After two years of virtual events, the University of St. Francis (USF) hosted its 66th annual Caritas Scholarship Celebration in the Pat Sullivan Recreation Center on its main campus in Joliet on Saturday, April 15. The event raised more than $235,000 (and close to almost $3 million in the past 10 years of the event) through a combination of live and silent auctions, a raffle, and other memorable activities, all in support of student scholarships.
“For more than 65 years, the annual Caritas Scholarship Celebration has served as the primary fundraiser for University of St. Francis scholarships. Caritas helps to make a college education possible for so many bright students – many who are the first in their family to attend college. Each year, USF provides them with more than $23 million in institutional support, which makes a difference for many students who would not be able to obtain a college degree without financial assistance,” said Lisa Sampalis, USF Vice President for Advancement.
Sampalis added, though, that measuring the event’s success extends well beyond its total dollars raised, saying, “Beyond financial outcomes, success for Caritas includes building USF’s donor base with many first-time attendees we hope will represent the next generation of donors for USF. Additionally, the Caritas Committee grew by 14 new members this year, which resulted in seven tables of new attendees at the event. We continue to work as a USF community to build a Franciscan future together in our second century.”
This year’s event, hosted by Anne and USF President Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D., welcomed 280 guests to campus to enjoy an evening themed as a “vintage collegiate affair,” planned by a motivated Caritas Committee, including: Tosh Anderson, Rosie and Cesar Cardenas, Michelle and Terry Cottrell, Jeanette D’Arcy, Nick D’Arcy, Sue and Terry D’Arcy, Iman Ellis-Bowen and Duane Bowen, Patty Gonzalez and Jay Barriga, Shane Green, Jen and Vic Howard, Kevin Howard, Annette Jelinek, Kaity and Jeff Kohl, Suzi and Gordon Marsh, Frances Naal, Steph and Tyler Qualio, Ann and Steve Randich, Candice Rosen, Ann and Jeffrey Rzasa, Scott Savage, Jodi and Scott Schager, Gina and Brian Sharp, Maggie Sillar, Catherine and Michael Stowe, Wilhelmine and John Vidmar, Tracey and Dan Vogen, and Theresa Dollinger Waldron and Jon Waldron.
With the 66th annual event now in the books, USF already has its sights set on laying the foundation for next year’s event.
“We are delighted to announce Caritas once again will take place on the main campus of USF on Saturday, April 13, 2024. More details will be forthcoming this summer,” Sampalis said.
For more information on Caritas, visit stfrancis.edu/caritas.