A "Gathering of Angels" --- a fundraising reception for the benefit of St. Raphael School in South Central Los Angeles --- will take place May 21 at the Manhattan Beach home of Kevin and Ronnie Pickett.

St. Raphael School enrolls 298 Hispanic and African-American students. The tuition this year is $2,100 for one student, although the actual cost of educating each child is over $3,000. The inner city school relies on assistance from friends and supporters from the larger Los Angeles County community.

"The Gathering of Angels is a group of supporters who want to see our children succeed by providing them with the best education possible. They know that our children deserve a school program that is equal to their God-given dignity," explained Barbara Curtis, the school's principal for the past four years. Curtis, a resident of Manhattan Beach and member of American Martyrs Church, is inviting her friends in the community to support this event.

"There is a tremendous sense of emotional and spiritual satisfaction that one gets from knowing that you have made a significant difference in the life of a deserving child," stated Linda Wenglikowski, another member of the St. Raphael School Development Board, who is also a parishioner at American Martyrs. Her family currently sponsors 17 children as part of St. Raphael's "Sponsor A Student Program."

Kevin Pickett, the event's host, is a graduate of St. Raphael School and a member of the school's development board. Also participating in this event are fellow board members Pat Del Hagen and Bret Lobner, both of Manhattan Beach, and Al Alessandra, of Rolling Hills Estates. For more details, call Barbara Curtis at (323) 751-2774.