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Canisius High School Today
Amid jugglers and clowns, and under a huge
big-top tent in the Bernard J. Kennedy Field
House, GAMBIT enjoyed its most
financially successful event in its
38-year history. Former President
John Knight, Fr. Ron Sams, S.J. ‘46,
GAMBIT Ambassador, and chair-
couples Greg and Joanne Bauer
and Sam and Michelle Capizzi
greeted guests as they arrived at
“Carnival,” which took place on
March 24.
The Canisius High School Jazz Band en-
tertained during the Silent Auction in the
Auditorium while guests bid in a frenzy on
the 700 items on display, all donated at gift-
gathering parties throughout the GAMBIT
season.
Dinner was served in the Field House as
“Ringmaster” Jack Armstrong kept the
crowd entertained. This year’s GAMBIT
Loyalty Awards were presented during din-
ner to Mary Jo Malley Ketchum, former
GAMBIT director and long-time support-
er; Paul Vukelic ‘79 and Try-It Distributing
for continued loyalty and support; and
M&T Bank, a sponsor of GAMBIT for 38
years. Auctioneer extraordinaire Cash
Cunningham worked his magic, helping
raise $60,000 on the live auction items.
Once again this year guests had the oppor-
tunity to raise their bid paddles and donate
to the Crusader Fund, created to assist fami-
lies who suffer a life-altering situation that
affects their ability to cover the cost of tu-
itionwhile at Canisius. In a five-minute span
bidders donated approximately $80.000,
which included a $20,000 challenge offered
by a generous donor!
Through the generosity of Canisius spon-
sors, donors and guests, GAMBIT XXXVIII
realized proceeds approximating $500,000!
A list of sponsors is available on the Canisius
website under the GAMBIT link.
“We are extremely grateful to our chair-
couples, benefactors, student and adult
volunteers, and our GAMBIT guests for
our success this year,” said Colleen Sellick,
GAMBIT director.
✠
GAMBIT Celebrates Carnival style!
GAMBIT 2012 chair-couples (left
to right) Greg Bauer, Joanne Bauer,
Michelle Capizzi and Sam Capizzi.