Verbum Dei Jesuit High School invites you to join us on Thursday, March 26, 2026, for the 21st Annual President’s Gala—our premier fundraising event of the year.
5:30 p.m. • Registration & Cocktails
7:00 p.m. • Dinner & Awards
8:30 p.m. • Rooftop Desserts & Soirée
Registration
Honorees
Carlos & Karina Herrera
Carlos & Karina Herrera
Carlos and Karina Herrera are longstanding mission-driven champions in their commitment to Verbum Dei Jesuit High School, demonstrating their dedication through service in action, the promotion of dignity, and the creation of opportunities for others. Through their compassionate support, they model a deep faith-based belief in the transformation and hope that mirrors Verbum Dei’s mission to form young men for and with others.
Carlos serves on the Verbum Dei Board of Directors, leads the Herrera Family Office, and is the Founder and CEO of Interior Removal Specialist (IRS DEMO), widely recognized as a leading industry interior demolition company that promotes a mission-driven culture of professional excellence and invests in developing those in need of second-chance opportunities. Karina leads the Herrera Family Foundation, delivering life-changing resources across Baja California through strategic partnerships with organizations that uplift underserved communities. Together, Carlos and Karina embody a shared commitment to justice, compassion, and enduring impact.
Charles 'Chip' Caldwell
Charles 'Chip' Caldwell
Charles “Chip” Caldwell, a proud alumnus of Loyola High School, Class of 1962, has been a steadfast champion of Catholic and Jesuit education for decades. For nearly 20 years, Chip has been deeply involved with Verbum Dei Jesuit High School, leaving an enduring mark on its mission and sustainability. He is widely recognized as a pioneer of Verbum Dei’s Sponsor-A-Scholar Program, a transformative initiative that has provided countless young men with access to a rigorous, values-centered education.
Chip’s generosity, vision, and long-term commitment have helped ensure that Verbum Dei continues its Jesuit legacy of forming young men rooted in faith and committed to justice. As a graduate of Loyola High School, Chip embodies the lifelong impact of a Jesuit education and the call to lead through service. His unwavering dedication reflects the Ignatian ideals of faith in action, accompaniment, and responsibility to future generations—making him a most fitting recipient of the Ignatian Legacy Award.
Kirkland & Ellis
Kirkland & Ellis
For 22 years, Kirkland & Ellis LLP has been a valued corporate partner of Verbum Dei Jesuit High School, demonstrating a sustained commitment to education, opportunity, and workforce development. Through its partnership with Verbum Dei’s Corporate Work Study Program, the firm has employed and mentored more than 100 Verbum Dei Eagles, providing students with meaningful professional experience, dedicated mentorship, and early exposure to the legal profession.
This partnership is further strengthened by the leadership of Mark Holscher, a partner at Kirkland & Ellis and a member of the Verbum Dei Board of Directors, whose service reflects the firm’s deep investment in the school’s mission. Equally vital are the attorneys and staff at Kirkland & Ellis who work closely with students each week, supporting, challenging, and encouraging each Eagle to grow and ensuring the continued success of the program. Together, their commitment extends far beyond employment; it reflects a belief in potential, preparation, and the power of access, helping students build confidence, develop critical skills, and chart pathways to future success.
In addition, Maryanne Patton, Senior Director of Administration at Kirkland & Ellis, plays a key coordinating and supportive role, helping ensure students feel welcomed, prepared, and positioned to thrive. Building on this foundation, each student is supported by dedicated attorneys and staff teams focused on fostering strong support systems and sustaining meaningful relationships that continue as students transition to and through college.
Sponsors
OUR SPONSORS
PRESENTED BY:
ADVOCATE Sponsor:
PARTNER Sponsors:
Charles 'Chip' Caldwell
Joe & Ellie Dunn
SCHOLARSHIP Sponsors:
Michael & Annette Clifford
Jan Clifford
John & Barbara Heffernan
Joe & Emily Viola
GOLD Sponsor
Anonymous
SPOTLIGHT STORY Sponsor:
Kelly & Thalia Doherty
RAISE THE BAR Sponsor:
Mike & Kathleen McRoskey
Pat & Kathy McRoskey
VINE & VERBUM Sponsor:
Scott & Kim Wendelin
JC VALET Sponsor:
Mary Beth Woods
CENTER STAGE Sponsor:
Become A Sponsor
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
- Presenting | $100,000 | 20 seats, title recognition, speaking role at event, private dinner with the President of VDJHS, logo on event/website/social, full-page digital ad
- Advocate | $50,000 | 16 seats, signature cocktail named in your honor, logo on event/website/social, full-page digital ad
- Partner | $25,000 | 10 seats, signature dessert named in your honor, logo on event/website/social, full-page digital ad
- Scholarship | $10,000 | 8 seats, logo on event/website/social, full-page digital ad
- Diamond | $7,500 | 6 seats, logo on event/website/social, half-page digital ad
- Gold | $5,000 | 4 seats, logo on event/website/social, half-page digital ad
- Silver | $2,500 | 2 seats, logo on event/website/social, half-page digital ad
UNDERWRITING SPONSORSHIPS
Each underwriting sponsorship helps offset event costs—ensuring every dollar raised directly supports the cost of education for Verbum Dei’s 300 students.- [SOLD OUT]
Spotlight Story | $15,000| 8 seats, sponsor event videos & photography - Story in Print | $7,500 | 6 seats, sponsor event printing
- [SOLD OUT]
Raise the Bar | $7,500| 6 seats, sponsor the cocktail reception - [SOLD OUT]
Vine & Verbum | $5,000| 4 seats, sponsor evening's wine service - [SOLD OUT]
JC Valet | $5,000| 4 seats, sponsor valet service - [SOLD OUT]
Center Stage | $3,500| 2 seats, sponsor the event décor/florals
Gala Committee
FAQs
- What is the President’s Gala Awards Dinner?
- What is this year’s focus or theme?
- Who attends the President’s Gala?
- Is the event open to the public?
- When and where is the Gala?
- What happens during the Gala?
- Who is honored at the President’s Gala?
What is the President’s Gala Awards Dinner?
What is this year’s focus or theme?
Who attends the President’s Gala?
Is the event open to the public?
When and where is the Gala?
What happens during the Gala?
Who is honored at the President’s Gala?
Each year, Verbum Dei recognizes individuals and organizations who exemplify what it means to fully and holistically support the mission of the school. Honorees are celebrated for their commitment to education, opportunity, and the long-term success of Verbum Dei students.
This year, we are honoring Carlos & Karina Herrera, Charles 'Chip' Caldwell, and Kirkland & Ellis (Corporate Partner).