Seymour's Sandino Verrelli was inducted into the Notre Dame High School Alumni Hall of Fame last month.
FAIRFIELD – On Thursday, Sept. 21, Notre Dame High School hosted the 2023 Lancer Legacy Gala at the Sacred Heart University Guest House in Fairfield, CT. Each year, the event pays homage to alumni, family and friends who have made a significant positive impact within their communities. Also serving as a fundraiser, the Gala raised over $30,000 in support of Notre Dame students.
“This year’s event was a special showing of love and support,” said Notre Dame Principal Christopher Cipriano. “With over two hundred attendees, our 2023 Gala was the largest one yet. It was touching to see so many members of the community participate in an evening that provides a powerful reminder of the remarkable degree to which stewardship and leadership traits are installed in our students decade after decade. I look forward to continuing our annual celebration of character, faith and intellect for many years to come.”
In attendance was Seymour resident Sandino Verrelli ‘92, who was inducted into the Notre Dame High School Alumni Hall of Fame for his work with Project Purple.
After Notre Dame, Dino graduated from Roger Williams University and was on track to pursue a successful career in finance. He got married, started a family and opened his own business. Then in 2008, Dino’s father, Giovanni, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Giovanni fought the disease bravely and recovered only to have the cancer return just a few years later.
Accompanying his father on this journey, Dino witnessed the toll the disease took on patients and their families. Not surprisingly, this period was transformative and he chose to take the experience and begin a new story focused on helping people who are suffering from the same disease that ultimately took his dad’s life.
In 2010, Dino founded Project Purple.
Since then, with Dino serving as CEO, the nonprofit has raised millions to offer support, hope, and research funding to pancreatic cancer patients and their families. Project Purple remains committed to advancing its mission until the disease is eradicated.
The Lancer Legacy Gala is an important fundraising event that ensures Notre Dame students continue to receive the exceptional education that sets the Lancer community apart. Questions can be sent to Nick Grew at: ngrew@notredame.org.
