Gala 2019

Although a new time of year, the Notre Dame Seminary Gala & Auction drew hundreds of benefactors, alumni, and friends of the seminary to the historic campus on Saturday, March 30, 2019. Notre Dame Seminary Rector/President, Fr. Jim Wehner, and Chancellor, Archbishop Gregory Aymond, as well as the seminarians welcomed guests as they arrived at the seminary to show their support and love for our future priests.

The evening began with the Patron Party where guests enjoyed the sounds of the Rummel Raider Jazz Band, delicious appetizers, exciting raffles, and a beautiful champagne fountain. Once the Gala began, guests poured into the dining room to enjoy cuisine from over forty restaurants and businesses around the city including: Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, Lagniappe Luncheonette, Pigeon Catering, Catholic Community Radio, Vincent’s Italian Cuisine, and much more! The crowd favorite of the gala was the dessert room which was overflowing with cakes, cupcakes, and pastries from bakeries all over the city including Nothing Bundt Cakes Metairie & New Orleans, La Louisiane Bakery, Manny Randazzo’s, Swiss Confectionery, Haydel’s Bakery, and many more.

With over 250 items on the auction boards, guests gave back to the seminary by bidding on silent auction all throughout the evening. During the night, guests made their way to the Live Auction Room where Fr. Wehner and Archbishop Aymond presented David and Anna Jouandot as the 2019 Honorary Chaircouple. As loyal supporters of Notre Dame Seminary, we thanked David & Anna for their dedication to and constant support of our future priests.

Following the presentation, an exciting Live Auction began with Deacons Carlo Maniglia, Andrew Gutierrez, and Andrew Rudmann as our guest auctioneers. Guests bid on items such as a George Rodrigue “Drew Brees” Blue Dog Print Autographed by New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees, Dinner for 10 at the Louisiana State Governor’s Mansion with Governor and Mrs. John Bel Edwards, and Dinner for 12 in the Notre Dame Seminary Private Dining Room. As the evening ended, seminarians helped guests check out and gather their winning auction items.

The seminary community is grateful to all of our 2019 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 Chaircouples: Tim & Lisa Thriffiley and Frank & Rhonda Tusa

Auction Chaircouples: Steve & Luly Cali and Deacon Robert & Pam Pendzimaz

Patron Party Chaircouples: Joseph & Erin Caruso and Tim & Beverly Napier

Food/Beverage Chaircouples: Owen & Laurie Leftiwch, Raymond & Cissy Yakelis, and Kathleen Sammons

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