After the welcome speeches by Keeston Smith and Maddy Starr, Reverend Bishop Peter Smith gave the blessing for the evening and ushered in the parents, alumni members, and community supporters into the start of the annual Believe fundraiser.

The event ended up being a huge success that raised over $113,000 which provides important financial aid to hundreds of students at La Salle.

“It was amazing to see all the support that the students at La Salle have,” said senior Keeston Smith, “I’m not sure there are many other places that could support their students they way La Salle does.”

Sponsorship for the event was at its highest point in two years and attendance saw an increase of 50 people from last year to bring total attendance to 280. Alumni classes as early as 1973 were in considerable attendance, showing the depth and strength of the La Salle community. While dinner commenced with romaine, ribs, bread, and vegetables, the Believe video began featuring many La Salle students including Claire Medica, Makenzie Cook, Parker Cardwell, Chris Harding, Lexi York, Amanda Summers, and Jacob Lyver.

“I continue to be humbled by the students, the faculty, and administration on their unending support to help execute a successful event on behalf of La Salle,” said Julie Dowhaniuk, the Director of Giving and Donor Relations, “I am very grateful for the current parents, alumni parents, and community supporters who want to invest in the 21st century workforce.”

As the night continued many items were selling better than expected. The most popular and competitive item was the VIP Falcon package which had all 5 packages sell in less than 4 minutes. The VIP Falcon package includes a reserved parking spot, $860 in lunch credit, dance tickets (including prom), and tickets to La Salle events and fundraisers for next year.

The VIP Falcon package and the Walla Walla weekend vacation received the most bidding attention of the evening. The Walla Walla weekend vacation gives two couples deluxe king bed rooms in Walla Walla, golfing opportunities, dinner at wine bistro T. Maccarones for wine and an Italian dinner, and a wine tasting at Basel Cellars.

The Rip City Blazer package sold the first set of three tickets so quickly that the donor was willing to sell another three.

The Barrel Room package, a dinner date at The Barrel Room accompanied by live music, also sold so quickly that another one was donated.

La Salle parent Candace Primack used her art and design skills to make new La Salle scarves. She partnered with Seattle graphic designer Zoe Lowney and after months of work they have put together silk scarves made of high quality Japanese Crepe de Chine with pictures of La Salle and St. John Baptist de Lasalle. They are in short supply but some are still available for $45 for one or $75 for two.

La Salle raised $23,250 — $3,250 more than the goal of $20,000 — for the new 21st Century Classroom which features new technology and a more innovative feel to learning. Each 21st Century Classroom features flexible furniture that is easy to rearrange, whiteboards and whiteboard paint on the walls to encourage collaboration, workstations, and extra monitors. Mrs. Moran and Mrs. Dowd’s classrooms have already been reworked and two more are expected to be transformed for next year.

The Believe Event was a resounding success with widespread support from the La Salle community. Attendance and donations were both up and will continue to make La Salle a strong school community for years to come.

“It was great feeling being able to represent La Salle and talk about the way it has impacted my life,” said senior Kevin Luyamba who gave a speech about the impact La Salle’s generosity has had on his life. “I learned that people do truly believe in what La Salle is doing, which makes me proud to attend such a great school.”