This year’s 93rd annual Loyola Mothers’ Guild Luncheon occurred on May 3. The event hosted 662 Loyola mothers, and many of their sons served food and sang together. Additionally, the Father’s Club attended the event to instruct the waiters.
The luncheon was held in an ornate Caruso Hall, with dozens of dining tables decorated according to themes ranging from “Cub Boat” to “Pan-Am.” The tables were divided either by neighborhood or by sport. Another significant part of the event is the pop-up store, where Cubs can buy swag designed by the Mothers’ Guild with the support of Cub Corner.
The big day kicked off with outdoor food and beverage stands, where each table prepared sips and snacks in correlation to the theme of each. Next, while the waiters attended a meeting in Otero, the mothers were called to their seats, and Fr. Gregory Goethals, S.J. ‘73 commenced a passionate opening prayer. Then, dozens of waiters emerged from the kitchen bearing Chinese chicken salad and refreshments for all. Finally, they brought dessert and proceeded to sing “I am Loyola” to end the event.
Tucker Van Metter ‘28, a waiter, recalled, “This event reminded me of Loyola’s core values, especially ‘committed to justice’ since everyone pitched in.”
The whole preparation process started in October, when each table formed group chats and teams of mothers brainstormed each aspect of the table. Amongst these mothers is Julie Tendoesschate, Creative Director of the Aquatics Table and mother of water polo senior Tucker Tendoesschate ‘25. She oversees the operation and manages everything from the food and beverage stand to attendees’ reservations. She designed the “Cub Boat” theme and helped to set up the table before the luncheon.
Tendoesschate had also been the Creative Director for last year’s luncheon, which took place outside. She preferred this year’s event since, as she stated, “The old tables were vignettes, where you could only look inside. The tables come to life this year since you eat in them and design everything there. It’s a more rewarding process.”
Both Van Metter and Tendoesschate would recommend this experience to incoming freshman parents, due to its sense of community and teamwork, as well as the valuable mom-bonding time and new friendships it offers.
