Gaudiosa Countdown

Gaudiosa preparations are reaching a fever pitch as the countdown to March 4 at the Hilton Tampa Downtown has begun for Jesuit's award-winning fundraising spectacular. 

Decorations Co-Chairs Elvia Rivera, P '14 and Annette Sanchez, P '17 are making final alterations to the gorgeous Barcelona-inspired setting. The Don't Feed the Artists club is preparing the event mural (homepage photo: Justin Sanchez '17 at work on the mural) and other unique Gaudiosa artwork. The students are selling their Gaudiosa chance drawing tickets. And dedicated volunteers led by Auction Chair Kathryn Sutton, P '18 are meticulously cataloguing the 325 silent auction items and preparing displays for the more than 600 guests.

Behind it all, wrapping everything together, is Jesuit's award-winning special events coordinator Jane Younger. 

"This is a tremendously exciting time, just (a few) days to go!" said Younger, who was chosen the Tampa Bay Business Journal's 'Favorite Event Planner' in 2013, '14, and '16. "This year's theme of 'An Evening is Barcelona' and our design team of Elvia and Annette is creating a stunning backdrop for another amazing Gaudiosa. I am so humbled by the incredible dedication of all of the volunteers."

Gaudiosa's mission drives the effort, and it has helped make Gaudiosa a three-time winner as the TBBJ's 'Favorite Fundraising Event.' 

"It's all for the students," Younger said. "The mission of Gaudiosa - to provide financial aid for all qualified Jesuit students with demonstrated financial need - is what inspires everyone and makes this event so special year after year."

During the past three years, from 2014-16, Gaudiosa has raised more than $2 million. Since its founding in 2003, the event has raised nearly $6 million. In large part due to Gaudiosa, Jesuit's financial aid distribution rose to a record $1.95 million this school year.

Wednesday (Feb. 22) is the last day to register to attend Gaudiosa 2017: An Evening in Barcelona, click here to register.

Guests will enjoy the beautiful sounds of Jesuit student classical musicians, the grand setting, uplifting atmosphere, delicious dinner, live music, and dancing, as well as the array of sensational live and silent auction items.

At least seven live auction items will be featured: vacations to Cortona, Italy; Napa Valley, Calif.; and the British Virgin Islands via MarineMax; two world-class dining opportunities, including perhaps the most the famous Gaudiosa auction item of all-time, dinner with French-trained chef Fr. Douglas Hypolite, S.J.; a one-of-a-kind, custom stained glass item; and an Evan Longoria/Tampa Bay Rays game experience  

Gaudiosa, a Latin term meaning “joyous feast,” is supported by the generosity of its patrons, sponsors, and guests. This year, Virginia and Marcus Damm, P ’19 are the Event Patron Chairs, and Laura and Michael DeLucia, P '05, '08 are the Honorary Chairs. Click here for Underwriting and Patron opportunities for Gaudiosa 2017.