Join us on Friday, November 13, 2026, for the 42nd Annual LuHi Bid-for-Kids Auction Gala!
The evening begins at 6:00 p.m. at Jericho Terrace in Mineola, as we gather to celebrate this year’s
Pro Deo et Schola Honoree, LuHi alumnus and Board Emeritus Christopher Nicholas ’91.
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of fellowship, exciting auction experiences, and inspiring stories, all while supporting Christ-centered education and investing in the lives of LuHi students. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Bid-for-Kids XLII
Winter Wonderland
Jericho Terrace, Mineola
Friday, November 13, 2026
6:00 PM
Attire: Black Tie or Evening Attire
Auction Chairs: Tiffany Morales & Heather Ross
Honoring Chris Nicholas ’91
2026 Pro Deo et Schola Award Recipient
Chris Nicholas is a proud graduate of Long Island Lutheran High School, Class of 1991. During his years at LuHi, he was a three-year member of the Varsity Boys Basketball team and competed on the Boys Cross Country and Track & Field teams. He was an active member of H.A.R.T. (Helping And Reaching Teens), reflecting an early commitment to serving and encouraging others. Following graduation, Chris earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from Colgate University and later received his Master of Business Administration from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Chris began his professional career at Deutsche Bank in Manhattan, where over the course of ten years he held a variety of client-facing leadership roles within Private Wealth Management and Asset Management. He currently serves as Head of Marketing and Investor Relations at Palliser Capital.
Chris’s commitment to LuHi has extended well beyond his years as a student. In 2017, he was honored as one of LuHi’s Alumni of the Year and joined the Board of Directors. Over three terms of Board service, including the past four years as President of the Board, Chris has provided steadfast leadership through a period of significant strategic growth and transformation. In 2019, he was also honored with the Rev. Ed Visscher Award in recognition of his dedicated service to young people.
Beyond his professional and community commitments, family remains at the center of Chris’s life. He and his wife, Dana, have been married for twenty years and have two children: Lincoln, a freshman at Seton Hall University, and Taylor, a junior at Montclair High School.
In recognition of his faithful leadership, exceptional service, and enduring commitment to Christian education, Chris Nicholas is the recipient of the 2026 Pro Deo et Schola Award, the highest honor bestowed by Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School. Meaning “For God and School,” the award honors individuals whose lives exemplify servant leadership, unwavering faith, and a lasting investment in future generations.
Relive the Night!
See the joy, excitement, and community spirit that made the evening unforgettable.
Click here to see more photos from this special evening!
Special Thanks to our 2025 Sponsors!
Youpeng Wang
Maria & Tim Beckett ’95
Susan Cusick-Carpenter ’78 & Jeff Carpenter
The Duckett Family
The Jericho Terrace – Christa & Mickey King ’99
Christine Lombardo ’00 & Chris Prokopowicz ’00
Amy & Mike Longo
The Metropolitan New York Synod, ELCA
The Quezada Family
Antun’s of Queens Village – Joseph King
The Atlantic District of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS)
Capell Barnett Matalon & Schoenfeld LLP – Renato Matos
Karen & Bryan Hallock
HIGHSTREET – Larry Callahan
The Kuman Family
Jessica ’98 & Doug Raba
Karla & Chris Sorenson ’99
Sentinel Innovation – Glen Boehmer
Laura Bauer
Dyan & Chet Barton
Judy & Rev. Dr. David Benke
Concentrics – Andy Mozenter
Margaret & Andrew Goldman
Kelly Hill
Jetco Graphics – Anthony Costanzo
Jostens – James Oszlak
Denise Louther-Williams
Lutheran Church Extension Fund – Dan Brown
Lutheran Counseling Center
Alycia Morell
JoAnn & William O’Brien
Pavemaster Asphalt & Sealing
Philip Ross Industries – Philip Carlucci
Reliance Group, Inc.
SFC Estate Coaching – Craig Mellendorf
SLA Management – Dan Watterson
Thrivent
Jean & Rev. Dr. Charles Vogeley
