2024 Grand Gala Journal

PRIDE & GLORY

Office of the President

April 27, 2024

Welcome to the 2024 Grand Gala! What a great example of our school year’s theme of In Good Company! We are surrounded by students and alumni, past and current Prep parents, teachers, and coaches, and great friends of Prep. That is our 152-year-old Good Company. Thanks so much for being a part of it.

As we begin this final stretch of our 2023-24 school year, I am filled with gratitude for all we have achieved together as a Prep family—in academics, co-curricular activities, athletics, our retreats and spiritual life, the arts, recruiting for our incoming class, and every corner of the vibrant life that fills the halls of Grand & Warren each day. All of this is made possible by the tireless commitment and generosity of time and spirit of Prep’s faculty, staff, and coaches. Their daily focus on forming the minds, hearts, souls and characters of young men is inspiring. Our “Peter’s Team” represents our ideal of hard work, good work, and our work.

Together, we do this work so our students can become men of faith, humility, resilience, and love. Prep is built on that mission of transforming lives. Our goal has always been to ensure tuition does not stand between our young men and the transformational experience of a Jesuit education. As you know, all proceeds from the Gala support financial aid for current Prep students and their families. Your generosity is just another way of exemplifying your belief in our mission. Thank you so much for this great love of our Prep.

With all this in mind, please join me in thanking our chairs for tonight’s event: Melissa and Joseph A. Battista, ’02; Jennifer and Thomas F. Blunda, ’87, P’25; Nancy and Nicholas A. Chiaravalloti, ’90, P’22,’23,’28; Caitlin and Craig S. Styles, ’09; and Christine and Claudio Zamarra, ’90, P’21,’23. And of course a special thank you to Dalma Santana for her terrific work in leading and organizing another wonderful Gala.

Pride & Glory is alive and well, and it always will be. Forever Forward. I am excited to celebrate with you tonight.

Sub umbra Petri,

Michael A. Gomez, Ed.D., ’91 President

Being asked to co-chair the Saint Peter’s Prep Grand Gala remains an honor to the highest degree. Each year, my wife and I circle the date on our calendar in anticipation of the opportunity to mingle with current employees, parents, alumni and friends of Prep. The Gala represents a wonderful environment to add to Prep’s legacy while making new memories. I think back to the first Gala we attended where we were blessed to sit with Fr. Tony Azzarto. The gift we were given that evening is something we will never forget.

Since 1998, Saint Peter’s Prep has been a second home to me as well as my family. The Prep community remains a constant in our lives. I am always reminded how welcome we are by Dr. Gomez when he greets you on campus and says “Welcome Home!”

The importance of the Grand Gala is immeasurable in helping students from every walk of life succeed in their journey at Prep. Events such as this evening not only help the current group of young men attending Prep but also lay the groundwork for our future as we grow and continue our mission. I would personally like to thank you for attending as well as for your generosity to Saint Peter’s Prep. Finally, a huge thank you to Dalma Santana and the rest of the team for the undertaking of making the Gala the success it is each and every year. Remember, it truly is “Prep For Life!”

JosephBattista,’02&MelissaBattista

It is an honor to serve as co-chairs once again for this year’s Gala. The annual Gala is a very special evening that provides the resources for many young men to benefit from the Prep experience. We have attended every year since its inception. Of course, we left that first Gala with an oversized pedal car tied to our roof as a surprise for our two older boys, both now proud Prep alums (Class of ‘22 and ’23). Prep is a family – a community of young men that share a love of learning, a drive to excel, and compassion for others. With each class of graduates, Prep continues to develop confident young men who, in the words of Saint Ignatius, will “set the world on fire.”

An exceptional education, however, is not the only benefit of graduating from Prep. The bonds formed within the halls at Grand & Warren lay a foundation for life. The incredible dedication of the administration, faculty, staff and coaches let our young men know that they are loved and supported. They enter 144 Grand as boys and leave as young men. Thanks to the shared commitment to Prep’s mission and your support, we are confident in the next generation of Men for Others. We are proud to be a small part of it. Prep for life!

Nancy&NicholasChiaravalloti’90,P’22,’23,‘28

Firstly, I would like to thank my Prep brother and Saint Peter’s President, Dr. Michael Gomez, for giving Jen and me the honor of co-chairing this year’s Gala. I would also like to extend a special thank you to Ms. Dalma Santana for her tireless efforts behind the scenes to ensure every Prep function, gathering, event, or fundraiser runs seamlessly, always with a smile on her face that emanates to all in attendance. Upon graduating in ’87, I knew that Prep would always remain a large part of my life.

Whether it’s the legacy of my father, brother, and uncle also attending the school, the random Zoom calls with my brothers of the class of ’87, the professional networking throughout my career with 150 years of alumni, or the values instilled by the Jesuits which guide the decisions in my life, I am now blessed with my son Tommy completing his junior year 37 years later. Watching him challenge himself academically or on the lacrosse field, meeting and making his friends for life, and most importantly, learning how to treat his coaches, classmates, family, friends, teachers, opponents, and members in the community with love and respect, I am again immersed in the Prep experience.

It is through this Gala that we have the privilege and opportunity to allow others to share this same experience. Let’s use this evening to have fun, make new connections, and always remember our purpose – to share our gifts with our community and the world! Let’s go Prep!

Sincerely, TomBlunda,‘87,P’25andJenniferBlunda,P’25

Welcome to the 2024 Grand Gala! This gathering of hundreds of Prep families and friends is a perennial reminder of the generosity of so many people, without whom Prep would not be the amazing place is has been for over 150 years—and will continue to be well into the future. There is certainly no shortage of reasons to celebrate!

Over the years, the Prep Gala has played such an important role in raising funds for Prep, as both the school and the city it calls home have evolved significantly over the last few decades. I graduated from Prep in 2009 and found myself back in Jersey City as a resident in 2015. This provided me a front-row seat to the transformational changes that have enhanced and elevated the Prep experience beyond anything I could have imagined when I first got to Prep nearly two decades ago. While Prep finds itself on a firm foundation, the only way it can continue to advance its mission—shaping young men who are open to growth, intellectually competent, religious, loving, and committed to doing justice—is through the support and generosity of all those participating in this year’s Gala. I am humbled and grateful to each and every one of you who have joined us at The Venetian and those who are participating online via the silent auction. Every dollar raised has an impact, so keep the bids coming!

Last but not least, I’d like to thank my fellow co-chairs and the entire Prep staff, especially Dalma Santana, for putting in a tremendous amount of work to ensure this year’s Gala is one to remember. Cheers, and Let’s Go Prep!

CaitlinandCraigStyles,‘09

Dear Prep Family,

If you’re reading this, then you are lucky enough to have found yourself at this amazing Prep event. We would like to welcome and thank everyone for being a part of this year’s Gala. The Gala is the largest fundraising gathering of the Prep community each year, and it is a great opportunity to meet both old and new members of the Prep family.

We have been looking forward to chairing and celebrating this day since last year’s Gala concluded. We realized that the next Gala (this one) would be our first as parents of alumni. Both of our sons have now graduated, and are succeeding in college. Prep has always stressed “Prep for Life,” and we have never felt that sentiment so true.

Prep for life is not just a catchphrase; it’s a reality. It’s hard to explain, but very wonderful to feel. Just by attending this Gala, you are creating more Men for Others, and for that, we are thankful. This event is worth all the planning, requesting, and organizing because it helps spread the Saint Peter’s Prep love to as many families as we can.

The amount of love that is shared among Prep parents and students and siblings is amazing - Iykyk as the young people say. Being a part of this community is a huge blessing to us all in many ways. Prep embodies kindness, joy, generosity, and love. “Men for Others” is a phrase we want to hear and see and live as often as possible in our lives, and being here with all of you helps us do that.

We are so honored and thankful to be part of this Gala committee and helping make Prep a possibility in the lives of more students.

Thank you to the entire Prep staff and faculty for producing such loving, caring, and brilliant lights in the world. As many amazing Prep graduates as there are, we can all agree, we need more!! Let’s help make that happen!

ChristineandClaudioZamarra’90,P’21,P’23

AUCTION RULES & PROCEDURES

EXPRESS CHECKOUT

If you have not already done so, you may register your credit card before you begin bidding. Simply inform a OneCause staff member at registration upon check-in. Once you’re registered, we will keep track of all your purchases and will tally them up at the end of the evening. At that point, your winnings will be charged to your card. At the evening’s end, you can proceed to the Checkout table outside the Palazzo to meet with a Gala volunteer to receive confirmation of all the items you won and complete checkout.

CHECKOUT AND ITEM PICKUP

If you choose not to pre-register your credit card, you must make full payment promptly after the Fund-a-Scholar segment. You may pay for your items at the Check-out table outside the Palazzo. Cash, check, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted. Checkout will be open from 10:00 –11:00 p.m.

Gift certificates will be mailed to the winners. All large and physical auction items can be picked up at the Reception Desk or Advancement Office of Saint Peter’s Prep, 144 Grand Street, Jersey City, New Jersey. The office is located on the third floor of Shalloe Hall and is open Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Please email Dalma Santana at santanad@spprep.org or call in advance (201-547-6420).

All sales are final. There will be no exchanges or refunds unless otherwise specified. Auction items cannot be exchanged for cash. Successful bidders who receive an award certificate should make themselves known to the donor(s) within two weeks.

SILENT AUCTION RULES

The Silent Auction will close at 9:00 p.m. All bidding will be done electronically. You may browse the items via phone on the Grand Gala OneCause site. Bidding Assistants will be available to assist you with placing your bid, or you may do so yourself using a smartphone or tablet. Browse through available items or tap the BROWSE button to find a specific item or search by category. To place a bid, Tap BID. After submitting a bid, you will be prompted to set a Max Bid. When you’ve been outbid, OneCause will automatically bid on your behalf up to the maximum bid amount you set using the bid increments

provided. Provide your mobile phone number to receive outbid notices. If more than one bidder places the highest bid, the earliest bidder will prevail. A Buy Now option is also available for select items. In the event of a bidding error, please notify any auction staff member.

Current winning bids will be shown on a screen throughout the evening. You can check these screens for an updated bid, or you will be notified via text message. The winner is the highest bidder as registered by the auction system at the close of the auction. The winning bid must be certified by the auction manager. Please be mindful of item restrictions, which are noted in the description. By making a bid, you agree to accept any limitations or restrictions required by the item donor.

LIVE AUCTION RULES

The live auction will begin at approximately 8:15 p.m. Your numbered bidder card will be in an envelope at the table, please hand them out before the start of the auction. Your bidder card must be raised to bid and will be acknowledged by the auctioneer or one of his spotters. Winning bidders will be asked to sign a confirmation sheet after each live item sale.

PAYMENT AND PICKUP

Winners are displayed on a monitor. You need not be present to win. In the event of a dispute, a Grand Gala official holds the final authority in determining the winning bid. Winners pay at the check-out desk via cash, credit cards or checks. Checkout will occur outside the Palazzo starting at 10:00 p.m. Winners who are not present after the auction or who do not wish to take their items with them must pay shipping costs. Auction donations are tax-deductible, except for the value of goods and services received. No refunds or exchanges are allowed.

Unless otherwise stated, all auction purchases must be picked up by August 31, 2024.

THANK YOU AND GOOD LUCK!

To bid from your device: Visit spprep.org/BidNow or scan the QR Code on this page!

OUR SPONSORS IN GRATITUDE TO

AT THE MAROON & WHITE LEVEL

Nancy and Nicholas Chiaravalotti, ’90, P’22,’23,’28

MAKING AN IMPACT

THE FOLLOWING HAVE SPONSORED OUR JESUIT AND FACULTY GUESTS

Ms. Claire Dienes & Mr. Michael Cinquina, P’21

Mr. & Mrs. Rob DeSopo, P’22

Mr. Michael F. Healy, ’71

Mr. & Mrs. David Janay, P’27

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kahrer, P’10

Mr. & Mrs. William Lee, P’14

Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Murray, P’18

Ms. Mary Anne Yates & Dr. Alfred Sattelberger, ’66

Mr. J. Paul Schaetzle, ’71

Ms. Kim Huang & Mr. Michael Schreiber, P’22, ’24

Mr. Frederick Tomkins, ’63

Mr. & Mrs. Christopher J. Zegler, ’78

MANY THANKS & MUCH LOVE TO THE 2023-24 SAINT PETER’S PREP FACULTY, STAFF, AND COACHES! So proud to build upon our 152-year tradition In Good Company with you!

FOREVER FORWARD.

MICHAEL GOMEZ, ’91

OUR AUCTION DONORS IN GRATITUDE TO

Arthur Murray Dance Centers

Mr. & Mrs. Frank J. Ashe, ’90, P’25,’28

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Battista, ’02

Francis Betkowski, ’86

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas F. Blunda, ’87, P’25

Bradford Portraits

Mr. & Mrs. Drew D. Buzzio, ’03

Dr. Nancy Chiaravalloti & Dr. Nicholas A. Chiaravalloti, ‘90, P’22,’23,’28

Nella Cicchino, P’20

CORTO

Mr. & Mrs. Samuel R. DeLuca, Jr., ’86, P’26

Mr. Joseph DiFeo

Mr. & Mrs. James J. Donofrio, ’81, P’11,’14,’20

Mr. John Donofrio

Mr. & Mrs. Jan Egan, P’20,’24

Eva Qin Photography

Mr. Kenneth Ferrante, ’90

G&F Monnecka General Contracting

Ms. Tracie Grella

Ms. Tricia Augustine & Mr. Richard E. Hamilton, ’90

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Hansen, P’03,’09

Hartshorn Portraiture

High Point Brewing Co. and Mr. & Mrs. Greg Zaccardi, P’23

Mr. & Mrs. James C. Horan, ’70

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony E. Keating, ’78, P’10

Kobrick Coffee Co.

Little City Books

Mrs. Kathleen Lillis-Magnus & Mr. Stephen Magnus

Mamma Vittoria

Ms. Donna Ecton & Mr. Victor H. Maragni, ’55

Maritime Parc

Mr. & Mrs. Kevin McCabe, P’21,’27

Mr. & Mrs. Shawn McClelland, P’26

Mimi & Hill

Mr. & Mrs. Denis Naughton, P’26

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas O’Brien, P’25

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Pelliccio, P’20

Philadelphia Flyers

Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Piechocki, P’25

Ms. Ana Quintela & Mr. Jose Rodriguez, P’22

Mr. & Mrs. Neil Rohrbacker, P’25

Ms. Megan Meighan & Mr. Jon Roitman, P’25

Saint Peter’s Prep

Ms. Dana Broderick-Sanchez & Mr. Javier Sanchez, P’23

Mr. David S. Sarch, ’03

Mr. J. Paul Schaetzle, ’71

Mr. & Mrs. Donald W. Schroeder, Esq., ’87

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Scott, ’07

Mr. & Mrs. Matthew J. Siracuse, P’13,’16,’17

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Smith, ’76, P’19,’21

Dr. & Mrs. David St. Ledger, P’25

Mrs. Mellissa Pasquariello-Stefano & Mr. Michael Stefano, ’90

Stephen Taylor Portrait Artist

The Jesuit Community of St. Peter’s

Tito’s Burritos & Wings

Mrs. Dina Muradian & Mr. David Tuckman, P’25

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas B. Tuohy, ’87, P’24

Ms. Marie Verrino, P’22,’25

Mrs. Elizabeth Walsh

White Star Bar

Mr. & Mrs. Todd Williams, P’20,’21,’26

Mr. & Mrs. Greg Zaccardi, P’23

Mr. & Mrs. Craig M. Zaleck, ’89, P’24

Mr. & Mrs. Claudio Zamarra, ’90, P’21,’23

Includes donations as of Friday,April 19,2024

GO PREP!

Paul Schaetzle, ’71

SPECIAL THANKS

Melissa and Joseph A. Battista, ’02

Jennifer and Thomas F. Blunda, ’87, P’25

Nancy and Nicholas A. Chiaravalloti, ’90, P’22,’23,’28

Caitlin and Craig S. Styles, ’09

Christine and Claudio Zamarra, ’90, P’21,’23

GALA CO-CHAIRS

Michael A. Gomez, Ed.D., ’91 PRESIDENT

Jim Horan, ’70

VICE PRESIDENT FOR PLANNING & PRINCIPAL GIVING

Ishmael Abraham, ’26

Ethan Acosta, ’24

Santino Cortes-Gil, ’25

Zy’on Monroe, ’27

Andres Perez, ’25

Liam Rocks, ’24

Richie Rosa, ’26

STUDENT VIDEO

Christopher Caulfield, ’03 PRINCIPAL

Kate Lillis-Magnus DIRECTOR OF ENGAGEMENT

Sarah Lacz VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT

Mike Murcia, ’08 DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

Dalma Santana DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS & PARENT RELATIONS

Michael Liebis ADVANCEMENT DATABASE MANAGER

Elizabeth Walsh ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

Jen and Tommy Blunda, ’87, P’25

Nancy and Nicholas A. Chiaravalloti, ’90, P’22,’23,’28

Lauri and Tom O’Brien, P’25

Megan Meighan and Jon Roitman, P’25

Leslie and Neil Rohrbacker, P’25

GIFT-GATHERING PARTY HOSTS

Jennifer Blunda, P’25

Eva Camilo-Pena, P’21,’22,’25

Anna Cepeda-Mays, P’25, ‘26

Melissa Donath, P’26

Dianna Gronda, P’25

GALA VOLUNTEERS

Jim Miller AUCTIONEER

Mike Jiran, ’03

Matthew Holowienka, ’11 LOGISTICAL SUPPORT

Aleida Jimenez, P’22

Cristhel Martinez-Suarez, P’26

Raisa Perez, P’27

Jessica Ranieri, P’26

Christina Waiters, P’25

LIVE AUCTION

BOSTON LIKE A BOSS

Two nights at the Marriott Copley Place in the heart of Back Bay. Two classic Boston restaurants. And best of all, two seats behind home plate when the Red Sox host the Yankees on Sunday, July 28th at 1:35 p.m. That’s how you do Boston like a boss. Your hotel room is just steps away from Copley Square and all the shopping and dining Back Bay has to offer—including Abe & Louie’s, where you’ll enjoy the ultimate steakhouse experience with an included $200 gift card. On game day, head over to Fenway Park a bit early for lunch (or a beverage or two) with a $100 gift card to Cask ’n Flagon, the go-to pregame spot for Fenway-bound fans since 1969. Then head to the ballpark and experience baseball’s most storied rivalry from a view you’ll never forget, just four rows back from the plate.

Mr. J. Paul Schaetzle, ‘71

Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Schroeder, Esq., ‘87

SPEND SOME FREE TIME AT LIBERTY NATIONAL

With its breathtaking urban vistas and gentle harbor breezes, Liberty National is certainly one of the world’s most spectacular golf courses. But it’s more than just a pretty face – it’s also tough enough to challenge the world’s best, hosting the PGA Tour for The Barclays in 2009 and 2013, and top golfers from around the world at the President’s Cup in 2017. Of course, for mere mortals, just getting a tee time is a feat unto itself. So if you’re ready to take on the prestigious, championship course located right in Prep’s backyard, this is your opportunity to tee up and put your game to the test! One winning bidder will receive a round for three with a member with lunch included.

Mr. Joseph DiFeo

PARTY ON THE ROOFTOP AT PREP

A few floors up from the corner of Grand & Warren, you’ll find Jersey City’s most exclusive rooftop bar—just twenty guests admitted per night, if you can find it open at all! It’s the roof deck of Prep’s Mulry Hall, and Prep President Michael Gomez, Ed.D., ‘91 will host your party of 20 for an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and spectacular views of downtown Jersey City, Lower Manhattan, New York Harbor, and the Statue of Liberty.

Beer, wine, and cocktails will be served at the bar, with catered appetizers to complete your rooftop party. Bring your friends and get ready to see Prep from a new angle!

Saint Peter’s Prep

Mutually agreeable date for 21+

LIVE AUCTION

THE MAINE EVENT

Find out why Kennebunkport, Maine is one of America’s most enduring and beloved summer destinations. Escape for a 4th of July holiday stay from June 29 - July 6, 2024 in this beautiful 1911 home with wraparound porch, set on an expansive, quintessentially Maine property. Leslie and Neil Rohrbacker, P’25 have generously donated the use of their vacation home for one week. The house features 6 comfortable, spacious bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a fully stocked kitchen, indoor dining space for 8 and a large deck with dining table for 10, plus a propane grill, air conditioning, and plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas. With 6 bikes, 3 kayaks, 2 standup paddle boards, cornhole toss, and 4 square volleyball, there’s fun for the whole family on-site. But when you’re ready to head out, you’re within walking distance of the beach, town center, restaurants, and shopping...not to mention incomparable sunsets! The house sits on Chick’s Creek, which leads to the Kennebunk River and ocean marina, so launching your favorite water toys is a breeze, too! Come enjoy the true Maine experience and discover why a vacation in Maine is often described as “the way life should be!”

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Blunda, ‘87, P’25; Mr. and Mrs. Samuel R. DeLuca, Jr., ‘86, P’26; Ms. Tracie Grella; Mrs. Kathleen Lillis-Magnus and Mr. Stephen Magnus; Mr. and Mrs. Kevin McCabe, P’21; Mr. and Mrs. Shawn McClelland, P’26; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas O’Brien, P’25; Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Piechocki, P’25; Mr. and Mrs. Neil Rohrbacker, P’25; Ms. Dana Broderick-Sanchez and Mr. Javier Sanchez, P’23; Mrs. Dina Muradian and Mr. David Tuckman, P’25; Mr. and Mrs. Todd Williams, P’20,‘21,‘26; Mr. and Mrs. Craig M. Zaleck, ‘89, P’24

DINNER FOR 6 AT CORTO

In a few short years, Corto—co-founded by Drew Buzzio, ’03—has become a favorite in the Jersey City restaurant scene for its focus on local ingredients, local staff, and seasonal Italian fare that is both elegant and unpretentious. Corto is inspired by ‘cucina povera’—the Italian philosophy of creating delicious food with the best quality ingredients on hand—and rural cooking, rooted in rich family traditions and age-old culinary techniques by Executive Chef Matthew Moschella. Corto is BYOB, and you will receive six bottles of wine to pair with your meal. Can be redeemed on a Tuesday-Thursday through May 2025.

Mr. and Mrs. Drew D. Buzzio, ‘03; CORTO

Mutually agreeable Tuesday - Thursday evening, through May 2025. Gratuity included

PLAY HOOKY WITH THE PRESIDENT

Here’s your golden opportunity. If you’re going to skip school, one way to stay out of trouble is to take the President with you...or you can take a half day from work and enjoy a midday baseball game. On Tuesday, May 14, you, Prep President Michael Gomez, Ed.D., ’91, and eight more of your favorite partners in crime can sneak out to Citi Field for a Tuesday matinee Mets vs. the Phillies at 1:10 p.m. You will enjoy the game from ten seats in Section 123, rows 19 and 20, along the third base line. What a great matchup of Schwarber vs. Alonso! This includes game day food and drinks, transportation to Citi Field and an amazing train ride back for the group.

Saint Peter’s Prep; Dr. and Mrs. David St. Ledger, P’25; The Jesuit Community of St. Peter’s

FUND-A-SCHOLAR

FUND A SCHOLAR

Raise your paddle. Make your pledge. Fund a scholar. Shape a life. The power is in your hands!

Following the live auction, get ready to raise your paddle during Fund-a-Scholar. Your pledge will directly support our financial aid program and make a difference for Prep students and families!

BEST WISHES TO PREP FOR TONIGHT’S GRAND GALA!

Dr. Nancy Chiaravalloti & Dr. Nicholas A. Chiaravalloti, ’90, P’22,’23

A.J. Chiaravalloti, ’22

Nico Chiaravalloti, ’23

Joshua Chiaravalloti, ’28