With the walls decorated with orange balloons for Halloween weekend and more than 100 community supporters in attendance, St. Philip Neri Church and School at Bedford Park hosted its first annual dinner dance fund-raiser Saturday night with the help of hit freestyle artist George Lamond.

The evening’s festivities kicked off just after 7 p.m. at the Bedford Park parish. It began with a welcome from students in both Spanish and English and a flavorful dinner of Spanish rice, pasta, and chicken. After dancing on the gym floor to a wide selection of jazz, R&B, and salsa, the night’s anticipation was finally put to rest when Lamond came on stage.

"Rico is back!" said Sabrina Alicea, who graduated from the school in 1990, referring to Lamond. Hanging with her childhood friend, Frances Latalladi, class of 1989, she said, "It was important to us to contribute back to the school and church that we grew up in." Even though they were there to support the church, their excitement for the featured entertainment could not be hidden.

 "[Lamond] is to us like Earth, Wind and Fire is to our [parents]," said Alicea.

Lamond came on stage and belted out his well-known songs such as "Bad of the Heart," "Without You," and "Look Into My Eyes." As he sang each word, everyone sang along, which Lamond said was the best part of the night for him.

Lamond grew up in the Bronx on 170th Street and recently baptized his son at St. Philip Neri. "I wanted to help out," he said. "I learned a lot from these streets." He is currently working on a new Internet-only album, "Straight to the Internet."

St. Philip Neri has a very active youth ministry led by high school and college students, said Associate Pastor Vera Galeas. The students also volunteer their services whether it’s painting the school or hosting other fund-raising events.

The money raised from last week’s event will go toward the cost of the students’ trip to Rome for a Holy Week youth pilgrimage.

But the night wasn’t just about raising money. It was also an effort to unite the community.

"We want to give a real sense of community in a way that’s fun for everybody," said Father John Bonnici who has been the pastor of St. Philip’s Neri Church for almost six years.

"I’m very excited that the community got together to be united," said Galeas. "Different ages, different races, to celebrate our Church."