Tombola SOARS Past Goal

The Annual Fr. Dorta- Duque, SJ Memorial Tombola exceeded all expectations and shattered records. Held from February 4- 6, 2022, thousands of people attended daily helping raise over 1-Million dollars. 

“For the first time in our school’s history, Tombola surpassed the one million dollar mark ($1,005,518.35 to be exact and more to come),” said Fr. Willie ‘87. “ But, for as much as it was a financial success, it was a more powerful community-building success. We have to be very proud of what we did.”

The weekend kicked off with the Culinary Extravaganza held in the Garrido Family Plaza on February 4. The sold-out event offered a sampling of delicious foods from amazing local restaurants and vendors.  While the adults had fun at the kickoff event, the fairgrounds were packed with people of all ages. On Saturday, from noon to midnight, the campus was the place to be in Miami. From the rides to the food booths, to the dining hall, and everything in between, there was excitement in the air. The Wine Tasting moved from its traditional location in the Saladrigas Gallery to under the stars at the Gian Zumpano Aquatic Center. Throughout the day, the Garrido Family Plaza was home to wonderful performances by the Belen Bands, and at night, TILT took to the stage playing the best of the 80s and 90s. On Sunday, from noon to 9 p.m. the fun never let up. The Leo Caraballo Arroz Con Cosas Cook-Off Event showcased the culinary prowess of six teams. The winning team, made up of faculty members Mrs. Antón, Mrs. López, and Mrs. Jiménez, took home the championship belt. The inaugural Standup Comedy Show, featuring Marcello Hernández ‘15, had the audience in stitches. The culmination, of course, was the closing ceremony where the seniors led the party, and raffle winners were announced.

“It was an incredible weekend,” said Gigi García-Chang, Community Events Director. “This truly is an event that wouldn’t be possible without the help of so many. Thank you to our faculty, staff, class delegates, advisors, alumni and so many more. A very special thank you to our extraordinary maintenance team, kitchen staff, and security department who truly went above and beyond. Que siga la tradición.”

The net proceeds will benefit the Belen Financial Assistance Program. 

“On behalf of the whole school community and especially, the many young men who will be able to continue their studies at our school, thank you and congratulations on a job extremely well done,” said Fr. Willie.