Chez Nous Benefit

THE 65TH ANNUAL CHEZ NOUS BENEFIT

Back in Person and Better than Ever!

On March 19th, 2022 Notre Dame was thrilled to be able to host its 65th annual Chez Nous Benefit at Pier Sixty, after two years of virtual formats because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 400 alumnae, parents, and friends were delighted to be able to gather in person for a bustling open bar cocktail hour, a gourmet three-course lunch, an exciting live auction, and lots of prizes to bid on at our silent auction. Attendees also had the opportunity to raise their paddles to directly support the school’s scholarship and financial aid programs after listening to moving remarks by Delgracia Sainvil ’22 and Adithi Vimalanathan ’22.

After ND’s Glee Club, under the direction of Nicole Wakabayashi, set the mood with a rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” Director of Development Beth Bixenman welcomed our guests. Board Chair Rev. Vincent Biagi, S.J. led us in grace before the delicious meal was served. Notre Dame’s President Sr. Virginia O’Brien, S.U. presented important awards early in the afternoon. Mary Burke Heyman ’55 was presented with the Anne de Xainctonge Award. A loyal and generous alumna, Mary has been an educator and also an entrepreneur, owning a thriving antiques shop, The Ivory Bird, for forty years. Mary loved the classical education she received at ND, chock full of arts, theology, and cultural opportunities. As a scholarship recipient, she has always been grateful to the school and has paid it forward for our next generation as a longstanding Alumnae Sister.

Julia Pilcer Lichtenstein, Esq. was awarded the Chez Nous Angel Award. A devoted advocate for access and equity in education, Julia has made a leadership gift in support of Notre Dame’s sports program to underwrite the school’s coaching, uniform, and sports travel expenses, so that all student athletes can participate in these important opportunities.

Chez Nous Parent Awards were bestowed on Amy Bell, P '22 and P’24; Eileen Griffin O’Brien, P '22 and P’24; and Louise O’Connor Delaney, P '19 and P’22. All three parents have been highly involved in and supportive of the Notre Dame School community. Jamie McDonald was our master of ceremonies and auctioneer for the event and kicked off an exciting live auction immediately after a delicious main course. Speeches by current students, Delgracia Sainvil ’22 and Adithi Vimalanathan ’22 were a highlight of the afternoon. Delgracia reflected on her decision to attend Notre Dame and “be a part of an institution that wanted to make change within and outside its walls.” This young leader has received a Posse Foundation full scholarship to Babson College, thanks to her drive and academic potential. Adithi recalled the semester she spent in India with her extended family, taking her ND courses remotely during the height of the pandemic. After her mother and uncle contracted COVID, Adithi relied on the strength of her family, her faith in God, and her Chez Nous community to see her through this difficult time, noting, “Without fail, my teachers checked in on me, and were flexible in accommodating my unique needs…I felt supported at a time I should have felt uprooted, and your kindness and generosity were of immeasurable value.” Guests were invited to raise their paddles after these inspiring student speeches in a special “Fund the Scholarship” campaign, and did they ever! Starting at the $50,000 level and gradually moving down to the $100 step, paddles went up all across the room.

The 65th Annual Chez Nous Benefit was a huge success, raising over $525,000 for Notre Dame. This tremendous event would not have been possible without staff event planner Ruthie Landry, Director of Development Beth Bixenman, Ms. Catherine Pino P’ 19 & P’15, our essential parent Core Committee volunteers, and the entire advancement team. We are so grateful to all our generous attendees and supporters.

Please save the date for our next Benefit Saturday, March 25, 2023 Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers Noon – 4 pm

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1. Core Committee parents take in the event 2. Silagan and Emilio Garcia, P’22 & P’24 3. Murial Flynn Gonzalez ’70, Vivian Cardia ’70, Fr. Vincent Biagi, SJ, and Maryann Lynch ‘70 4. Adithi Vimalanathan ‘22 5. Amy Bell P’22 & P’24 and Paige Bell ‘22 6. Mary Burke Heyman ’55, Lucia Snajdr-Trinch ’23, and Brooklynne Roman ‘23 7. Louise O’Connor Delaney P’19 and P’22 and Hannah Delaney ‘22 8. Keri O’Brien Ropiak and Sr. Mary Dolan, SU 9. Virginia Dolan and Patricia Knapp 10. Sandra Davis P'24, Georgina Micheli P'24, Rosalba Morado '25, Cathy Gallagher P'25 11. The Hunt Family P'22 and Dr. Suzanne Hegde-Grady P'22 12: Eileen Griffin O’Brien P’22 and Sr. Virginia O’Brien, SU 11