Special Events
At LuHi, we are committed to engaging our community through exciting and impactful events. Your participation helps us fund critical projects that support our students and shape the future of our school. Whether through volunteerism, giving, sponsorship, or attendance, your involvement leads us toward significant renewal and continued excellence for all members of the LuHi family.
Bid-for-Kids Auction Gala
Each fall, the LuHi community gathers for an evening of purpose, generosity, and unforgettable fun at the Bid-for-Kids Auction Gala—our largest fundraiser of the year. This cherished tradition provides vital support for tuition assistance, academic and co-curricular programs, and campus enhancements that directly enrich the student experience and advance LuHi’s mission.
Bid-for-Kids XLI, themed The LuHi Issue: VOGUE, took place on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Jericho Terrace and generated a record net income of more than $190,000. Chaired by parents Tiffany Morales and Heather Ross, the evening was filled with style, sparkle, and spirited generosity. Proceeds from the event made an immediate and meaningful impact, helping ensure access to a LuHi education, strengthening classroom and program excellence, and supporting continued investment in our campus.
We were also honored to present the 2025 Pro Deo et Schola Award—LuHi’s highest honor, meaning “for God and school”—to Tom Holcomb, Board Emeritus and alumni parent, in recognition of his extraordinary service and dedication to LuHi.
Save the date for Bid-for-Kids XLII on Friday, November 13, 2026, as Co-Chairs Tiffany Morales and Heather Ross again lead the way toward another exceptionally successful event at Jericho Terrace, Mineola. An exciting new theme will be announced soon—mark your calendars and prepare for another extraordinary evening in support of our students and mission.
Relive the Night!
Explore photos and highlights that capture the joy, generosity, and community spirit of the evening.
Click here to see more photos from this special evening!
LuHi Open & Rev. Visscher Awards
On Thursday, June 25, LuHi supporters gathered at Brookville Country Club for the 38th Annual LuHi Open and Rev. Ed Visscher Awards Dinner. It was a beautiful day filled with sunshine, friendly competition on the course, and meaningful celebration, all in support of LuHi’s mission.
That evening, guests gathered for dinner and fellowship to hear updates on LuHi’s vision for the future through the Shine On Strategic Plan and the continued progress of the Rise.Shine. Campaign. The night concluded with the presentation of the Rev. Ed Visscher Award to two distinguished leaders in law.
Renato Matos and Derek Sells ’81 were honored with the Rev. Ed Visscher Award, which recognizes individuals who make a meaningful difference in the lives of children. Renato does this through his steadfast counsel and support of churches and faith-based organizations throughout the New York metropolitan area, helping strengthen the communities that nurture young people in faith and life. Through his ongoing legal counsel and support of LuHi’s mission, he has become a trusted partner to the school. During his acceptance remarks, Renato reflected on his humble beginnings, sharing how the sacrifices of his parents and the gift of a Christian education shaped the course of his life. In a touching tribute, he remarked that the true recipients of the award were his father and his late mother, whose faith, perseverance, and unwavering love made his journey possible.
Derek, through his work in trial advocacy, has dedicated his career to standing up for those who have been wronged and securing justice on behalf of his clients. His connection to LuHi began when his father coached alongside Rev. Ed Visscher and continued as a student, alumnus, generous philanthropist, member of LuHi’s Board of Directors, and now incoming Board Chair. During his remarks, Derek shared one of Rev. Visscher’s enduring lessons: it is not simply practice that leads to excellence, but perfect practice. That principle has guided his life and career, while the LuHi community has remained a source of encouragement and belonging. In distinct yet equally powerful ways, Renato and Derek use their professional gifts to serve others while exemplifying the faith, service, integrity, and compassion that Rev. Visscher championed throughout his life.
Thank you to all who attended, sponsored, volunteered, and supported this year’s LuHi Open, which raised more than $125,000 for the LuHi Fund as the 2026 fiscal year came to a close. Your generosity helps ensure that LuHi students continue to grow, thrive, and lead with purpose. Join us for next year’s LuHi Open on Thursday, June 24, 2027!
Relive the Day
Campaign Celebrations & Milestones
Other celebrations at LuHi center around advancing and celebrating the progress of our comprehensive Rise.Shine. Campaign. The most recent campaign gathering, Shine On: Celebrating Our Past, Shaping Our Future, was held on January 23. This special event honored former Board members granted Emeritus Status in recognition of their faithful service through three full three-year terms of leadership at Long Island Lutheran. These dedicated leaders helped shape LuHi’s past and positioned the school to thrive today and into the future. Head of School Emeritus Dr. David Hahn joined the celebration, participating in the induction of these distinguished members of the LuHi family.
During the evening, Head of School John Buck ’02 unveiled highlights of the new Shine On Strategic Plan, offering a compelling vision for LuHi’s future. He also announced major campaign gifts totaling $1.25 million, bringing the Rise.Shine. Campaign to $10.9 million toward its $15 million goal and marking significant progress that underscores the extraordinary generosity and confidence of the LuHi community.
Relive & Celebrate These Leaders
View photos and reflections from this special evening honoring visionary leadership and generosity.
