Jesuit to host 52nd annual Auction

Plank Article Jason De Guzman ’25

One of Jesuit High School Sacramento’s biggest events of the year is rapidly approaching. On Saturday, March 23 from 6 to 10 p.m. Jesuit will host its 52nd annual Jesuit Auction in the Fr. Barry gymnasium.

The main attraction of the event is the silent auction, where people can bid for a variety of things such as vacations to Hawaii and Cabo, courtside tickets to a Kings game, and a diamond necklace. In addition to individual tickets, there are a total of nine different sponsorships that are available for purchase, each with their own unique assortment of benefits. 

Every year, the auction is created with a specific theme in mind to generate excitement for the event. This year, the theme was “Night in Nantucket.”

“We were inspired by many images of the serene coastline around Cape Cod and felt the overall vibe of that area of the country was what we wanted the vibe of the auction to be,” Director of Auction and Events Ms. Kim Kalmbach said. “Our Decorations Chair, Christine Dariotis, and the décor committee have put together an incredible look for the evening that will make all our guests feel as though they have been transported to the Cape!”

In addition to the silent auction and the decorations, the auction will also feature a full three-course dinner prepared by the Epicurean Group. 

“People should know that this year’s auction has an amazing menu,” Ms. Reeves said. “I won’t give it away, but people will not be disappointed. Jesuit auction attendees will be pleased with the appetizers passed out from the moment they walk into the event to when they sit down and enjoy their salad, entrée and dessert. Kim Zarro, my co-chair and I did a menu tasting last week and everything was fabulous!”

This year’s auction will be led by the Auction Co-Chairs Ms. Heather Reeves and Ms. Kimberly Zarro. They have the responsibility of generating support and excitement for the auction and fully embraced their roles.

“Both of these ladies have dedicated countless hours to securing sponsorships and live auction items, and bringing the energy to the evening by encouraging attendance,” Ms. Kalmbach said. “Their enthusiasm for the auction and raising money for Jesuit is contagious.”

Last year’s auction was an enormous success. $920,000 was raised to fund various activities and provide financial aid for students here at Jesuit. This year, the school looks to match that success.

“Our goal is to raise as many funds as possible while celebrating our Jesuit community,” Ms. Zarro said. “Everything earned goes directly to benefit all programs on campus and ensure a Jesuit education is accessible to all.”

Behind the hard work of everyone involved in setting up the auction lies a deep passion and appreciation for the Jesuit community. 

“I decided to get involved with the auction because I truly love our Jesuit school and community,” Ms. Reeves said. “I feel fortunate that my boys are able to attend this school, and my wish is that anyone who wants to go here has the ability, whether they can afford it or not. When I was asked to co-chair the event, I really didn’t hesitate.”

A lot of hard work has been put into this auction by a whole team of people to make it a wonderful experience for all. All proceeds go to a good cause, helping other parents send their sons to Jesuit through financial aid. Make sure to purchase tickets, bid, and support the Jesuit community through this year’s auction.