May Merriment
Marquette May Merriment XLIII - Rooted in Tradition
Saturday, May 3, 2025
‘Rooted in Tradition’ means something is firmly established and developed from long-standing customs or beliefs that have been passed down through generations. Marquette Academy embodies this — exceptional education rooted in tradition and Catholic values.
May Merriment is our most important fundraising event of the year. Proceeds will directly benefit our students, funding scholarships, enriching academic programs, extracurricular activities, and essential campus improvements that help us maintain a high standard of education.
We welcome your support and invite you to be a part of this important fundraising event! If you can't attend but would like to support our K-12 students, please consider participating in our online auction and purchasing a BIG CASH RAFFLE ticket. This is an integral part of our event. Tickets cost $100 for a chance to win the $25,000 grand prize or five other cash prizes!
On behalf of our students, faculty and staff, we thank you and look forward to celebrating with you on May 3, 2025, and to the positive impact we can create together.
Bid on auction items and purchase tickets here: www.bidpal.net/mmm43
View the auction catalog:
Download the Live Auction Proxy Bid Form
Committee Members
Megan and Casey Rick, Amanda and Tony Andreoni, Marline and Leon Backos
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WHAT IS MARQUETTE MAY MERRIMENT?
Many of you are quite familiar with the annual auction. Some 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 its 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!
Call Julie Verona with questions: 815-433-0125 extention 1017.