The 50th Anniversary Gala
Fifty years of forming scholars and saints in Bridgeport. One historic night to celebrate that legacy, and to open Kolbe's doors to the students who come next.
- Oct. 1Thursday, 2026
- 6 PMReception
- 7 PMDinner
- New CanaanThe Country Club
The Friends of
Kolbe Cathedral Preparatory School
and Gala Committee
Request the pleasure of your company at the
Anniversary Gala
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Reception at six in the evening
Dinner at seven in the evening
The Country Club of New Canaan
95 Country Club Road, New Canaan, CT
Cocktail attire
Please reply
Countdown to the reception
An Evening in Their Honor
Gala Honoree
Jo-Anne Jakab
Jo-Anne served and led the school for almost 50 years, from teacher to Principal to President to Board Member.
- Teacher
- Principal
- President
- Board Member
Honored Posthumously
Longtime benefactors and Board Members
- Jonathan O'Herron, Sr.
- Paul Rodriguez
- Leo Van Munching, Jr.
Why We Gather
For fifty years, Kolbe Cathedral has been a beacon of hope and transformation for its predominantly Black and Hispanic students in Bridgeport, Connecticut's largest city.
100%
of Kolbe students graduate in four years
325
total student body: 45% Black, 43% Hispanic, and 12% Asian/White/Other
88%
of students are from Bridgeport
$2,000
average amount families can afford to pay of the $12,500 tuition
60%
of students live below the federal poverty line
$24 million
in college scholarship dollars secured by the Class of 2025
We are a four-year Catholic college preparatory school located in Bridgeport, CT and dedicated to serving a diverse, multicultural population. Our relatively small size of 325+ students, and excellent teacher/student ratio means that each student receives the support they need to succeed academically as well as in life.
Proceeds from the Gala provide scholarships and tuition assistance for talented students who otherwise could not afford to attend Kolbe.
Almost all students receive some level of tuition assistance. Your generosity will go toward much-needed tuition assistance for our students.
Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Evening
Reception
Six o'clock in the evening
Dinner
Seven o'clock in the evening
Student performances
Musical performances from, and testimonials by, Kolbe students
Live auction & paddle raise
In support of scholarships and tuition assistance
Cocktail attire · The Country Club of New Canaan
Tickets & Sponsorships
Every table and ticket supports scholarships and tuition assistance for Kolbe students. Reservations are made through the Office of Development: choose a level below to email Rick Ryan, Director of Development.
Presenting Sponsor
$25,000
- One reserved priority-location table (10 seats)
- Name/logo recognition on the cover of the printed program
- One full-page ad in the printed program
- Special recognition by the Gala MC
- Inclusion in all pre- and post-event promotion and publicity
Gold Table Sponsor
$15,000
- One reserved premium-location table (10 seats)
- One half-page ad in the printed program
- Recognition by the Gala MC
- Inclusion in all pre- and post-event promotion and publicity
Blue Table Sponsor
$10,000
- One reserved table (10 seats)
- A listing in the printed program
Gala Leadership
Gala Co-Chairs
- Jennifer L. Foster
- Jonathan O'Herron, Jr.
- Mary Rather
Gala Committee
- Laura Brennan
- Melissa Calderon
- Catherine Ellis
- Joe Gallagher
- Kristen Gunn
- Camille Figliuzzi
- Terry O'Connor
- Rick Ryan
- John Sites
Kolbe Cathedral Board
- Fr. David Roman · Chair
- Kristen Gunn · Vice Chair
- Jim O'Neill · Treasurer
- Catherine Ellis · Secretary
- Dr. John Alfone
- Martin Anderson
- Robert Aufiero
- Michael Brennan
- Robert Cioffi
- Jennifer Foster
- Kevin Grimes
- Dr. Tamu Lucero
- Terry O'Connor
- Jon O'Herron, Jr.
- Mary Rather
- John Sites
- Stacie Stueber · Ex-Officio
For further information
Rick Ryan, Director of Development
Can’t attend? You can still make a gift in honor of the 50th.