We have much to be thankful for here at Cristo Rey Jesuit, and we are constantly reminded of it through the many ways that people support our school, our students and our mission.

On Friday, November 20th, the students and staff shared a Thanksgiving feast of Italian food, thanks to the generosity and incredible culinary skills of Strake Jesuit’s Amigas Mother’s Club. This group of Latina ladies prepared a delicious meal, delivered it to the school, and served it to the students during their lunch period. The cafeteria smelled just like an Italian restaurant! The students came in to the Cristo Rey Café, rushed to form a line and patiently waited for the ladies of Amigas to fill their plates with a medley of spaghetti with meat sauce, lasagna, chicken tetrazzini, salad and bread. The line seemed endless as students quickly returned for seconds, then thirds, and even fourths.

Students could be heard saying, “I love the lasagna!” and “The chicken dish is my favorite.”

The ladies of Amigas had previously contacted Mr. Raul Navarro, Associate Director of the Corporate Work-Study Program, asking how they could support Cristo Rey Jesuit. Mr. Navarro suggested that the ladies bring the students lunch one day. Cristo Rey Jesuit does not have a functional kitchen, and many of our students come without a lunch. The school provides one sandwich, a bag of chips, and a drink for most students every school day.

“The sandwiches are appreciated,” said Mr. Navarro. “But the special treat of having a hot meal would be enjoyed by all.” The ladies of Amigas quickly went into action and organized the meal.

Another example of generosity occurred on Monday, November 23rd, when two siblings, Leila and Paolo Ruiz, delivered 85 dictionaries and thesauruses to Cristo Rey Jesuit. Leila, a sophomore at St. Agnes Academy, and Paolo, a junior at Strake Jesuit, were moved by the story of Cristo Rey Jesuit that was told to them by their Aunt Bee(Dickson), the Development Director at Cristo Rey Jesuit. Leila and Paolo took to telling the Cristo Rey Jesuit story in the best way they knew how –they launched a campaign on FACEBOOK!!! Within weeks, the brother and sister had collected enough money to purchase the dictionaries AND even had some cash left over.

See the photos of these future Development Directors presenting Dr. Thomas and Fr. Martinez with the extra funds received from their social-networking-based fundraising efforts (Maybe Aunt Bee should be taking some notes!). The funds will be used to assist with the food service needs of the school. Thank you Leila and Paolo!