Advancement
The Office of Advancement is a benefactor to the future of Marquette Academy by establishing relationships with current, future, and past members of the Marquette family through fundraising activities such as the annual fund, scholarship programs, planned giving programs, grants, foundations, alumni, programming and student recruitment and admission.
The advancement staff seeks to promote the mission of Marquette Academy through the services of the advancement office and in recognizing the role that parents, alumni, and friends play in shaping the lives of today’s students.
Your support is essential to maintain the mission and tradition of Marquette Academy. We invite you to support Marquette Academy’s commitment to excellence in Catholic education. Please learn more about our fundraising and events under the Events link in the Advancement section.
Please contact Julie Verona, Advancement Director at 815-433-0125 ext 1017
Danielle Entwistle at 815-433-0125 ext 1016
What Is Marquette May Merriment?
Many of you are quite familiar with the annual auction. Many of you are new to the Academy, and therefore, might not be as familiar. The following will refresh all of our minds about the vitality of this important event.
Forty-three years ago, Marquette parent and friend Joe O’Brien had an idea for a fundraiser – a gourmet catered formal sit-down dinner with a silent and live auction of merchandise that was donated by the community. Marquette parent, Dee Anderson, was asked to chair the inaugural event and served as its Chairwoman for 12 years. That first event took over a year of planning and a very large committee of volunteers. It was a HUGE success. Bader Gymnasium was totally transformed into a Parisian experience and packed with nearly 500 guests. This first dinner/auction netted an unprecedented $112,000 – a substantial amount in 1983. Marquette May Merriment became the talk of the town and was considered the premiere social event in the area. We were the first in the area to stage an event like this. Many local organizations have patterned similar events after this one over the years.
Since inception, the gala has consistently raised an average of $180,000 per year and has netted the Academy nearly $5 million dollars. May Merriment funds directly help students with financial aid for tuition and operating costs of the school. Last year, every freshman who applied for a scholarship or financial aid received assistance.
Many changes have taken place through the years – it has become less formal, however, the dinner price still includes an elaborate gourmet dinner that is served buffet style with an open bar. It is still held in Bader Gym which is converted into an elegantly decorated themed dining room and auction gallery. Auction items and services range in value from $10 to hundreds of dollars. There is certainly something for everyone!
May Merriment is the largest fundraiser at Marquette and still involves hundreds of volunteers. A different theme is chosen each year with formal invitations sent in April. Reservations are open to anyone who wishes to support Marquette Academy and have a fun night out. This year’s theme is Rooted in Tradition!
Help make this year’s auction a success!