Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Marist Brothers Old Pupils Association (MBOPA) extends its immense gratitude to our community, partners and sponsors following the successful conclusion of its American Samoa Fundraising Campaign.

According to a press release from MBOPA, it travelled to American Samoa in the beginning of July 2026 to commence its Fund-raising initiatives. “It was an amazing, successful and a memorable event for us,” the organization states.

It wishes to especially acknowledge the American Samoa community, family and friends for their love and support. 

“First and foremost, MBOPA gives thanks and glory to our Heavenly Father. His divine protection, guidance and blessings were fully upon us throughout our three-day Fundraising initiative in American Samoa, aimed at the critical renovation of the St Joseph’s College, Centennial Hall.”

MBOPA takes this opportunity to express their most heartfelt appreciation to everyone who offered their generous support. It notes that “this milestone initiative would not have been the phenomenal success it was without the active participation, selfless contributions and prayers of the community. Your involvement made these events truly memorable.”

Notably, special emphasis is placed “on the unwavering love and backing received from our sponsors” — TAULA Beverages, Lau Afioga Faumuina Enele Westerlund and SILVA Group, Afioga Sala Leslie Silva and Afioga Fainu’ulelei Jacinta Silva.

“We truly believe, without your invaluable sponsorship and the Good Lord’s blessings, this fundraising mission would not have been possible,” which began when the initial campaign launched in Pago Pago in April 2026, all the way through months of preparations of the grand finale,

The raffle draw was held on July 4, 2026, at the Bowling Alley, and “the overwhelming level of assistance we received far exceeded our expectations, serving as a powerful testament to your shared commitment to our goals.”

MBOPA continues that the financial support raised will directly fund the renovation of the Centennial Hall. This project is vital to improving school campus facilities and ensuring we can successfully cater to the educational and structural needs of the students and staff at our beloved St. Joseph’s College.

The group were also deeply honored by the presence of His Grace the Bishop Kolio Tumanuvao Etuale, the Governor of American Samoa, Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula and First Lady Dr. Lois Phillips Pula and Miss American Samoa Tilomai Tauiliili at the Corporate Table Dinner. “Your attendance added immense dignity to the occasion and made the evening truly special and memorable for everyone involved.”

MBOPA further noted that its fundraising success would not have been possible without the generosity of the business community in Pago, which included the Tool Shop, KS Mart, Western Union at Nu’uuli, Samoa Money Transfer at Pago Pago, Fagatogo Market, GIAS and McDonald’s Family Restaurant. Additionally, they thank Bluesky- American Samoa for providing  free SIM cards to MBOPA’s entire team during their time in American Samoa.

They also extend their gratitude to their partners in Upolu, Samoa, acknowledging the support of Samoa’s Prime Minister La'auli Leuatea Schmidt and everyone who donated ‘ie toga’ for the trip such as our Patrons and members of the Clergy.

“We highly appreciate SSAB and Tanoa for providing generous discounts on our MBOPA uniforms, which our team proudly wore during the Corporate Table event. Through our network of schools and houses, the Marist family generously contributed all the essential supplies for the trip.

“A special note of gratitude goes to Reverend Sasa Satoa and the Marist fraternity in Pago Pago. Your commitment to our Marist Spirit and hands-on assistance from the very beginning to the end of this Fundraising initiative were vital to our success.”

Thank you all for standing with us every step of the way, MBOPA concluded.

MBOPA says it is still receiving donations from the fundraiser and will finalize the financial report when done.