Tombola 2026 Success

Thousands of people came together to celebrate the annual Fr. Dorta-Duque, S.J. Memorial Tombola held on the Belen campus from January 30 to February 1. Despite the cold and even the rain, we were able to raise more money than last year, approximately 1.4 million dollars!

“Our success is directly connected to the love our families and alumni have for Belen Jesuit,” said Fr. Willie, S.J. ‘87. “All weekend long, I saw smiling faces, people laughing, dancing, having fun and coming up to me to say how happy they are with everything we are doing at Belen. This is a testament to the dedication of everyone who works at the school, from the maintenance and security team to the faculty and staff to the Jesuits. Belen is unstoppable.” 

We kicked off Tombola with Friday Night in the Quad and with the rides. People arrived in droves, bundled up and ready for delicious food, live music, and, of course, lots of fun. 

Saturday brought a bit of rain during the day and very cold weather. It was a challenge, to say the least, but despite it all, people showed up, and our amazing parents and students all made it to their shifts on time and stayed to enjoy all that we have to offer.  The Tombola Cellar (formerly known as the Wine Tasting event) was a huge success. This sold-out event served incredible wines, exquisite food (including a tomato soup that helped to keep everyone warm) and wonderful Spanish music. At night, the “Cuban Cowboy” Orlando Mendez took the main stage and had the crowd dancing and singing. 

On Sunday, we bounced back with sunny skies. From start to finish, the fairgrounds were packed. People enjoyed shopping at the Campus Store and visiting the Bazaar, where over 40 vendors sold their crafts. The Leo Caraballo Arroz Con Cosas Cook-off was as popular as ever. This year, 10 teams competed for the championship belt, with top-notch judges selecting the best of the best. The Our Lady of Belen Chapel was standing-room-only at both Masses on Sunday. From the preview of our spring musical, Hadestown, to the School Band performances, the spotlight was on our students, and they shone brightly. Incoming 6th- and 9th-grade students made their Tombola debut and gathered for their first class picture, while the seniors and their moms also had their moment, posing for the annual class shot. The pinnacle Tombola moment was the grand finale celebration, which packed the Garrido Family Plaza and was led by the senior class. With the administration on stage, Fr. Willie led the singing, and the seniors quickly followed. It was an emotional and fun-filled moment for the class of 2026, their parents, and everyone in attendance. 

“I couldn’t be prouder of everyone who helped to make Tombola possible,” said Mrs. Gigi Garcia-Chang, Tombola Coordinator. “It takes a village to pull this off. From our incredible maintenance, kitchen (SAGE) and security teams to the Belen employees and countless volunteers, it wouldn’t have been possible without everyone. I’m grateful to the over 70 sponsors who supported Tombola, and to the dozens of people and companies who provided in-kind donations. Special thanks to the Parent Advisors, led by Alex '93 and Christina Gómez-Pina, not only for their work before, during, and after Tombola, but also for all they do year-round. Now, the planning for Tombola 2027 begins! Save the dates: the Culinary Extravaganza will be on January 30th, and Tombola weekend will be from February 5th to the 7th.” 

Thousands of pictures were captured throughout Tombola. Click here to look at the photo albums. Click here to watch the Culinary Extravaganza recap video. Click here to watch the Tombola Cellar recap video. Click here to watch the recap of Tombola weekend. 

• First Place: Mojito booth in the Ignatian Courtyard (12-4 Mr. Alex Consuegra and 12-5 Carlos Maza).
• Second Place: Pan con lechón in the Ignatian Courtyard (10-6 Ivan Flores and 11-8 Elizabeth de la Heria).
• Third Place (tie): Pizza in the Ignatian Courtyard (6-2 Ana Aldarondo, 6-4 Rosa Prieto, and 7-1 Sylvia Davalos) AND Frozen Lemonade in the Ignatian Courtyard (6-1 Suzanne Sardin and 6-6- MariaJose Gonzalez).

• Terrence Bautista Byrnes ‘26, the grand-prize winner (2-year lease, Infini XQ60), was made possible by Ocean Doral Infinity. 
• 2nd place was Moraima Padro (ticket #02148) with a $4,000 prize. 
• 3rd place was Jegg Guerra (ticket #14383) with a $3,000 prize. 
• 4th place was Kiley Reynolds (ticket #00287 with a $1,000 prize.