The Catholic Education Foundation: Bringing high-quality, faith-based education to all children, regardless of their financial situation.

Already registered? Click here for night-of information and special instructions for sponsors and table hosts!

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Gaudeamus

10.24.20

a benefit gala

Saturday, October 29, 2022
Overland Park Convention Center
6000 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS 66211
6:00 pm - Cocktail Reception  | 7:15 pm - Dinner & Program  | 8:45 pm - Live Band & Dancing
Cocktail Attire

Proceeds from the Gaudeamus gala benefit the Catholic Education Foundation’s traditional, tuition-assistance scholarships for students most in need.

The Catholic Education Foundation: Bringing high-quality, faith-based education to all children, regardless of their financial situation.

Already registered? Click here for night-of information and special instructions for sponsors and table hosts!

Kyle and Nicole Hill and Jake and Ashley Rieke

Meet our Gaudeamus Chairs

The 2022 Gaudeamus gala chairs are 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 includes: 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 will help us recognize our founding leaders and celebrate 25 years of Catholic Education Foundation’s impact at this year’s Gaudeamus.

The Catholic Education Foundation: Bringing high-quality, faith-based education to all children, regardless of their financial situation.

Already registered? Click here for night-of information and special instructions for sponsors and table hosts!

This year's Gaudeamus gala promises to be a “who’s who” of the Catholic community, as leaders in education, business, parishes and civic groups gather to honor Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and support Catholic education. The evening will feature a cocktail hour, dinner, entertainment by a children's choir and the Mater Dei Catholic School drum line, and an after party featuring local Kansas City band Wonderfuzz!

Gaudeamus Evening Schedule

Overland Park Convention Center
6000 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS 66211
Cocktail attire

6:00pm  |  Cocktail Reception

7:15pm  |  Dinner & Program

8:45pm  |  Live Band & Dancing

SALAD

Red Wine & Thyme Poached Pear, Fresh Raspberry, Sectioned Oranges,
Served on a Field of Greens with a Citrus Vinaigrette and Feta

ENTRÉES

Herb Rubbed & Smoked Tri-Tip with Red Chimichurri
Pan Seared Salmon with Gremolata
With English Pea Risotto and Tangerine Grilled Asparagus

DESSERT

Chocolate Budino Custard
Caramel Sea Salt Panna Cotta

GF: All menu items are gluten free.

The Catholic Education Foundation: Bringing high-quality, faith-based education to all children, regardless of their financial situation.

Already registered? Click here for night-of information and special instructions for sponsors and table hosts!

Parking: The convention center is not offering valet parking at this time. Please park in the north parking lot off 110th Street at the convention center.

Note: Uber and Lyft drop off on 110th Street.

Registration: Registration will be on the lower level of the convention center - as you enter from the north parking lot.

New! The Overland Park Convention Center has gone cashless. This will only affect additional wine upgrades purchased at the bar in the room during the program. Drinks during the reception, program and after party are complimentary.

Ranked the #2 charitable event in Kansas City, our Gaudeamus benefit gala is a beloved community tradition, filled with excitement and inspiration.
Enter through these north-facing doors on the garden level. Once inside, registration will be to your left. The parking lot is directly across from this entrance.

Celebrating the vision of our founders

Celebrating Angels Among Us

Every year, we honor a member of our community for their dedication to Catholic education.

Rooted in their commitment to God, family and community, the Byron and Jeanne Thompson family has been instrumental in providing vital support to communities most in need across the Kansas City area.


Tom Zarda, Archbishop Keleher and Mickey Zarda
Blake Mulvany, Rich Henry and Tom Zarda
Leonard and Ellen McKinzie
Bill Dunn, Sr., Leonard McKinzie and Charles Berkel

Gaudeamus funds scholarships

2023 Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann CEF School of Excellence Award

This year's School of Excellence Award recipient is Holy Cross Catholic School in Overland Park, Kansas.

From their multi-age Faith Family program to their new STREAM classroom and "Be Holy Cross" mantra, Holy Cross Catholic School is bringing the CEF mission to life in their community.


Celebrating Angels Among Us
Every year, we honor a member of our community for their dedication to Catholic education.

Rooted in their commitment to God, family and community, the Byron and Jeanne Thompson family has been instrumental in providing vital support to communities most in need across the Kansas City area.

meet our 2023 honorees
The Byron & Jeanne Thompson Family

2023 Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann CEF School of Excellence Award

This year's School of Excellence Award recipient is Holy Cross Catholic School in Overland Park, Kansas.

From their multi-age Faith Family program to their new STREAM classroom and "Be Holy Cross" mantra, Holy Cross Catholic School is bringing the CEF mission to life in their community.

Meet the school

17

Influential
Speakers

29

Lectures About
Social Media

03

Full Day Of
Activities