GAUDIOSA 2023: AN EVENING IN BARCELONA!

Two decades of Gaudiosa! The 20th annual Gaudiosa will take place on February 25, 2023 at the Hilton Tampa Downtown. We will celebrate 20 years of the spectacular, award-winning gala that has raised an incredible $10 million since its founding - all for Jesuit students with demonstrated financial need - by heading to Barcelona! There, we will continue to follow the journey of St. Ignatius in his founding of the Society of Jesus.

Two decades of Gaudiosa! The 20th annual Gaudiosa will take place on February 25, 2023 at the Hilton Tampa Downtown.

The spectacular, award-winning gala has raised an incredible $10 million since its founding – all for Jesuit students with demonstrated financial need. This year we head to Barcelona! There, we will continue to follow the journey of St. Ignatius in his founding of the Society of Jesus.

 

2023 Honorary Event Chairs
Jessica and Chuck Pasquotto, P ’24, ’26

 

 

 
“An Evening in Barcelona”

 

Thank You to our Early Supporters!

Underwriters

Honorary Event Chairs – Chuck and Jessica Pasquotto, P ’24, ’26

Grand Underwriters

Jesuit Community of Tampa

Reliaquest (Renee and Brian Murphy)

Lauren and Chris Schellman, P ’24

Blue and White Society

Karen and Dan Consuegra, P ’13, ’15, ’24

Marine Max (Vicki and Brett McGill, ’87, P ’19, ’20, ’22, ’23)

Platinum Patrons

DeDomenico Orthodontics (Matt DeDomenico, ’94)

iTedium, Inc. (Cathryn and Bob Meyers, P ’18, ’20)

Sponsors

Floral Sponsor – Kennicott Bros. (Shannon and Erik Greenhalgh, P ’25)

Chance Prize Sponsor – Radiant Food Stores (The Capitano Family, ’56, ’84, ’87, ’18, ’20, ’22)

Electronic Bidding Sponsor – Dex Imaging, LLC (Mark and Kathy Rodgers, P ’24, ’24)

Auction Bag Sponsor – Lincoln Lending Group (Frank Coto III, ’97)

Planning Committee Members

Auction Chair – Theresa Wresh, P ’17, ’20

“Count Me In” Chair – Cecilia Fanning Mitchell, P ’25

Floral Chair – Shannon Greenhalgh, P ’25

Gifts Chair – Monica Santana, P ’21, ’25

Item Presentation Chair – Wendy Carrion, P ‘24

Procurement Chair – Cindy Galiani, P ’25

Reservations Chair – Lori Tappan, P ’19

Secretary – Shannon Solano, P ’20, ’24

Volunteers Chairs – Alyson Kiernan, P’ 25 and Antonette Wilson, P ’25

Dads’ Club Liaison – Michael Heald, P ’26

Mothers’ Club Liaison – Melinda Rix, P ’23

Tiger Lily Liaison – Erica Morris, P ‘22

 

 Considering donating to the Auction?

Our live and silent auctions offer a wide variety of items, and your donations of any size and type are greatly appreciated. Popular auction items include the use of vacation homes, tickets to sporting and theater events, high-tech gadgets, gift certificates, or other unique experiences.

To donate an auction item please click here and either complete online or download and return the form to Jesuit High School. Donations may be received any time from now until our catalog deadline of February 3, 2023.

Another option is to shop online and have an item directly shipped to the school. Please click here for our Amazon Wishlist. Gaudiosa Wish List.docx

 

GAUDIOSA 2023 VOLUNTEER MEETINGS

*All meetings at 8:15am at Networking Leads, 2701 N. Himes Ave. - we hope to see you there!*

1. September 21
2. October 19
3. November 16
4. December 14
5. January 18

Questions please email Jesuit's special events coordinator, Mary Rouge, at mrouge@jesuittampa.org.

 

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A LOOK BACK AT GAUDIOSA 2022: AN EVENING IN LONDON

THE 19TH ANNUAL GAUDIOSA GALA GENERATES A RECORD $1.15 MILLION! 

 

In Jane Younger's 16th and final year overseeing Gaudiosa, the event surpassed $1,000,000 raised for the first time!

A joyous, festive atmosphere of giving permeated the Hilton Tampa Downtown on Saturday night, February 26,  as Gaudiosa: An Evening in London, Jesuit High School's 19th annual Gaudiosa fundraising gala, shattered the previous Gaudiosa record of $825,000 – and crested the magical seven-figure mark.

The final total raised: more than $1.15 million.

The record-breaking generosity and emotional wave of support was not only for Gaudiosa's annual beneficiary, Jesuit's financial aid program, but also in tribute to the woman who has been in charge of the event almost since its beginning - Younger.

"I'm just so humbled and grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of Gaudiosa and Jesuit High School," said Younger, who began as a parent volunteer at the first Gaudiosa 19 years ago before becoming Jesuit's special events coordinator. "When I first started, I had no idea where this would go. It has been a team effort every step of the way, with incredible support and leadership. I'm just honored to be a part of it and to help support this amazing school."

In Younger's 16 years at the helm, Gaudiosa has ascended to become one of Tampa's premier galas. On four occasions, Younger has been named the Tampa Bay area's Favorite Event Planner by the Tampa Bay Business Journal, and under her leadership Gaudiosa is a four-time winner of the TBBJ's Favorite Fundraising Gala honor.

The event was filled with wonderful moments, including a special recognition of Younger by Jesuit president Fr. Richard C. Hermes, S.J., and an amazing live auction during which the eight live auction items generated nearly $100,000 in winning bids.

Immediately after the live auction, Jesuit student Trey George '22 addressed the 600 generous attendees to tell his very personal and powerful story of how financial aid to Jesuit has dramatically changed his life. George's testimony ignited an outpouring of support, as paddles shot in the air throughout the ballroom to make donations. When, finally, the donations slowed, Lauren and Chris Schellman, P '20, '24, who are annual Gaudiosa Grand Underwriters, raised the stakes. They offered to match any more donations up to $50,000. Another wave of paddles immediately were raised in generosity, and suddenly the total for the event had eclipsed $1 million, setting off a celebration in the ballroom.

The event's Auction Chair, Amy Daner, P '17, oversaw the more than 300 sensational silent auction items and eight phenomenal live auction items. Among the live auction items were a MarineMax vacation to the British Virgin Islands courtesy of Blue and White Society patrons Vicki and Brett McGill '87, P '19, '20, '22, '23; Mass and dinner packages with both Fr. Douglas Hypolite, S.J., the legendary French-trained chef, and Father Hermes; a Tom Brady-autographed Buccaneers jersey; and a surprise baseball package offered by Lance McCullers Jr. '12, the World Series-winning pitcher from the Houston Astros and former high school National Player of the Year for Jesuit. McCullers also matched the winning bid to his own auction item with a donation to Gaudiosa.

The Capitano Family and Marathon Gas once again sponsored the free gas for a year chance drawing, which was won by Stephanie McNeil, P ’25.

All proceeds from Gaudiosa go toward Jesuit's robust financial aid program. For the 2021-22 school year, Jesuit has committed $2.8 million in financial aid to 35% of the student body. In the 16 years led by Younger, Gaudiosa has generated some $8 million – all for Jesuit students with demonstrated financial need.

As it does every year, Gaudiosa featured a gorgeous St. Ignatius-inspired setting created by Decorations Chairs Annette Sanchez, P '17 and Elvia Rivera, P '14. Guests also enjoyed a delicious dinner; Jesuit's guitar ensemble under the direction of Nina Wegmann playing a medley of tunes from The Beatles; beautiful murals of London created by Jesuit's AP Art students; London "street art" created live on site by AP Art students Franco Capitano '22 and Ezra Moros '22; and live music and dancing with DeLeon Entertainment. Click here to view the event program.

Among the hundreds who donated to Gaudiosa 2022 and made it a million-dollar success were the event's Grand Gaudiosa Underwriters, including Honorary Event Chairs Stacey and Ronald Leal, P '09; Nikki DeBartolo and Sheriff Chad Chronister, P '22; The Hyer Family, P '01, '23, '23; Brian and Renee Murphy, and Lauren and Christopher Schellman, P '20.

Additional major donors to Gaudiosa 2020 include Blue and White Society ($10,000 donation) members Laura and Michael DeLucia, P '05, '08; 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; Holly and Scott Garlick, P '24; Karen and Daniel Consuegra, P '13, '15, '24; Heritage Insurance/ Yvette and Ernie Garateix, P '21; Cherie and Harvey Schonbrun '65, P '03, '10/Kristi and Austin Schonbrun, P '10; and the Jesuit Community Tampa.

"Jesuit High School is committed to educating any qualified boy who wishes to attend Jesuit, regardless of his family's financial situation,'' Jesuit's Development Director, Nick Suszynski '98, said. "Once again this year, Jesuit's generous benefactors showed their amazing support for the school's mission and dedication to its financial aid program. We are truly grateful for their incredible generosity."

A Latin term meaning "joyous feast," Gaudiosa's locations each year follow along the journey of Saint Ignatius in his founding of the Society of Jesus. A team of dedicated volunteers make it all possible. A list of all of Gaudiosa's patrons and volunteers is available in the event program, click here to view.

SAVE THE DATE: for the 20th Gaudiosa: An Evening in Barcelona on Feb. 25, 2023!

Click here to view a phenomenal photo slideshow and video of the amazing student presentation by Trey George '22.

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A LOOK BACK AT GAUDIOSA 2021: AN EVENING IN VENICE

THE FIRST OUTDOORS GAUDIOSA RAISES MORE THAN $800,000 FOR JESUIT'S FINANCIAL AID!

Jesuit High School’s 18th annual award-winning fundraising gala, Gaudiosa: An Evening Venice, raised more than $825,000 on 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 in the spring of 2020, there was a significant increase in requests for financial aid. As a result, during the 2020-21 school year Jesuit 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!

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A LOOK BACK AT GAUDIOSA 2020: AN EVENING IN THE HOLY LAND

A RECORD-SETTING GAUDIOSA! MORE THAN $815,000 RAISED FOR JESUIT'S FINANCIAL AID!

Jesuit High School's 17th annual award-winning fundraising gala, Gaudiosa: An Evening in the Holy Land, set a new record Saturday, February 22, raising more than $815,000! It marks the first time the event, which raised a then-record $775,000 last year, has eclipsed the $800,000 mark. Click here and here to view phenomenal photo slideshows from the evening.

All proceeds from Gaudiosa go toward Jesuit's robust financial aid program. For 2019-20, Jesuit has committed $2.47 million in financial aid to more than

 30% of the student body. With this year's record total of $815,000+, Gaudiosa, under the direction of award-winning special events coordinator Jane Younger, now has generated more than $5 million over the past seven years – all for Jesuit students with demonstrated financial need.

As it does every year, Gaudiosa featured a spirit of generosity amidst a gorgeous, St. Ignatius-inspired setting created by Decorations Chairs Annette Sanchez, P ’17 and Elvia Rivera, P ’14 at the Hilton Tampa Downtown. Led by Auction Chair Carol Jahnke, P ’22, the event showcased sensational live auction items such as vacations to Italy and Napa Valley, the legendary Dinner with Fr. Douglas Hypolite, S.J., and more than 300 fabulous silent auction items. The more than 600 generous guests also enjoyed a delicious dinner, student musicians, beautiful murals created by Jesuit's AP Art students, live music with the band Finesse, and dancing. Click here to view the the event program.

Among the hundreds who donated to Gaudiosa 2020 and made it a huge success were the event's Grand Gaudiosa Underwriters: Pat Carroll ’98; Nikki DeBartolo and Sheriff Chad Chronister, P ’22; The Hyer Family, P ’01, ’23, ’23; Stacey and Ron Leal, P ’09; Lauren and Christopher Schellman, P ’20; and the Jesuit Community Tampa. All of the event underwriters in 2020 also have been very generous supporters of Gaudiosa in years past.

Additional major donors to Gaudiosa 2020 include Blue and White Society ($10,000 donation) members Laura and Michael DeLucia, P '05, '08; 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; and Cherie and Harvey Schonbrun '65, P '03, '10.

Student speaker Oscar Lopez ’20 (pictured below with his parents, Oscar Lopez and Aida Alayon) provided the most impactful moment Saturday night. Lopez spoke of the extraordinary brotherhood and mentoring he has experienced at Jesuit – which would not have been possible without financial aid – and his desire to return someday as a Spanish teacher. Click here to view video of Lopez's presentation.

A Latin term meaning "joyous feast," 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 Younger, who has been named the area's Favorite Event Planner four times by the TBBJ, and a team of dedicated volunteers. A list of all of Gaudiosa's patrons and volunteers is available in the event program, click here to view. 

"Jesuit High School is committed to educating any qualified boy who wishes to attend Jesuit, regardless of his family's financial situation,'' Jesuit's Development Director, Nick Suszynski '98, said. "Again this year, Jesuit's generous benefactors showed their amazing support for the school's mission and dedication to its financial aid program."

The generosity of Gaudiosa's patrons, sponsors, and guests provides a significant amount of Jesuit's financial aid. This school year, Gaudiosa 2019 proceeds are providing nearly 1/3rd of the school's $2.47 million financial aid disbursement. In recent years, Gaudiosa also has featured the announcement of transformational capital gifts, such as a $2 million Arts Center donation in 2019 from Ron Antinori '60; a $3 million gift in 2016 from Joe Capitano Sr. '56, Joe Capitano Jr. '84, and Frank Capitano '87; and a $2.5 million donation in 2017 by Richard "Steve" Jenkins '75.

SAVE THE DATE: for the 18th Gaudiosa: An Evening in Venice on Feb. 27, 2021, as we continue along the journey of St. Ignatius in his founding of the Society of Jesus.