Celebration Action “Under the Big Top,” Proved Fiery and Fast, Fun and Fantastic

Posted March 2, 2013 / Last updated July 31, 2013

Celebration co-chairs Andrea Legrand (second from right) and Nancy Plough with their husbands, Georges Legrand, and Jerry Plough ’80.

At Jesuit’s annual Celebration 2013, which took place Saturday, March 2, the weather was too cold for comfort and the entire circus was moved “Under the Big Top” of the cafeteria and Student Commons, where patrons and benefactors were cozily cool amid the really rapid fire hot auctions that unfolded non-stop for five hours. Among the throng of hundreds that turned out for one of Jesuit’s significant fundraisers were the co-chairs of the event, Andrea Legrand (second from right) with her husband Georges Legrand, and Nancy Plough with her husband Jerry Plough ’80.

With temperatures hovering in the high 30s (and feeling much colder), the executive decision was made to move the Patron Party — typically held outside in the Traditions Courtyard — inside to the Jesuit cafeteria.

“Under the Big Top” known as the cafeteria, the Patron Party was a more intimate affair, featuring jugglers, a Ring Master, and magicians played by members of the Philelectic Society.

From the silent auction tables crowded by anxious bidders, to the spirited and exciting live auction hosted by Jeremy Reuther ’01, the entire evening was a huge success.

Jesuit tips its hat to Andrea and Nancy for all of their efforts to ensure Celebration 2013’s success. A very good night was had by all.

Galleries

Celebration, March 2, 2013

David Prados ’75 carefully peruses his auction program.
Jack Culicchia ’83 (left) and Seamus O’Donnell ’89 effortlessly handle the large amounts that benefactors charge on their credit cards.
Mary Frances and Felix Rabito ’80 avoid the rush by hitting the checkout line early.
A half dozen Blue Jays guard the pasta table. From left, seniors Benjy Tucker, Branden Munster, William North, Blaine Loupe, Jack Culotta, Jr., and junior Christobal Dupré
Rickey and Dottie Loupe
Live auctioneer Jeremy Reuther ’01 is flanked by his parents, Jan and John Reuther ’72.
Marylynn Andrée and John Hastings
A satisfied Georges Legrand outbid other parents for 10 front row seats at the upcoming 2013 Commencement Ceremony.
A reserved parking spot in the yard for their soon-to-be-senior son Charles was won by Cynthia and Michael Graham ’77 (right) at the live auction.
Auction table volunteers Rhonda Eckholdt, Melanie Hebert, and Nicey Simoneaux
Jesuit president Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76 provides executive back-up support to Celebration’s live auctioneer Jeremy Reuther ’01, who somehow managed to extract higher bids before most participants knew what was happening.
Auction table volunteers Allison Thomas; Sharon and Jay Gogreve ’81; Jeannie and Rick Redmann ’85
Sara and Ryan Gootee ’91
Members of the Jesuit Marine Corps J.R.O.T.C., such as sophomore John Grieco, were indispensable in carefully moving items from closed auction tables.
The look of serious auction participants: Diane Schwing (left) and Sharon Davis ponder their next bids
Upon entering the Big Top, guests were greeted by scarf juggler Molly Mueller and ringmaster Collin Phillips, both of whom are juniors and members of the Philelectic Society. Phillips, of course, is a Blue Jay while Mueller attends the Academy of the Sacred Heart.
The auction tables in the Student Commons attracted lots of bidders. All went smoothly because the tables were managed by experienced volunteers, among whom were, from left, Laurie Gaudet, Karen Bradford, Sophia Thomas, and Michelle Lorusso.
A trio of Blue Jays from the Class of ’83: Mike Varisco, Brian North, and Ron Montalbano
Lynn and Arthur Mann ’64; Liz and Terry Creel
Najeeb Thomas ’90 and Summer Black
Missy and Gerald Duhon ’85
Ryan Gootee ’91, Nick Lorusso ’85, Najeeb Thomas ’90, and Steven Queyrouze ’80
Amy and John McMahon ’87; Gina and Eddie Perret
Fr. Nick Schiro, S.J. ’44 is flanked by Mary and Jimmy Huck.
The Patron Party Auction went off without a hitch primarily because of the work by these ladies, from left, Jeanne Dufour, Jeanie Favret, and Roberta Chevis.
Trish and Jeff Robbins (left); Cynthia and Mike Graham ’77
Dan Wagner and Julie Nunez
Eileen Hofrichter and Frank Arnemann
“Under the Big Top” known as the cafeteria, the Patron Party was a more intimate affair. Among the benefactors were Jeanne and Ken Boe ’84 (left) and Mary Beth and Paul Fine.
Jesuit senior Ian Morel, another members of the Phils and a budding magician, had a few card tricks up his sleeve for guests.