Tampa Catholic Alumnus Announces $7 Million Gift

TAMPA, FL -- Former ConnectWise CEO Arnie Bellini, a 1976 graduate of Tampa Catholic High School, has presented a $7 million gift to his alma mater, the single largest gift to a Catholic school in Florida history and one of the largest to any Florida school.

Bellini made the announcement in the Tampa Catholic High School gymnasium Thursday during an assembly of students, parents, alumni and faculty.

The school plans to use the gift to construct the Bellini Center for the Arts intended to provide students with digital arts skills.

Bellini, who sold ConnectWise earlier this year to a Silicon Valley private equity firm, credited the high school with giving him the tools to become a successful entrepreneur.

”Our family hopes this will inspire other donors to help us make innovative education a differentiator in Tampa so we can grow talent and keep talent right here, and fill the gap where so many cuts are being made in education budgets," Bellini said.

“For more than 50 years, Tampa Catholic has built upon our traditions of faith, excellence and family by offering a superior high school experience to all our students,” said Robert Lees, Tampa Catholic principal. “Mr. Bellini’s gift will transform the face of education at Tampa Catholic and impact the entire community for generations to come. His generosity is a wonderful example of leadership that we hope others will follow.”