Gala & Auction

The 2017 Notre Dame Seminary Gala & Auction was held at the historic Notre Dame Seminary on Saturday, September 30th. Our Rector/President, Fr. Jim Wehner, and our Chancellor, Archbishop Gregory Aymond, welcomed 700 benefactors and friends who arrived at the seminary to show their support of and love for the seminarians.

The evening began with the Patron Party and a presentation to our 2017 Honorary Chair Couple, Deacon Carlo & Debbie Maniglia. Carlo and Debbie have been involved with the NDS Gala since the event’s inception, with Carlo serving as the first chairperson of the event. Carlo and Debbie have generously supported the seminary over the years and were honored for their dedication and philanthropic work in the community.

Guests at the gala enjoyed delicious cuisine and cocktails donated by over 40 restaurants, caterers, and individuals including: Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, Catering ETC, Lagniappe Luncheonette & Catering, Pigeon Catering, Vincent’s Italian Cuisine, and Austin’s Seafood & Steakhouse. The crowd favorite of the gala is the dessert room which is filled with heavenly delights from bakeries such as Maurice’s French Pastries, La Louisiane Bakery, Manny Randazzo’s, Swiss Confectionery, and Haydel’s Bakery.

Guests were also able to give back to the seminary by participating in our Silent and Live Auctions as well as multiple raffles including an American Airlines Raffle and a Drago’s Raffle. This year’s Jewelry Raffle item was a beautiful sapphire and diamond vintage estate dinner ring set in 14K gold donated by Anton, Ltd. We also kicked off our 2017-2018 Motorcycle Raffle, where the winner will receive a 2007 Customized Motorcycle donated by Mr. Greg Raymond. The winner of the motorcycle raffle will be drawn on April 12, 2018.

An exciting Silent Auction featured online/mobile bidding of auction items donated by businesses, schools and individuals from around the New Orleans area. Guests were able to bid on items such as gift baskets, religious items, hotel stays, restaurant gift certificates, and vacation packages including a Chicago Cubs Wrigley Rooftop Experience and a weekend stay at the beautiful Edgewood Plantation in Natchez, Mississippi. The bidding was high at the Live Auction where guests vied for fabulous items such as a trip to Napa Valley, a one week stay in San Destin, and a New Orleans Saints #7 Jersey autographed by newly inducted Football Hall of Famer, Morten Anderson.

The seminary community is grateful to all of our 2017 Gala Sponsors as well as our dedicated Gala Committee, whose members worked countless hours and many months in preparation for the event! The committee was led by Event Co-Chairs Tim & Lisa Thriffiey and Frank & Rhonda Tusa as well as Auction Co-Chairs Steve & Luly Cali and Deacon Robert & Pam Pendzimaz.

We continue to thank our benefactors, friends, and volunteers for their dedication to and support of Notre Dame Seminary!