Taking 1st place in the costume contest were Ryan and Theresa Truxillo, who dressed as George Rodrigue’s Famous Blue Dogs, pictured here with the auctioneers of the live auction, Fr. Kevin Dyer, S.J., and Fr. John Brown, S.J.

A Spooky Soirée: Celebration Gala & Auction

The weekend before Halloween was the perfect opportunity for Jesuit benefactors to eat, drink, and be scary!

Jesuit’s Celebration Auction & Gala returned to it’s old haunt, the Cannery, on Saturday, October 27, this year with a spooky theme. Many of the attendees got into the spirit, dressing in creative and lively costumes.

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A delicious spread of food was donated by 30 of the area’s fine restaurants. Live and silent auctions featured a spectacular array of prizes, and bidders got into the fun with convenient on and off-site mobile bidding. Members of Jesuit’s MCJROTC assisted guests with online bidding, while students with the National Honor Society dished out delicacies.

Featured auction items included a gumbo supper for 12 prepared by Fr. John Brown, S.J., and Fr. Kevin Dyer, S.J.; dinner for 10 with Chef Brian Landry ’94 and Chef David Whitmore ’90; a Breckenridge condo stay donated by Janet and John Ryan; and a Napa Valley vacation package.

Volunteers Stacey LaCour and Mary Meyer Toups served as co-chairs of Celebration. Wanda Montalbano and Cindy Wooderson chaired the auction committee. Food donation and coordination was headed by Stephanie Schott and Marcelle Landry. The Cannery was transformed with uncanny decorations by Missy Martin and Amy Burke, while Patti Mahoney and Br. Billy Dardis ’58 looked after libations. Karen DeBlieux invited sponsorships, and Wendy LoCoco and Mary Beth Arruebarrena coordinated reservations.

In addition, Jesuit offers special thanks to the production staff at The Cannery, MGySgt J.R. Piseno (MCJROTC), Mrs. Pam Catalano (National Honor Society), Mr. D.J. Galiano ’07 (special effects lighting), Fr. John Brown, S.J. and Fr. Kevin Dyer, S.J. (live auction), Brittany Donnes (design and production coordination), Jeremy Reuther (communications), and the members of Jesuit’s maintenance and facilities team.

Finally, Jesuit offers its gratitude to all those who volunteered, donated auction items, and attended Celebration 2018. Proceeds from the annual auction and gala are used to keep Jesuit an affordable school of excellence.