On March 8th, Bellarmine’s annual Golden Bell Auction saw 450 guests come together – including alumni, parents, faculty, and friends – for an evening of delicious food, exceptional wine, fantastic company, and immeasurable generosity.
The auction raises money for the school’s Direct Tuition Assistance Fund, which supports approximately one-quarter of Bellarmine students every year, granting an average of almost $15,000 to each student in need.
The evening began with Mass in the Leontyne Chapel, followed by a reception in the Hall of Honor, before dinner and the auction commenced in the Patrick Wayne Valley Memorial Gymnasium. Live music was performed by The Speakeasies, and Mark Alman returned as the auctioneer for his sixth year.
An exciting array of 172 silent auction items and 14 live auction items, nearly all of which were graciously donated by members of the Bellarmine community, were bid on by enthusiastic supporters eager to make a difference in the lives of future students. Live auction items ranged from 49ers and Warriors tickets to vacation getaways in Napa and Japan, among others.
In a speech about the impact the Bellarmine community has made on his life, senior Andrew Greene noted his education at the school is made possible by the Direct Tuition Assistance Fund and said, “Bellarmine is so much more than just a school. At Bellarmine, we don’t just learn math, science, or history. We learn how to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. We learn how to be emotionally happy and fulfilled human beings who care for others and ourselves.”
Thanking attendees for their generosity, Andrew added that Bellarmine students “are given tools that go far beyond academics, tools to build meaningful relationships, tools to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace, and tools to find joy and purpose.”
This sentiment resonated deeply with everyone in the room, serving as a reminder of the significance of the event. Bellarmine’s Direct Tuition Assistance Fund ensures that students from all backgrounds and circumstances have access to a high school experience that extends far beyond the classroom and their four years at the school.
With 100% of proceeds dedicated to tuition assistance, the 49th Golden Bell Auction added over half a million dollars to the funding that makes a Bellarmine education possible for so many young men. The school is tremendously grateful to all the participants, underwriters, and sponsors for their support in this impactful initiative.