Thank you for making Friday, November 14, extraordinary! Together, we celebrated generosity, style, and the heart of LuHi.

We honored Tom Holcomb with the 2025 Pro Deo et Schola Award, heard moving reflections from seniors Dominic and Kennedy on service, and raised important funds to support our students at LuHi. Because of the collective support of our LuHi Community, we achieved the highest net revenue in the 41-year history of Bid-for-Kids — over $190,000!  

See our sponsors, enjoy the Digital Journal, and relive the evening in the Flickr photo album below.

Bid-for-Kids XLI – VOGUE

Jericho Terrace, Mineola
Friday, November 14, 2025
6:30 PM
Attire: Black Tie or Vogue Chic

Auction Chairs: Tiffany Morales & Heather Ross

Thomas Holcomb
2025 Pro Deo et Schola Honoree

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, Tom Holcomb grew up surrounded by faith, love, hard work, and education. The eldest of three, he learned early the value of perseverance and purpose—lessons that would guide him through every chapter of life. His journey has been anything but ordinary: from construction sites to a decade of travel with Pan Am, and then more than 30 years at The New York Times, where he rose from Copy Boy to Software Engineer, developing tools that helped shape modern journalism.

After retiring in 2022, Tom leaned into his lifelong curiosity about wellness and the human spirit. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from The Swedish Institute’s Massage Therapy Program and became a Licensed Massage Therapist in 2024. A lifelong learner with a love for arts, culture, and connection, Tom continues to explore the art and science of bodywork, always seeking new ways to serve and grow.

Tom’s relationship with LuHi began when his daughters, Maya ’16 and Cassandra ’22, joined the school. What began as volunteering at post-camp cleanups soon grew into a deep and lasting commitment. He served as Family Association President before joining LuHi’s Board of Directors, where his thoughtful leadership and faith-driven perspective guided the community for nine years through leadership transitions and a pandemic. As a LuHi Board Emeriti, Tom remains a trusted voice and loyal supporter helping shape LuHi’s strategic direction.

Faith continues to anchor Tom’s life as a long-time devoted member of the Evangelical Church of the Good Shepherd in Roosevelt before moving to Westchester County. He has served in leadership and ministry with the same quiet strength and compassion he brings to every space he enters. Tom embodies the heart of the LuHi mission—living out Christian love through service, community, excellence, and faith. His life’s work and witness are a reflection of Pro Deo et Schola—“For God and School.”

smiling man posing for photo

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

What to Expect

  • Silent & Live Auctions with exclusive travel, luxury, and lifestyle packages
  • Specialty raffles & interactive experiences
  • Immersive theme & decor inspired by the pages of Vogue
  • Community-driven energy that powers LuHi’s future

Be Part of the Story

Your support powers financial aid, academic programs, mission-driven events, and campus enhancements that directly impact LuHi students. Let’s make the Bid-for-Kids XLI Gala our most transformative event yet.

Questions? Contact the Advancement Office at (516) 626-1700 x 580

A Look Back

Our 2024 gala, Reach for the Stars, was a stunning success thanks to our generous donors, bidders, sponsors, and Auction Chairs—Donielle Welti, Eleanor McKay, and Theresa Ross.