Over the Top Gala Success
The Belen Jesuit Over the Top Gala, held on November 2nd, was an incredible event and the most profitable gala in the school’s history. In all, $569,000 was raised for the Financial Assistance Program.
Presented by My Father Cigars, the gala was held at the JW Marriott Marquis, and everything about the evening was wonderful, from the fantastic decor to the music and circus performers to the food.
“Seldom do we have the opportunity to put on an event like this, but when we do, it’s always incredible,” said Fr. Willie, S.J. ‘87. “To have raised so much money is very exciting, but more importantly, it reinforced that we are not just on the right track but moving forward as a Catholic- Jesuit school in a very positive way. I am grateful to everyone who supported the gala with their sponsorship and everyone who joined us in celebrating 170 years of providing the best education.”
“Watching the Belen community unite to raise unprecedented funds for the school's financial assistance program was nothing short of inspiring,” Gala Chairperson Liana de Mena, P’29. “The generosity shown will ensure that deserving students, who might otherwise be unable to afford it, will have the opportunity to receive an exceptional education at Belen. I am incredibly proud to serve as Chairperson, alongside auction Chairperson Patti Franyie P'26, of this remarkable event, where the power of community and compassion came together to make a lasting difference in the lives of so many.”
The community participated in the online silent auction, which featured travel and entertainment experiences, art, memorabilia, and more. Items were sold to members of the Belen family across the country, showing that Belen is in fact everywhere.
This year's gala marks the first one since we changed from an annual event. The next gala will be held in the Fall of 2029 to celebrate 175 years. “The fact that this event isn’t being held annually definitely encouraged people to participate,” said Rebeca Lowell, Corporate Engagement and Advancement Event Coordinator. “We were blessed to have a record number of sponsors and numerous volunteers and community members that helped with the success of the auction. It takes a village!”
The Belen Financial Assistance Program is made possible thanks to the generous contributions of Belen's friends and families. Last school year, we provided over 2.4 million dollars, enabling many students to receive a Belen Jesuit education.
Click here to view the photo album. Click here to watch the lip-sync video, and click here for the recap video.
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.