Gaudiosa 2026: Record Giving!

Jesuit High School's award-winning gala Gaudiosa: An Evening in Venice was a phenomenal success Saturday (February 28) at the Hilton Tampa Downtown, raising a record $1.35 million!

The incredible generosity of Jesuit's supporters at the 23rd annual event made it the 5th consecutive Gaudiosa to surpass $1 million! As always, all of the proceeds from Gaudiosa go to Jesuit's financial aid program.

The classic Venetian atmosphere and ambience was created by special events coordinator Mary Rouge and her amazing team, as well as Gaudiosa’s generous underwriters, patrons, and sponsors, led by the $25,000 Grand Underwriters: The Hyer Family, P ’01, ’23, ’23, ’25, ’28; Brad Lancaster, P ’27; Stacey and Ronald Leal, P ’09; ReliaQuest (Renee and Brian Murphy, P ’27); Lauren and Chris Schellman, P ’20, ’24, ’27; and the Jesuit Community of Tampa. (To view all of the Gaudiosa 2026 patron-level donors, sponsors, committee members, volunteers, and more, click here.) 

"Jesuit is so fortunate to have loyal supporters who believe deeply in the school's mission and give so generously," said Rouge, who in her four years coordinating Gaudiosa has raised $4.8 million. "Every year at Gaudiosa, so many give so much in support of the school's financial aid program. We are so thankful to all of them and to all of the volunteers, whose tireless efforts make Gaudiosa an annual success."

The evening was filled with special moments, none moreso than the heartfelt student presentation by Henry Bravo ’26. Bravo's amazing family story, along with his humility, faith, service, and scholastic excellence – Bravo will be an aerospace engineering major at the University of Notre Dame – inspired hundreds to give. The Schellmans generously committed an additional $100,000 to "Fund the Mission" after Bravo's moving presentation!

The locational theme for each Gaudiosa is based on the travels of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus – the Jesuits – in the 16th century. This year, guests were transported to the spectacular Floating City, Venice, courtesy of the creative team of Elvia Rivera, P ’14 and Jodi Alessandri, P ’17 and the event's Premier Décor Sponsor, HomeFrosting (Karen Post and Eric Vogt, P ’15).

Gaudiosa once again featured a beautiful performance from the renowned Jesuit Trio, comprised this year of Juan Amador ’27, Austin Blewitt ’26, and Vincent Vardijan ’27, plus a special guest singer who turned the trio into a quartet: Jesuit president Fr. Vincent Giacabazi, S.J. And new to Gaudiosa this year was a mysterious late night hot spot: Il Segreto Speakeasy. “Tucked away from the celebration, a hidden lounge awaits. Access is reserved for guests who hold a key … ’’ 

The sensational live auction had the ballroom buzzing and raised well over $100,000. Among the top live auction items was Ignatius (Iggy) the Newfiedoodle puppy. In recent years there have been several adorable pups who found a forever home at the Gaudiosa live auction, and the irresistible Iggy generated a puppy-record S20,000 winning bid – by himself Iggy nearly paid for one year's tuition! Also popular was the spectacular dinner with Father Giacabazi and an array of elite chefs, which resulted in dual winning bids of $22,000 each!

The robust silent auction showcased more than 200 exceptional items in an electronic bidding format, including amazing vacations, jewelry, sports-related opportunities, and many uniquely Jesuit items, and it also raised more than $100,000. As always, Gaudiosa featured a delicious dinner, wine provided by the 1905 Family of Restaurants (Melanie and Richard Gonzmart ’71), a great live band, dancing, and the spirit of Jesuit High School. Rouge and her dedicated staff, including Auction Chair Cindy Galiani, P ’25 and longtime volunteers Theresa Wresh, P ’17, ’20 (Auction Chair Emerita), Lori Tappan, P ’19 (Reservations Chair), and Allison Paglieri, P ’24 (Auction Co-Chair), worked diligently for months to make Gaudiosa a spectacular event.

The chance drawing for Gas for a Year courtesy of The Capitano Family and Radiant Food Stores was won by Regina Pugh. DeLeon Entertainment closed the event with great music that helped fill the dance floor late into the night.

The Tampa Bay Business Journal has recognized Gaudiosa, which is a Latin term for "a joyous feast," as the region's best fundraising gala, honoring Gaudiosa as the "Best Fundraising Event" four times! Over the past 13 years, Gaudiosa has raised nearly $11.5 million for Jesuit's financial aid program. For more than two decades, Gaudiosa has helped to ensure that no qualified boy who wishes to receive a Jesuit education is denied the opportunity for financial reasons.

To view dozens of photos from Gaudiosa 2026, go to the Facebook page Jesuit High School of Tampa. For a Google Drive with hundreds of downloadable Gaudiosa 2026 images, click here. View below the top patrons for Gaudiosa 2026, and to view all of the patrons, sponsors, committee members, and more in the event program from Gaudiosa 2026, click here.

Grand Underwriters ($25,000)
The Hyer Family, P ’01, ’23, ’23, ’25, ’28
Jesuit Community of Tampa
Brad Lancaster, P ’27
Stacey and Ronald Leal, P ’09
ReliaQuest (Renée and Brian Murphy, P ’27)
Lauren and Chris Schellman, P ’20, ’24, ’27

Blue & White Society Patrons ($10,000)
Michelle and Kyle Bailey, P ’17, ’20, ’23
The Bennett and Kortright Families ’22, P ’29
Laura and Michael DeLucia, P ’05, ’08
Michelle and Nick Griffin, P ’26 and Will Griffin ’26
Cary and Rick Lennerth, P ’27, ’28
Jacqueline and Bill Muir, P ’19
Lydia and John Oliva ’60, P ’84
Cherie and Harvey Schonbrun ’65, P ’03, ’10
Jenny and Tim Slattery, P ’27 
K.C. and Michael Studdiford, P ’29
Miriam and Joe Vattamattam, P ’25, ’28

Platinum Patrons ($5,000)
Ruth and Anthony Alessi ’94, P ’26
Avid Insurance Services, Inc. (Megan and Luis Garcia, P ’29)
BNY Mellon Wealth Management (Cesia and Bryce Walker ’12)
Stacy and Doug Bogle, P ’26
The Campbell, Fadal, Garlick and Linogon Families
DeDomenico Orthodontics (Alina and Matthew DeDomenico ’94)
Tracey and Joe DeLucia, P ’25, ’28
iTedium, Inc. (Bob and Cathryn Meyers, P ’18, ’20)
GIS Benefits (Christine and Patrick Kirchner P ’26, ’28)
Kirsten and Shree Kulkarni, P ’29
The Lutes Family Foundation (Paula and William Lutes, P ’29)
Jen and Ryan Mackie, P ’26, ’28
MarineMax (Vicky and Brett McGill ’87, P ’19, ’20, ’22, ’23)
Karen and Jim Miller, P ’22, ’24
Morgan Stanley (Diana and Harold Astorquiza ’80, P ’16)
Alexis and David Ochotorena ’02
Onyva Dog Spa (Nancy and Jorge Giraldo, P ’29)
Pin Chasers (Robin and Anthony Perrone ’84, P ’29)
Kelly and Preston Puryear ’05
Kathy and Ken Stephens ’74, P ’06
Diana and Tim Sullivan ’72, P ’02, ’04, ’07
Tifphani and Jody Valdes, ’94, P ’28
 

Major Event Sponsors
Premier Event Decor Sponsor ($10,000)
HomeFrosting (Karen Post and Eric Vogt, P ’15)

Living Champagne Wall ($7,500)
Watt Plastic Surgery & Med Spa (Aja and Tony Watt)

VIP Pre-Event Reception ($7,500)
Melanie L. Aya-ay, M.D. Plastic Surgery
(Dr. Melanie and Mr. James Aya-ay, P ’22, ’26)

Auction Bag ($5,000)
Lincoln Lending Group
(Nicole and Frank Coto III ’97, P ’28)

Bidder Paddle ($5,000)
Morgan Import Motor Cars (Kim and Kelly Rogers, P ’06)

Cafe Venezia ($5,000)
The Forman Family (Hannah and Seth Forman, P ’23, ’27)

Dessert ($5,000)
Compass Realty (Heidi and Alex Odio, P ’25, ’26, ’29)

Electronic Bidding Sponsor ($5,000)
Bales Security (Tracy and John Bales, P ’20)

Ice Sculpture ($5,000)
The Baldwin Group
(Candice and Frank Baker ’98, Brad and Amy Hale, P ’29)

Live Band Sponsor ($5,000)
Oman Construction (Chris Oman)

Program Sponsor ($5,000)
Amalie Motor Oil (Nicole and Scott Broome, P ’25, P ’29)

Take Away Gift ($5,000)
Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates (Claire and Hector Vila ‘75)

Venetian Speakeasy ($5,000)
Oak & Ola and On Swann (Shelly and Chris Arreola, P ’28, ’29)

Wine Sponsor
1905 Family of Restaurants (Melanie and Richard Gonzmart ’71)