By Madeline Zuckerman
Xavier College Preparatory High School hosted its highly-anticipated 14th Annual Pasta Dinner Fundraiser, exceeding all expectations! With a sold out crowd of over 750 guests, this annual event raised $110,000 for the school’s Athletics and Academic Departments.
Mario Del Guidice, Founder of Mario’s Italian Cafes, along with his two sons, Peter and Matthew, full partners in the six Mario’s Italian Cafes located throughout the Coachella Valley, once again donated and personally served the scrumptious pasta dinner.
“It is unbelievable, heroic even, how Mario Del Guidice has impacted high school students in our Valley,” said Mark Campbell, President of Xavier Prep. “We are on year 14 of our Annual Pasta Dinner, an event that has probably raised over $1 million for Xavier Prep, and before we close the doors on year 14, Mario is already envisioning year 15! He is one of the most generous people I’ve ever met, a true champion of young people for the Coachella Valley.”
Xavier’s Dance, Cheer, and Drumline welcomed guests as they entered the Berger Athletic Center. This event definitely showcased the camaraderie and awesome school spirit and support shown by the students, parents, coaches and teachers who were in attendance. Guests totally enjoyed the fun and competitive nature of Xavier’s well-known silent auction, offering over 85 exclusive auction items. A really fun Xavier Tradition for many years was the lively Cake Auction, featuring three uniquely decorated cakes donated by Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pastry Swan, and Desert Villa Bakery. Greg Gritters was the lucky bidder at $800 of the Pastry Swan cake, which featured a white fondant cake with chocolate bubbles, chocolate shavings, and gold flakes.
Once inside the gymnasium, coaches, teachers, and students welcomed guests and charismatically solicited donations to support the different Athletic Teams and/or Academic Departments of their choice.
Xavier’s Athletic Coaches and Academic Department representatives in attendance included Aron Lyons – Cross Country/Track & Field, Baylie Dasher – Girls Volleyball, Ben Harris – Girls Soccer, Chad Prest – Girls Flag Football, Christian Astre – Girls Water Polo, Craig Hiddleston – Boys Tennis, Dave Menke – Boys Golf, Eli Vazquez – Girls Tennis, Jennifer Stout – Cheer, Jeremy Powers – Wrestling, Jesus De Rosas – Girls Basketball, Joe Valdivia – Baseball, Juan Akell – Boys Soccer, Kelli Mattacchione – Badminton, Paulina Cowan – Swim, Reggie Rover Sperber – Dance, Ryan Haydis – Girls Golf, Thadd Bosley – Boys Basketball, Denise Velasquez – Science, Kelli Mattacchione – Math, Steve Ohlrich- Visual & Performing Arts, Ursula Coie – World Languages, and Julia Cali – Theology.
“It’s truly remarkable to witness Xavier College Prep’s Annual Pasta Dinner grow into such a beloved tradition, thanks to the unwavering support of those who join us year after year, and those eager to learn more about our community,” said DeeDee Rover, Vice President of Xavier Prep. “This event not only highlights our terrific Saints, but also has become a testament to the spirit and generosity that makes Xavier so special.”
Major event sponsors included Chavez Jessup, Charles Scicli & Associates, Inc., The Stabile Family, Rob’s Custom Glass, Inc., Thorp Trading, LLC, Sladden Engineering, Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, along with several anonymous donors. In kind donors included Mario’s Italian Cafes, Sauz, Jensen’s Finest Foods, North Shore, Primetime, Palm Springs Motors, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Desert Med Aesthetics, D’Aquino Winery, 29 Brews, Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, Weingarten & Hough, and Xpress Graphics.
“Each contribution, whether it is made in person at the event or online, directly supports our mission and immediately impacts our students,” said Jeff Howard, Xavier’s Principal. “From academic programs and retreats to arts and athletics, every donation helps us offer more to our students without placing additional financial burdens on their families. These funds are not just numbers on the page; they are opportunities – – opportunities for students to participate in programs, activities, and experiences that might otherwise be out of reach for many of our families.”
About Xavier College Preparatory High School
Xavier College Preparatory High School currently serves just under 550
9th through 12th grade Valley students within an academically rigorous college-preparatory education. If you have any general questions regarding Xavier College Prep, please contact 760-601-3900 or visit www.xavierprep.org
