Tara Lipinski, Olympic gold medalist, to speak at Bishop's Dinner on Oct. 23

July 21, 2005

The ninth annual Bishop's Dinner for Catholic Education will feature one of America's premier athletes. Tara Lipinski, the 1998 gold medalist from the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, will be the featured speaker at the October 23rd dinner. The Bishop's Dinner supports more than 6,300 students who attend Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Sioux City. This year's dinner will be held on Sunday, Oct. 23, at the Sioux City Convention Center.

Lipinski made world headlines in 1997 when she won the World Figure Skating title. Just a year later, she stunned the experts when, at the age of 17, she won the Olympic gold medal over another American favorite, Michelle Kwan. Following her Olympic achievement, Lipinski turned pro and skated as one of the headliners for the Stars on Ice tour.

Joe and Liz Kellen, the chair couple of this year's Bishop's Dinner, say their excitement with the selection of Tara Lipinski goes far beyond her athletic accomplishments. "In addition to her professed admiration and respect for her parents, Tara holds a deep devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux and is not the least bit hesitant to share her story with others," said the Kellens. Tara and her mother have been frequent guests on EWTN to share the story of their love of St. Therese.

The Bishop's Dinner has a history of attracting some noteworthy guests who have a strong history with Catholic schools. Previous speakers have included Lou Holtz, former Ambassador Jim Nicholson, Tommy Lasorda and Rocky Bleier.

Tickets for the ninth annual Bishop's Dinner for Catholic Education are priced at $125 person and will go on sale in mid August. For more information on the dinner, contact the diocesan office of development at (712) 233-7556.