We are delighted to have Craig and Karen Gaffney as event chairs for this year's Gaudeamus benefit gala. Both graduates of CEF schools and longtime friends of the Thompson family, Craig and Karen bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this important role. Under their leadership, this year's Gaudeamus promises to be a truly remarkable and impactful event, raising vital funds to support CEF's mission of putting Catholic education within reach for students of all background.
Held on Saturday, October 28th, the 21st Annual Gaudeamus Benefit Gala honored the Byron and Jeanne Thompson Family and recognized Holy Cross Catholic School as the 2023 Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann CEF School of Excellence.
Under the leadership of event chairs Craig and Karen Gaffney, the 2023 gala raised more than $2.4 million towards scholarships for students in need.
The 2022 Gaudeamus gala chairs were Kyle and Nicole Hill and Jake and Ashley Rieke.
Jake Rieke and Nicole Davila Hill are grandchildren of Tom and Mickey Zarda, one of CEF's founding families.
Jake Rieke, COO of Ernie Rieke Equipment, is a graduate of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School and serves as the Grand Knight of St. Joseph’s Knights of Columbus council. Ashley, an event coordinator, is a graduate of Bishop Miege High School and has served as co-chair for the school auction at St. Joseph Catholic School in Shawnee, where their three children attend elementary school.
Kyle and Nicole Hill are both graduates of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. They have two young sons and are accomplished entrepreneurs. Together, they run Hill Homes KC, a remodel and home design company, and Kyle is the founder and CEO of Tywoo Technologies.
Both couples are members of the St. Joseph parish in Shawnee and share a passion for Catholic education.
The 2022 Gaudeamus committee included: Stephen and Joan Charbonneau, Andy and Stephanie Eilert, Brad and Katie Inman, Shannon Lillis, Darren and Janet Lovick, Mary Parrigon, Colin and Micala Quinn, Tom and Katy Rottinghaus, Chris and Megan Schumm, John and Rose Shaw, Jolynn Taratino, and Jeff and Amy Zeller
Together, they helped us recognize our founding leaders and celebrate 25 years of Catholic Education Foundation’s impact at the 2022 Gaudeamus benefit gala.
The 20th Annual Gaudeamus Benefit Gala was held on Saturday, October 29, 2022 and raised more than $2.4 million for scholarships for students in need
Chaired by Kyle and Nicole Hill and Jake and Ashley Rieke, the 2022 Gaudeamus benefit gala celebrated CEF's 25th anniversary and honored CEF's founding leaders.
Held in-person at the Overland Park Convention Center on Saturday, October 23, 2021, the 19th Annual Gaudeamus Benefit Gala raised more than $2.4 million for scholarships for students in need
Chaired by Steph and Andy Eilert, the 2021 Gaudeamus benefit gala recognized Catholic school teachers throughout the Archdiocese for their heroic response to the pandemic.
Since 1997, the Catholic Education Foundation has been rewriting the future of at-risk students in northeast Kansas by providing financial assistance and access to a safe, quality, faith-centered education at Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
Learn more about the schools we serve, the scholarships we offer, and the students whose lives have been changed thanks to your generosity.
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The Catholic Education Foundation provides scholarships for low-income students to attend K-12 Catholic schools. We’re working every day to make high-quality, faith-filled education possible for children in poverty.
Each summer, CEF-supported schools throughout Northeast Kansas apply for the award, submitting stories of faith, community, and academic growth. The comprehensive applications are evaluated by leadership from CEF and the Catholic Schools Office of the Archdiocese based on five main criteria: Joyfully Catholic, Diligently Achieving, Intentionally Self-Giving, Prudently Managed, and Forwardly Thinking.
We're thrilled to be recognizing the St. Patrick community during this year's gala on October 23rd.
Our Lady of Unity Catholic School in Kansas City, KS was selected as first finalist, followed closely by the second finalist, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic School in Garnett, KS. Both schools have worked hard to support families and students this spring, and the recognition is a testament to their commitment to growth, innovation, and Catholicity throughout the 2019-20 school year.
