Rock News Spring 2022

10

SPECTACULAR AUCTION SUPPORTS TUITION ASSISTANCE For the first time in three years, Rockhurst High School was able to host its annual Spectacular auction as an in-person celebration. It was forced to be a livestreamed virtual event in both 2020 and 2021.

Returning to an in-person gathering, the co-chairs decided on the theme “Rock United.” More than 500 alumni, current and past parents, and friends of Rockhurst gathered for Spectacular on April 9, 2022.

The evening consisted of a cocktail hour with live violin played by Carmen Dieker, dinner, silent and live auctions, live music by Wonderfuzz, and raising funds for the tuition assistance program at Rockhurst.

Nearly 50% of all families rely on financial aid to make the Rockhurst experience possible for their sons.

The school committed $2.7 million in assistance for the 2021-22 year, and the proceeds from Spectacular account for about half of that. At print time, gross proceeds have surpassed $1.4 million and are still growing!

The 2022 Spectacular co-chair couples between Rev. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ (far left) and David Laughlin (far right): John & Whitney Sojka, Lisa & Mark Hallier, Shannon & Patrick Lillis, and Amy & Scott Francois.

“Spectacular is important to Rockhurst on so many levels!” said Moira Kelly Healy, Director of Engagement. “Most importantly, alumni parents, past parents and friends unite to raise funds that enable students to attend Rockhurst regardless of their families’ economic circumstances."

“An army of parents and student volunteers work tirelessly to produce the event and transform our school into an elegant event space.

Listening to the moms and dads work and chat for the benefit of the boys is heartwarming. Uniting for the first time in three years, coming together ‘for the boys’ while acting as ‘men and women for others’ benefits our entire community.”

The annual success of Spectacular is attributed to the efforts of countless sponsors, underwriters, volunteers, item donors, attendees, and especially the co-chair couples.

The 2022 co-chairs were Amy & Scott Francois, Lisa & Mark Hallier, Shannon & Patrick Lillis, and Whitney & John Sojka. Their selflessness and leadership in spearheading the event will aid many current and future Hawklet families.

Rockhurst also thanks Chris Igoe '93 and Heartland Chevrolet for again donating a new Trailblazer for the car raffle.

To see and hear from some of the students who benefit from tuition assistance, watch the 2022 Spectacular Fund-A-Future video at www.rockhursths.edu/future and please consider making a gift.

Scan to see how your support can Fund-A-Future.