Tombola 2025 Breaks Records

The annual Fr. Dorta-Duque, SJ Memorial Tombola exceeded all expectations and shattered records. From January 31 to February 2, 2025, thousands of people attended daily, helping raise over $1.4 million! This total includes the Culinary Extravaganza, which kicked off the festivities on January 25.

“Tombola weekend is much more than raising money for a great cause. Tombola is about the Belen community coming together as a family,” said Fr. Willie ‘87. “There wasn’t a moment during Tombola I didn’t see people smiling, laughing, enjoying being with their family or friends, and alumni reminiscing about the good old days. It’s a powerful community-building success because of each person's love for Belen. We have to be very proud of what we did.”

The Culinary Extravaganza on January 25 was themed Carnaval de Sabores and helped us kick off Tombola 2025. This sold-out event served delicious food, fantastic beverages and great music. The event wouldn’t have succeeded without the support of all the incredible restaurants and vendors who participated.

From the moment Tombola got underway on January 31, the fairgrounds were packed with people of all ages. With live music in the Arroyo Quad and an array of food available, Friday night at the Quad was the place to be. Then, from noon to midnight on Tombola Saturday, the campus was bustling with activity, as thousands of people descended on the campus. The VIP Wine Tasting was a standout event in the Ignatian Center Amphitheater and a great lead-in to the flamenco show in the Garrido Family Plaza. The fun never let up on Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. The Leo Caraballo Arroz Con Cosas Cook-Off Event showcased the culinary prowess of six teams and crowned a new champion, Los Guizasos. The culmination was the closing ceremony, where the seniors led the party, and raffle winners were announced (listed from 4th place to 1st place)  #13393, #02552, #07185, and #11320. All winners have been notified.

“It was an incredible weekend,” said Gigi García-Chang, Community Events Director. “This truly is an event that wouldn’t be possible without the help of so many. Thank you to our faculty, staff, class delegates, advisors, alumni, and many more. A very special thank you to our extraordinary maintenance team, kitchen staff, and security department, who went above and beyond. It's impressive to see what we can do when we come together as a Belen community.”

The net proceeds will benefit the Belen Financial Assistance Program. 

“On behalf of the whole school community and especially the many young men who will be able to continue their studies at our school, thank you, and congratulations on a job extremely well done,” said Fr. Willie. “I have no doubt next year will be even better!”

Click here to view a list of sponsors who helped make this year's Tombola a success. Click here to see the Tombola 2025 photo album.