1854 Belen Gala Program Book

GALA

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Belen Community,

Welcome to the annual Belen Jesuit Gala.

It’s exciting to be back at the Watsco Center and have so many people gathered together for such a great cause. Our gala theme this year is 1854. Not only is that the year Belen was founded in Cuba after a decree from Queen Isabel II of Spain, but it puts into context the 168 years of uninterrupted Jesuit education we have been providing.

It goes without saying, we’ve come a long way since the brave Jesuits made the tumultuous journey to Miami and the humble beginnings of our school when we first arrived in 1961. In no small way should it be overlooked that the success of Belen is because of our community - our amazing alumni, supportive parents, great faculty and staff, and, of course, our dedicated students. I have no doubt that with your continued support, Belen will indeed last forever.

Belen Jesuit has always been committed to providing a Jesuit education to as many young men as possible. We want to make sure our Financial Assistance Program is strong and vibrant, so that money is not an obstacle when a family desires a Catholic-Jesuit education for their son. Together with your support, we are making that reality possible for many. Tonight expresses a commitment we make to continue our mission of educating future leaders for the greater glory of God. Every one of us, every teacher, staff member, alumnus, student, parent, and Jesuit, is called to continuously grow, learn, convert, and surrender ourselves to Jesus Christ.

For several months, under the direction of Rebeca Lowell, Event Coordinator, there have been many parents, friends, and benefactors who have been working with the school’s Advancement Office to make sure our Gala is a huge success. In partic ular, I would like to thank this year’s Gala Chairs Claudia Navarro and Patty Paredes; Auction Chairs Alina León, Cary Fale ro, Monica Antún, Patty Franyie, and Karla Handal; Program Book Chairs Teresita Caraballo, Alejandra Gentzschein, and Christina Gómez-Pina. A special thank you to alumnus Raul Rodríguez ‘95 whose vision reimagined this arena for this spe cial evening. Without their tireless efforts, this event would not have been possible. Their work has truly been extraordinary.

Enjoy this great evening. Your contribution and presence tonight will make it possible for our ministry to continue as it has since 1854. On behalf of the thousands of young men who will benefit from your generosity… Thank you.

Auspice Mar

Fr. Guillermo M. García-Tuñón, S.J., Ed.D. ‘87 President

FROM THE CHAIRS

Dear Belen Community,

It is with great excitement that we welcome you to this year’s gala. The year of Belen’s founding, 1854, is also this year’s gala theme. It represents the beginning of a brotherhood based on the foundation of a strong Catholic, Jesuit education. Men for Others are formed at Belen every single day, and we could not be more proud to have the opportunity to witness our own boys become men at this beautiful school, all while forming friendships that will last a lifetime. It is truly a blessing. For this reason, this year’s gala theme is so special to us.

We hope that tonight you can take a look and see for yourselves what a tremendous community we are a part of. Look around the room and you will see alumni that continue to carry Belen in their hearts, as well as non-alumni who have entrusted their sons to Belen and have seen firsthand the impact this school has had on them. Everyone here has lovingly stood by our wolverines and supported them throughout their formative years. We are blessed to also have members of our faculty and staff, who strive every day to make this the best school possible for our boys. We are so very grateful to have you join us this evening.

Tonight’s fundraising efforts benefit the Financial Assistance Program, allowing young men the opportunity to experience all that Belen has to offer. A Catholic, Jesuit education should be available to all, regardless of the family’s financial ability to pay for it. While we have so much to celebrate, we also have so much to give. We thank you in advance for your generosity and for your support of this very important endeavor. “Much will be required of the person entrusted with so much” Luke 12:48.

A very special THANK YOU goes to our amazing gala committee, the core which has worked with us for the past FIVE years! They say it takes a village, and indeed it does. Thank you to our Silent Auction Committee & our Program Book Committee for working faithfully to make this gala a huge success. The fruits of your labor are seen and appreciated! Thank you to all those parents who worked tirelessly for this great endeavor. Tonight, we salute you!

May God bless the Jesuits, faculty, staff, and maintenance team, who give of themselves every single day at Belen. It is because of you that our sons are being formed into Men for Others. It is because of your example, your love for what you do, and your commitment to our boys, that they are able to thrive at Belen. We are eternally grateful for your dedication.

We hope you have a beautiful night.

Patty Paredes, Claudia Navarro, Gala Chairperson Gala Chairperson

SPONSORS & UNDERWRITERS

Belen Jesuit Preparatory School gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and corporations whose generous support has made this event possible.

TITLE SPONSOR PRESENTING SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

FirstBank

Allied Building Inspection Services, Inc

APS Security Systems

Archdiocese of Miami

AutoNation

BDO

Evensky & Katz / Foldes Financial Wealth Management

Everglades Steel Corporation

Fiduciary Trust International

Franyie Engineers

Garrido Foundation

GEMRT Certified Public Accounts & Advisors

González-Quevedo Family/HDR

Hotaling Insurance Services

Mr. Juan Luis Flores ‘70

First Horizon Bank

Mr. & Mrs. José ‘91 and Cary González

Latin Café

Law Offices of Alexis González, P.A.

León Cosgrove, LLP

Lievano-Pérez Obstetrics & Gynecology of Miami

Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables and Cutler Bay

Mr. Glass Doors & Window Manufacturing, LLC

Mr. & Mrs. Hiram & Ani Fals

Mr. & Mrs. Crescencio J. Ruiz ‘76 and Family MVF

My Cardiologist

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital

Northern Trust

Pacific National Bank

Sea Grove Realty, LLC South Miami Builders

TD Bank

Total View Advisors Venture Hive

BLUE SPONSORS

A Falero Trucking, Inc. Andria & Andrés Miyares

Antorcha Family 2026

Arán Correa & Guarch, P.A. Battistini Family 2026

De La Hoz, Perez & Barbieto

Doral Automotive Group Devon and Rosa Bodoh 2027

Gastón Comas & Family International Corp. Gronlier-Moya Family 2029 Hernández Family ItalKraft

Kleszcewski Family 2029

La Mesa (for Anthony Parodi) 2023

Law Offices of Lisbet Campo

Lemartec Engineering and Construction Corporation

Martínez-Cid Family 2025 MasTec, Inc.

Menéndez Family 2026, 2028

Momentum Consulting Moringlane Family 2026

Pérez Family 2029

Professional Bank Northern Trust Regions Bank Rodríguez Family Salazar Family 2025 TextbookHub

GALA UNDERWRITERS

SPONSORS & UNDERWRITERS

Class of 2026

Class of 2029

De La Pena Foundation Dennis Uniform Company Doral Smiles Orthodontics Greenberg Traurig, LLP. JM Shuttle

Mr. & Mrs. Hiram & Ani Fals

Mr. & Mrs. Juan Estévez - Valet Parking Prime Title

TTG PROGRAM UNDERWRITERS

Dennis Uniform Company

Eiroa Cigars

Gables Fancy Corner Gables Pediatrics, P.A. Mariani Orthodontics Marmol Export, U.S.A MMG Equity Partners South Miami OB-GYN Associates Tatuaje Cigars, Inc.

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GALA COMMITTEE

CHAIRPERSONS

Claudia Navarro

Patty Paredes

AUCTION CHAIRPERSONS

Monica Antún

Cary Falero

Patty Franyie

Karla Handal

Alina León

GALA COMMITTEE

Blanca Acosta

Christina Aguado

Alexandra Alonso

Yvonne Alvarez

Annette Antorcha

Edith Argote

Peggy Arrieta

Maria E. Baco-Campo

Katie Blanco Bourdeau

Laura Berga

Michelle Bethel

Diana Caldera

Luly Carreras

Jessica Caso Pedraja

Margie Costa Suárez

Cristina Covert

Desiree Cueto

Jannet de Toro Miriam de la Pena

Janet Delgado

Isa Di Pietro

PROGRAM BOOK CHAIRPERSONS

Teresita Caraballo

Alejandra Gentzschein Christina Gómez-Pina

Elizabeth Domínguez

Dania Ferrán-D’Alessandria

Anitere Flores

Patti Franyie

Janny García

Stacey González

Dania González-Quevedo Victoria Guinot

Stephanie Harris

Jessica Hermida Nelson & Carolina Hincapié

Michelle Jurado

Teresa Levy-Arias Angela Lima

Marcella Lucio-Chinchilla María Maloof

Melissa Morales

Andria Miyares

Karina and Carlos Moringlane Jeannie Oliva-Suárez

Giselle Orta

Janette Machado Michelle Pérez Denise Pinera-Montiel

Jacqueline Pinto Jacqueline Prussing Samira Marino

Herman J. Russomanno Debora Sánchez Johana Sarría

Mercy Sarría

Andrea Shanley

Albert & Patty Sosa Gabriela Souto

Julia Underwood

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EVENT PRODUCTION

2R Production / Raul Rodríguez ‘95

WINE COURTESY OF

Mr. & Mrs. César Aguado

Daou Vineyards / Antonio Suárez ‘89

El Carajo / Javier ‘06 and Carlos Fonseca ‘08

BAR COURTESY OF Bacardí

CATERING

InStyle Catering

ENTERTAINMENT

Tropics Entertainment

FLOWERS & ARRANGEMENTS

Trias Flowers, Gifts & Events / Hortensia

Trías and Julio Trías ‘86

Equiflor- Río Roses / Giorgini, Fernández and Díaz Families

SPECIAL THANKS

OTHER IN-KIND DONATIONS

Junior’s Catering

BEHIND THE SCENES Belen Maintenance Staff Carlos Bravo ‘86

Felipe Fernández ’94 Aida Fernández-Magariño Mario González

Carlos Jiménez ‘15 Rebeca Lowell Teresa Martínez Mirna Menéndez Jorge Pérez-Alvarez ‘76 Ieda Salles

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54D

A Love Story Winery & Bistro

Ana Mari Ortega

Astroman 3.14

Azala Skin Clinic

Bay Pointe Dermatology & Cosmetics Center P.A. - Dr. Janice Lima-Maribona

Beautiful Skin by Annie

Belen Summer Camp

Botanico Gin and Cookhouse

BRITTO Central Bronca

Caldera

Carve & Burn Design

Casa Mar Beach House

City Cigar Lounge - Tico Gutiérrez ‘88

Cobas

Cortés Family

Country French

Cozy Salazar Interiors

De La Gallery

Deer Valley Club

Deering Bay Golf

Deering Estate Foundation

Di Pietro Family

Downtown Miami Chiropractic Dr. Gina Marcus

Eiroa Cigars

Encore Academy of the Arts

Ernie Rodríguez ‘91

Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden

Falero Family

Father Cartaya S.J. ‘54

Femme Aesthetics

Fiola

Flemings

Frank Paredes

Gabriel Sánchez

Gabriela Souto

George RodezArt Gift Girls Bazaar

AUCTION DONORS

Gutiérrez-Sarcala Family

Hawks Cay Resort - John Underwood House of Lilac

Ida Di Pietro

Ilo Luyando Postres Inbloom Orchids

Infuse Well Isabel Fine Home Accessories

Islas Canarias

Ivette López Jacqueline Pinto Fine Jewelry Janette Machado

Janine Stone Photography Jason Burris

JM Shuttle

John Underwood CEO - Tinsley Advertising Jorge Masvidal

Josh’s Premium Meats Juan Luis Flores Tutoring ‘70 Karina and Carlos Moringlane Kichu

Kiki on the River Latin Roots Market Lemon Bowl - Barbara Tejada Lia Bella Jewelry Life Time Fitness Coral Gables

Linear Lighting and Control -Suárez Family M Fitness

M2 Shop Miami

M3 Pediatric Home Care

Macy’s Make Lemonade - Barbara Tejada Mandarin Oriental Miami

Mari Ortega

María Ruiz

Mariela Cogorno, ND Aesthetic Medicine Matt & Katie Bourdeau

Mena Travel Agency

Mendoza Art

Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables Mercedes Benz of Cutler Bay

Miami City Ballet

Miami Heat

Miami Lakes Golf Club

Miami Volleyball Academy - Friedman Sifontes

Michelle Bethel

Miisuita Corp.

Miriam de la Pena

Mixology Ice

MSC Cruises

Museum of Graffiti

My Father Cigars

My Jules by Tiffany García

Norwegian Cruise Line

Oliva Cigar Co.

Paella y Ole Catering Corp.

Palmina

Parker & Hyde

Pearls and Twine

Pediatric Dental Land

Pego Lamps

Petite Amie

RAV Bahamas

Resorts World Bimini

Ricardo Campo ‘96 & Maria E. Baco-Campo

Royal Caribbean

Russomanno and Borrello, P.A.

Sabores Argentinos

Saks Fifth Avenue - Dadeland

Santayana

THE AUCTION

AUCTION DONORS

Sarría Family

Señor Pan Cafe

Sensory Fitness & Pilates Shop Habb Silver Vase

Sincerely Livvy Skin Local / Gina McLean

South Miami OBGYN in Partnership with EstheticsMayda Veliz

Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits Stubbs and Wooten Sunglass Depot Tinsley Advertising Tony Mendoza Trend Miami Trías Flowers

Two Brothers Pizzeria & Ristorante

Versailles De Toro Optical Veteran Flag Company

Vida Leather LLC - Silva Cobos

Vigi Miami Boutique Villa Mariposa

Wine 41 Mayleen Montoto

YOUR BIDS

TOWARDS

PROUD SPONSOR OF BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY

AutoNation

AutoNation

AutoNation

AutoNation

AutoNation

Lexus of Palm

Mercedes-Benz of Coconut

of

Mercedes-Benz of Ft.

Mercedes-Benz of

Mercedes-Benz of Pembroke

of

Your commitment to education today helps shape the leaders of tomorrow.

future. Made possible by you.

Member FDIC, TD Bank, N.A. © 2022 TD Bank, N.A. All Rights Reserved.

Juan Carlos Palancar:

Where there’s a dream, there’s a way.

You had the will to make it happen. But, before your determination, it was just a dream. At First Horizon, we’re proud to support the spirit of entrepreneurs through every phase of business development. From imagination to operation to innovation, we’re always ready to help you take the next step.

You had the will to make it happen. But, before your determination, it was just a dream. At First Horizon, we’re proud to support the spirit of entrepreneurs through every phase of business development. From imagination to operation to innovation, we’re always ready to help you take the next step.

©2022 First Horizon Bank. Member FDIC.

©2022 First Horizon Bank. Member FDIC.

Business

Banking

Let’s find a way. firsthorizon.com

Let’s find a way.

IS PROUD TO SPONSOR THE BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL’S 2022 ANNUAL GALA

BDO’s core purpose is helping people thrive, every day. We focus on working with, for and in the service of our people, clients and communities, and we are proud to support an organization that is making such an impact in our community.

www.bdo.com

Rafael Espinosa,

Class of

Roberto Zaldivar Class of '02

Michael

Class of '04

Democratizing access to world-class entrepreneurship education.

In Partnership with:

We are a leading global entrepreneurial education company that creates, tests, and validates the content and software tools required to run scalable innovation management and entrepreneurship programs. Based in Miami, FL we have been building virtual and hybrid programs for almost a decade, providing the resources, training, and support to spur innovation, technology commercialization, and job creation.

Since 2013, Venture Hive has been Miami's top entrepreneurship education program.

Countries

Supporting startups and scaleups in more than 180

Impacted

Creators of the Entrepreneurship World Cup and Global Entrepreneurship Network education.

info@venturehive.com

HEA L T H CAR E with hear

seniors to help

Julian Alexis Falero, Class of 2024