-
The annual Believe event started at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19.
'
-
A heads or tails game was played by people who had bought beaded necklaces. The winner brought home a $2,500 check.
'
-
The event’s auctioneer was comedic while capturing the audience’s attention.
'
-
Multiple raffle winners were chosen and announced towards the end of the event.
'
-
President Mr. John Huelskamp set up lights in the courtyard for guests to walk under.
'
-
Senior Brooke Wilkinson spoke about her experiences with teachers and her aspirations.
'
-
Junior Sawyer Kerrigan went into the spotlight and taught people about the theater community at La Salle.
'
-
Table 18 won a bid to have champagne brought to their table with sparklers.
'
-
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer Mr. Matthew Winningham paraded around the gym to the song “Dancing Queen” by ABBA before announcing the new renovations.
'
-
Junior Larissa Bonn closed the student speeches talking about Lasallian values and service.
'
-
Many generous guests raised their paddle for Dollars for Scholars, earning more than $283,000.
'
-
Guests looked around the cafeteria during the silent auction and over the many things that were offered.
'
-
Sophomores Ryan Lengkeek and Gian Manzon entertained guests in the main hallway.
'
-
A full bar in the cafeteria served beverages while guests participated in the silent auction.
'
-
Seniors Paul Skoro and Trey Williams gave a speech to kick off the events in the gym.
'
La Salle held its annual Believe fundraising event, its biggest fundraiser of the year, at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19. This night is dedicated to bringing in donations for financial aid, school programs, and campus improvement.
Over 325 guests attended, and although the final total has not yet been released, La Salle is estimated to have raised more than its budgeted goal of $410,000, according to Vice President of Advancement and Communications Ms. Andrea Burns.
There were five speeches given by students, which began with seniors Paul Skoro and Trey Williams, who spoke together, followed by junior Zach El Youssef, senior Brooke Wilkinson, junior Sawyer Kerrigan, and lastly junior Larissa Bonn. The speeches highlighted the welcoming community, exciting sports, and the students’ future plans for college.
The event started in the main hallway, where attendees received their auction numbers. While the guests mingled, student ambassadors sold them beaded necklaces to be used during the “Heads or Tails” game later that night, in which the last person standing took home a check of $2,500.
A silent auction was held in the cafeteria with a full bar and appetizers. The dinner was served in the gym, which had been transformed into a high-end dining room.
In the gym there was a live auction offering champagne brought to the winner’s table, a trip to Hawaii, a pickle ball party, winemaker’s dinner, and many more.
There were also multiple Dollars for Scholars donation options that brought a huge number of generous donors, raising a record-breaking total of more than $283,000, according to Ms. Burns.
All $1,000 donations were matched up to $30,000 and all $250 donations were double matched up to $20,000 by Jim ‘77 and Linda Pliska. These donations help support the more than 60% of La Salle students currently receiving tuition assistance.
After giving a performance in a shiny blue blazer to “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, Mr. Matt Winningham, La Salle’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, announced that the next big project at La Salle will be refurbishing the theater. $50,000 was raised to go to this upcoming renovation, and all $100 donations made for the theater were matched up to $5,000.
