Tombola Success
For three days in February the Belen Jesuit campus underwent a massive transformation.
An army of volunteers from faculty, staff, parents and Alumni descended upon the campus to make Tombola weekend a success.
Thousands visited our campus throughout weekend. Babies being pushed around in strollers, young couples, friends just hanging out, and ‘abuelitos’; age didn’t matter. Everyone was united to have fun and ultimately support the Belen Jesuit Financial Assistance Program.
Kicking off the festivities was the Culinary Extravaganza on Friday night. The Garrido Family Plaza was exquisitely decorated while 32 restaurants and vendors deliciously shared samples from their menus. With over 600 guests in attendance it was the best attended kick off ever! While students enjoyed the rides on the fairgrounds the adults hit the dance floor and enjoyed both live music and DJ Jorge Perez. The night was a tremendous success thanks to the leadership of our Director of Parent & Corporate Engagement, Yvonne von der Osten. She along with over a dozen Belen moms worked tirelessly to secure the restaurants, decorate the area, and execute an unforgettable event. Event chairperson Aida Marrero once again brought her expertise and love for Belen to help ensure that night went off without a hitch.
Saturday began bright and early at Tombola even though the official opening time was noon. Over a hundred volunteers swarmed the campus putting finishing touches on booths, setting up the Campus Store, preparing food, and getting the information and valet areas ready. The positive feedback was immediate as the new layout and location was a huge hit. The Ignatian Center of the Arts courtyard was the epicenter for the food court while a dozen rides provided continuous fun for children of all ages. The main stage at the center of the Garrido Family Plaza was a constant hub of entertainment as the school bands impressed everyone with their performances. The 8th Annual Wine Tasting event was located for the first time in the Saladrigas Gallery and the new venue only added to the excellence of the event. Hundreds enjoyed delicious wine and cheese while also appreciating the beautiful artwork on display courtesy of the Archdiocesan Invitational Art Show. Taking the lead on this successful event was Student Activities Coordinator, Gigi Garcia-Chang. She not only was responsible for the Wine Tasting but she was also a key member of the Tombola Planning Committee.
Sunday, once again, began nice and early. Seniors and faculty members each took their turn in the dunk tank, bargain shoppers enjoyed browsing the array of items in the Marketplace, and the cast of our spring musical “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” gave a preview of their show. Taking over the area around the Cafeteria Tent were the 7 homerooms vying for the championship belt at the first ever “Go Pig or Go Home” event. The smell of lechón cooking carried through to the Garrido Family Plaza where hundreds anticipated the main event. Winning the “Judge’s Choice” at the pig roast was Mr. Matthew Larkin’s homeroom and the “People’s Choice” winner was Mrs. Dolores Toledo’s homeroom. The “Go Pig or Go Home” event wouldn’t have been such a successes had it not been for the amazing leadership of Belen dad Eddy Delamaza. He was a constant source of information and resource to everyone involved.
“This year’s Tombola was a tremendous success. Raising $75,000 more than last year, we are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support,” said Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations Phil Fernandez. “One of the best things to see during Tombola is the amount of love people have for Belen. We are truly lucky to have such a wonderful community. Planning has already begun for Tombola 2018 so mark your calendars for February 9, 10, and 11.”
Click here to visit our SmugMug online photo albums to view pictures from Tombola.
BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School was founded in 1854 in Havana, Cuba by Queen Isabel II of Spain. The task of educating students was assigned to the priests and brothers of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), whose teaching tradition is synonymous with academic excellence and spiritual discipline. In 1961, the new political regime of Cuba confiscated the School property and expelled the Jesuit faculty. The School was re-established in Miami the same year, and over the next decade, continued to grow. Today, Belen Jesuit sits on a 30-acre site in western Dade County, only minutes away from downtown Miami.