Preparations are in full swing for NDA’s biggest fundraising event–Tritonfest. The event will take place February 18, starting at 4:30 p.m. with mass in the chapel. 

Around 400 members of the NDA community are expected to attend.

The money raised during Tritonfest is used to fund new programs, purchase teacher supplies and lower the cost of tuition from $11,000 per student down to $7,300.

Director of Development Geno McKenna and Assistant Director Claire Teitz are in charge of Tritonfest, and explained, “We get parents, alumni, NDA teachers and staff all together to get acquainted, have fun and help our beloved NDA.”

The program will be hosted by Channel 2 news anchor Bill Jartz, who will run the live auction. Auction items include parking spots, braces from Dr. Edward Lin, a helmet signed by Packer Hall of Famer Jerry Kramer, Brewers tickets, and Mrs. Brown’s brownies. Last year the brownies sold for $800.

“We need to raise $187,000 to help NDA’s operating budget, but we are hoping to beat last year’s record of $366,500,” said McKenna.

The event begins with mass at 4:30 and a social hour afterwards. A catered dinner will be at 6 p.m. with the main event beginning at 7 p.m. in the main gym, which will look nothing like a gymnasium. All Tritonfest activities will conclude at 10:00.

Student volunteers are also needed to help run the event.

“We need student volunteers to check coats, sell raffle tickets and help after the function by picking up items for buyers,” said Teitz.

Any students that are interested in volunteering can pick up a form outside Mr. Kriegl’s office. Students will be given service hours as an extra incentive.

The theme for Tritonfest is “Give for Good,” which has been the theme for years. Teitz and McKenna explained they wanted to have a tagline people would remember.

This year’s parent chairs are Jeff and. Mary Burich, David Cuene, and Debbie Ruggles. Parent chairs are tasked with coordinating the committees, which include the live and silent auction, raffles and decorations. In addition, they raise money through sponsorships and do whatever else needed to make Tritonfest fun and profitable.