By the Bay 2025 Gala Raises $1.16 Million for AHN Students

On Saturday, March 29, 2025, the Academy of the Holy Names community gathered at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street for our annual fundraising gala, By the Bay. The event brought together parents, alumni, Sisters, trustees, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends to celebrate and support the students of AHN. The night was an overwhelming success, raising more than $1.16 million to benefit the Academy!

Support for the gala was led by Ellison Companies, our 2025 title sponsor. Special thanks to the Ellisons for their generosity. We also extend our deepest appreciation to our presenting sponsors, The Clendenin Family, ReliaQuest, Renée and Brian Murphy, and Cherie and Harvey Schonbrun, whose support made this event possible.

In addition to our generous sponsors, the wider Academy community came together to provide exceptional patron-level and in-kind support. We are especially grateful to Botanica Design Studio for the stunning decor that transformed the event space, and Carte Blanche for providing wine at the tables and bars. Your contributions made the evening unforgettable.

The night was filled with moments that showcased the incredible talent and generosity of the AHN community. During the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed music from the AHN String Quartet and played a Plinko-style game, created and operated by our JagWires Robotics Team. As dinner was served, the high school cast of Mamma Mia! performed two numbers from this year’s spring musical, adding energy and excitement to the evening.

A highlight of the night was an emotional live program in which current and former students honored Mrs. Jennifer Reina Epps ’84, who will retire from AHN’s Pre-K classroom this May after 31 years of service. Mrs. Epps shared the inspiring story of our founding Sisters, who arrived in Tampa in 1881 with just $5.10 to start the Academy. Her moving speech sparked leading gifts from Renée and Brian Murphy, who made a generous commitment of $125,005.10, followed by a $50,000 gift from Ana and Alex Santos. The live paddle raise that followed was truly electrifying, with guests generously contributing over $374,000 in support of AHN students.

Molly Smith '88, Director of Advancement, shared, “The By the Bay gala has become one of the premier fundraising events in the Tampa Bay region. The energy and support in the ballroom on Saturday night were a testament to the genuine love for the Academy and the deep appreciation for the exceptional education AHN provides its students. The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary laid the foundation for this mission in 1881, and it’s truly inspiring to see how their vision continues to flourish today."

This event would not have been possible without the dedication and leadership of Kate Caldarelli, our planning chair, and Haley Miller, our immediate past chair. Their tireless efforts, along with the work of their auction committee, were instrumental in the event’s success.

As we reflect on the tremendous success of By the Bay 2025, we are deeply grateful for the support and love shown by our Academy community. We look forward to celebrating with you again next year! Please save the date for the 2026 By the Bay Gala on March 28, 2026.

Thank you to all who made this event a success. Your generosity is making a lasting impact on the future of AHN.

Click here to view the 2025 photo gallery.

Click here to view the highlight video.