we Dance Through the Decades this year, we’re reminded that the Car Party is more than a night of fun—it’s a tradition shaped by decades of community, generosity, and shared history. So let’s go back in time.
In 1974, a newly formed St. Malachy School Parents Club launched a fundraiser that would grow into one of the most beloved traditions in the school’s history. That year, 200 tickets were sold at $26 each, with one lucky winner driving away in a brand-new car. From that exciting beginning, the event earned its iconic and enduring name: Car Party.
What began as a bold and creative idea quickly became a hallmark of community spirit and generosity. In its early years, the Car Party was hosted in the banquet room of The Deck, where the new car was famously displayed poolside—an unforgettable sight that added to the buzz and anticipation of the evening. As attendance and enthusiasm grew, the event moved to Stoney Creek Inn, continuing to evolve while preserving the thrill that defined its beginnings.
Today, the Car Party is proudly held in the St. Malachy Parish Hall in Geneseo, Illinois, bringing the celebration back home to the heart of the parish and school community. Now celebrating its 52nd year, the Car Party remains the signature fundraiser for St. Malachy School, blending tradition with fresh energy year after year.
While car prices have certainly changed since 1974, the spirit of the Car Party has not. The event continues to offer 200 drawdown tickets, with the grand prize now awarded as a $10,000 cash prize. Alongside the drawdown, guests enjoy a full evening of entertainment, including lively fellowship and exciting live and silent auctions. These auctions are made possible through generous donations from families, local businesses, and supporters from across the community and beyond.
The impact of the Car Party reaches far beyond one memorable night. In 2025 alone, the event raised more than $100,000 in support of St. Malachy School. These funds directly benefited students and teachers by providing new books and teacher desks, upgrading the teachers’ lounge, expanding classroom budgets, and supporting faculty attendance at the National Catholic Educational Association Convention.
For more than five decades, the St. Malachy School Parents Club Car Party has been a powerful example of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose. From a single new car in 1974 to transformative support for today’s classrooms, the Car Party continues to drive St. Malachy School forward—honoring its past while investing in its future.
As we celebrate this remarkable tradition, we invite you to be part of this year’s Car Party by purchasing your tickets and joining the fun. The 52nd Annual St. Malachy Car Party will take place on Saturday, March 7th, and promises an unforgettable night of fun, nostalgia, and non-stop entertainment. Come dressed in your favorite decade and hit the dance floor as Corporate Rock keeps the party going with classic hits from every era. Guests will enjoy a delicious catered dinner, exciting silent and live auctions, a 50/50 raffle, and a chance to win the $10,000 grand prize. It’s going to be a night to remember—so dust off your bell bottoms, tease that hair, or polish those platform shoes, and let’s dance through the decades together to support St. Malachy School. Tickets can be purchased online at https://cbo.io/app/public/bidapp/carparty or by emailing carpartytickets@gmail.com.