Gaudiosa 2021!

Jesuit High School’s 18th annual award-winning fundraising gala, Gaudiosa: An Evening Venice, raised more than $825,000 on Saturday night (February 27)! It marks the second straight year Gaudiosa exceeded $800,000 and is a tremendous testament to the amazing generosity of Jesuit’s many benefactors, who have maintained strong support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This year's gala was certainly the most important we've ever had," said Jesuit's Development Director, Nick Suszynski '98. "The pandemic has caused so much uncertainty and financial stress for many families. Jesuit's generous benefactors once again showed their unwavering support for the school's mission and their dedication to the financial aid program."

Gaudiosa now has generated nearly $6 million over the past eight years – all for Jesuit students with financial need. All proceeds from Gaudiosa go toward Jesuit's robust financial aid program. Shortly after the pandemic struck last April-May, there was a significant increase in requests for financial aid. As a result, this school year Jesuit has committed a record $3.2 million in financial aid to some 40% of the student body.

The gorgeous Oliva Courtyard on campus, adjacent to the new Chapel of the Holy Cross and Gonzmart Hall, was beautifully transformed into a Venetian theme by Decorations Chairs Annette Sanchez, P '17 and Elvia Rivera, P '14, setting the tone for a wonderful evening. The spectacular setting and more than 400 guests (about 200 less than usual for social distancing) contributed to spirit of giving, with exciting live auction items, delicious dinner, a chance drawing for 'Gas for a Year,' which was won by Jesuit teacher Ian Edwards '05, live music, and dancing. Also, for the first time in Gaudiosa history, some 300 fabulous silent auction items were available electronically to anyone who wished to bid, not just those in attendance.

The highlight of the evening and most impactful moment was provided by student speaker Thomas Davis '21. Davis spoke of how his desire to come to Jesuit seemed doomed due to financial hardship. However, the school's financial aid program made it possible, supporting his tuition for four years and also helping finance his participation in a two-week pilgrimage to Europe. Click here, or scroll down, to view video of Davis' presentation.

"Jesuit High School is committed to educating any qualified boy who wishes to attend Jesuit, regardless of his family's financial situation,'' Suszynski said.

A Latin term meaning "joyous feast," Gaudiosa's themed locations celebrate places that were important in the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. Gaudiosa has been named the region's Favorite Fundraising Event four times by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. Bringing the entire, fabulous event together is Jane Younger, named the area's Favorite Event Planner four times by the TBBJ, and a team of dedicated volunteers led this year by Auction Chair Kathryn Sutton, P '18.

Among the hundreds who donated to Gaudiosa 2021 and made it a huge success were the event's Grand Gaudiosa Underwriters:

• Honorary Event Chairs Nikki DeBartolo and Sheriff Chad Chronister, P '22
• The Hyer Family, P '01, '23
• Stacey and Ron Leal, P '09
• Lauren and Christopher Schellman, P '20, '24
• Jesuit Community Tampa

Additional major donors to Gaudiosa 2020 include Blue and White Society ($10,000 donation) members: 

• Laura and Michael DeLucia, P '05, '08
• Heritage Insurance/Yvette and Ernie Garateix, P '21
• Sara and Kieran Mahoney, P '16, '18, '23
• MarineMax/Vicki and Brett McGill '87, P '19, '20, '22, '23
• Lydia and John Oliva '60, P '84
• Cherie and Harvey Schonbrun '65, P '03, '10

Below are two photo slideshows from Gaudiosa and a video of the student presentation by Davis. Below that is a listing of Gaudiosa 2021 Platinum Patrons ($5,000), Gold Patrons ($2,500), Silver Patrons ($1,000), and Sponsors.

THANK YOU to all of Gaudiosa's generous supporters and dedicated volunteers!

SAVE THE DATE: The 19th annual Gaudiosa: An Evening in London is set for February 26, 2022!

Platinum Patron $5,000
The Bailey Family Foundation 
   Michele and Kyle Bailey, P '17, '20, '23 
Mary and Shaun Brooker, P '21
DeDomenico Orthodontics/
   Alina and Matt DeDomenico '94 
Jackie and Bill Muir, P '19   
Kendra and Lee Pallardy '69, P '02 
Jennifer and Jeff Ross '91, P '20, '22 
Mark Spada '80, P '21 
Dineen and Michael Wasylik '88, P '21, '24
The Wrage Family, P '01, '04 
Jane and Jeff Younger, P '06, '09

Gold Patron $2,500
Best Line Oil Co/Al Garcia III, P '21
Danette and Charles Bodine, P '13 
Brick House Marketing, Inc/Bob Murphy '86 
Cammie and Jim Chatterton, P '05 
Marcy and Tim Dolan, P'15, '23 
Hannah and Seth Forman, P '23
Nell and Matt Goldman, P '24 
Kimberly and Howard Grosswirth, P '21
Huntington Learning Center Tampa/
   Diane Rottensteiner, P '13
Jodi and Steven Jacolow, P '24 
Angel Oliva Jr. '53
Robyn and Brian Spoto, P '23, '24 
Jill and Bradley Sprehe, P '98, '06 
Gerri and Tom Willett '62, P '94  

Silver Patron $1,000
Stephanie and Joe Andrews, P '24  
Diana and Harold Astorquiza '80, P '16 
Melanie and James Aya-ay, P '22 
Hilary and Michael Banks, P '21 
Schezy and Steve Barbas '72 
Brick House Marketing, Inc/Bob Murphy '86
Lori and David Chamberlin, P '23 
Sandra and Daniel Clark '89, P '18, '20, '22 
Nicole and Frank Coto III '97 
Casilda and Carlos Cubas, P '23, '24  
Theresa Dixon, P '24
Michael Dolski, P '23 
Louise and Mark Donohue '71, P '06
Nicole and Edward Earnest Sr., P '24
Robyn and Dennis Fedorovich, P '19, '21
Richard Fiola, P '23   
Diane and John Fye, P '91 
Jennifer and Nick Garcia, P '24 
Ann and Jim Gibson, P '10 
Beach Bank/Henry Gonzalez '86, P '21, Steve Stagg '86, Daniel Perez '03 
Lia and George Guerra '81, P '21 
Lisa and Keith Hodgdon, P '24 
Lisa and Jay Kelley, P '14  
Rivero Gordimer & Company/Sam Lazzara, P '15 
Melinda and Albert Livingston, P '24 
Nicole and Eric Mintz, P '22 
Karen and Lee Nelson, P '19, '23 
Lori and Chris Newcom '97, P '24  
Paty and Daniel O'Leary, P '22, '23 
Julie and Lenny Padron, P '21 
Bethany and Rocky Pagliarulo, P '10, '13 
Allison and Graig Paglieri, P '24 
Tamy and Anthony Parker, P '20, '24 
Panera Bread/Covelli Family Limited Partnership/Vikki Kaiser, P '25
Lisa and Jeremey Ringewald, P '21 
Christine and Joe Rooth, P '18, '21 
Marian and Esfandiar Shafii, P '93, '98 
Sarah and Mark Smith, P '22 
Julie and Dylan Snyder '88, P '16  
Kathy and Ken Stephens '74, P '06
Angela and Nicholas Suszynski '98 
Jessica and Eric Thiel, P '19, '21  
Rene and Russell Tiejema, P '22 
Elena and Michael Vance '94, P '23 

Premier Live Band Sponsor
    Beach Bank - Henry Gonzalez III '86, P '21/Steve Stagg '86/Daniel Perez '03 

VIP Pre-Event Reception Sponsor
    Lechner Law - Jay Lechner and Joanne Costantini, P '22 

Electronic Bidding Sponsor
    ReliaQuest - Renee and Brian Murphy

Beverage Sponsor
    DEX Imaging Inc-Kathy and Mark Rodgers, P '24 

Ice Sculpture Sponsor
    The Pasquotto Family, P '24 

Bidder Paddle Sponsor
    Reeves Import Motorcars - Kim and Kelly Rogers, P '06/Christopher Rogers '06 

Photo Jacket Sponsor
    Lincoln Lending Group - Nicole and Frank Coto III '97 

Gift Sponsor
    Brine Development Services - McLeod Construction- Laura and Tommy McLeod, P '22 

Chance Prize Sponsor
Radiant Food Stores-The Capitano Family '56, '84, '87, '18, '20, '22

Auction Bag Sponsor
Alessandri & Alessandri, PA, CPA - Jodi and P. David Alessandri, P '17