Page 45 - The Paduan: Winter 2020

Advancement NEWS
Virtual Bruin Benefit Raises $255,412
for Tuition Assistance
We are thankful for everyone who pivoted right along with us and participated in our first- ever Virtual Bruin Benefit on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25, 2020. Even though we weren’t together we felt the support and energy of the Padua community. The event raised $255,412!
Auctioneer/Principal Dave Stec ’86 announced the live auction items on Padua’s YouTube channel. The live auction featured 10 incredible items, including a private round-trip flight donated by Dave Zavagno ’72 to watch Tiger Woods defend his Masters Title; several
bottles of rare bourbon from Dana Banyasz ’04; a tour of the Goodyear Blimp Hangar from Senior Pilot Joe Erbs ’87; and the ever popular seven-course feast catered by chefs Fr.
Allan DaCorte, ofm and Principal Dave Stec ’86. Supporters also bid on 100 silent auction items.
During our Fund-A-Bruin portion of the program, we heard from +Frank Raso ’89 and his daughter, Olivia Raso ’21. They shared
the impact that Padua has had on their family and the importance of supporting Padua’s mission. Generous supporters then raised their virtual paddles and donated over $153,000 – the largest amount ever – to help our students and keep tuition affordable for our families. Two months after the Bruin Benefit, +Frank Raso ‘89 died of cancer. We are very grateful that he was able to share his story that night.
Many thanks to the Bruin Benefit Committee, our Platinum Title Sponsor, Koler Financial Group, and all our loyal sponsors and generous donors who made the virtual event a huge success! The proceeds from the benefit will make all of the difference to our students, our families and our school.
Please mark your calendar and plan to attend next year’s Bruin Benefit on Saturday, April 24, 2021. Stay tuned for details on another exciting event!
For more information about the Bruin Benefit, please contact Special Events Coordinator Amy DiMarco ’91 at 440-845-8224 or adimarco@paduafranciscan.com.
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