Gaudiosa is a Latin term the Jesuits use that means “a joyous feast.” For Jesuit High School, Gaudiosa is a lively dinner, dance and auction and Jesuit’s primary fundraising event that benefits the school and its students.

THEME. Jesuit’s Gaudiosa celebrates the 16^th century roots of Jesuit education by spotlighting locations that were important in the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit Order (Society of Jesus). Since the inaugural event in 2003, “An Evening in Montserrat, Spain,” Gaudiosa has featured destinations such as Manresa, Spain, the Holy Lands, Paris, France and London, England. This year’s event takes us to Venice, Italy where St. Ignatius was ordained a priest.

ORGANIZATION. Jesuit’s Gaudiosa originated through the Jesuit High School Mothers' Club in conjunction with the school’s Development Office. Each year the fundraiser is coordinated by the Mothers’ Club, which dedicates a separate event chair and planning committee to orchestrate all aspects of the event with the full support of the Development Office. In recent years, the committee has also included members of the JHS Dads’ Club and alumni volunteers.

EVENING AGENDA. Gaudiosa is not the typical stuffy fundraiser where you’ll be checking your watch. True to its definition as “a joyous feast,” Gaudiosa is an evening characterized by wonderful food, friendly people, outstanding music and a great time! The evening begins with cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres while participants mingle and peruse a colorful silent auction. A seated dinner is served as guests enjoy their friends, family and delicious fare at an elegant table setting.  Following dinner the guests enjoy a few words from Jesuit's president, a brief presentation on behalf of the school, and a vigorous live auction.  A scrumptious dessert is followed by continued revelry as the crowd kicks up their heels to the area’s most exciting dance band. 

ATTENDANCE. Since its first year in 2003, when Gaudiosa attracted nearly 450 supporters, the event has continued to grow, drawing a full house of supporters ranging between 500 and 600 patrons and general attendees every year. Gaudiosa participants are comprised of true "blue" Jesuit supporters -- parents of students, alumni, staff and community friends.

PURPOSE. For certain, Gaudiosa is an evening to remember, but the icing on the cake – Jesuit receives a significant financial contribution! All proceeds from each Gaudiosa are instrumental to the financial wellbeing of Jesuit High School, benefitting the campus, students, and the school’s ability to carry on its 109-year mission. In its first five years, Gaudiosa has raised nearly $1 million through its patrons, general attendees, and competitive auctions. These contributions have aided Jesuit with recent construction and renovation projects, as well as funding for the school’s financial aid endowment for students from needy families. This year’s fundraiser, “An Evening in Venice, Italy,” will help Jesuit defray the cost of providing financial aid to all students with demonstrated financial need for the 2008-2009 school year.