Get Your Western Glam on at the Great Hearts Gala

October 21, 2024 -

Great Hearts Arizona is excited to announce the 7th annual Great Hearts Gala, “Classical Roots and Western Boots,” presented by Great Clips. This annual event will take place on the evening of Friday, November 1st, at The Van Buren in the heart of downtown Phoenix. The Gala is the largest fundraising event for the Teacher Excellence Fund, which awards bonus compensation to Great Hearts’ outstanding Arizona teachers every December.

As of the writing of this article, only 75 tickets remain for this incredible night. Purchase them now to secure your spot for an evening of music, food, dancing, live entertainment, and more!

This year’s event is co-chaired by Anthony and Desarae Puchta from Great Hearts Glendale and Tom and Valerie Spengler from Great Hearts Cicero. Together, they are helping to lead the charge in raising funds to support our incredible educators.

Guests will be treated to an exclusive live performance by Chayce Beckham, the winner of American Idol Season 19. Known for his heartfelt storytelling and rugged country voice, Beckham has risen to fame with his instant hit and chart-topping single “23.” Since winning American Idol, Beckham has toured with country music stars such as Luke Bryan and Jimmie Allen, solidifying his place in the industry. His performance is sure to add an unforgettable touch to this year’s Gala.

The evening will also feature live auctions with a range of exciting experiences up for grabs. One unique auction item is “Headmaster for the Day!” This special experience allows the winning student to shadow their Headmaster, preside over morning announcements, attend meetings, and even dismiss homework for the evening. The winning family will also enjoy a lunch with the Superintendent of Great Hearts Arizona and their academy headmaster. The starting bid for this item is $1,500.00. This is one of several live auction experiences and will be available exclusively for bidding during the Gala itself.

There are also silent auction items that are open for online bidding NOW! These items are open to everyone, whether attending the Gala or not.

One standout silent auction item is the Island Getaway package, donated by Elite Island Resort. The winning bidder will choose one experience from several breathtaking resort destinations, including Hammock Cove Antigua, Verandah Antigua, St. James’s Club and Villas, Pineapple Beach Club, Galley Bay Resort and Spa, Los Establos Boutique Resort in Panama, or The Club Barbados. The package includes 7-10 nights of luxurious accommodations for up to three rooms, with bids starting at $650.00. Airfare and transportation are not included, and an all-inclusive supplement may be required.

For those looking to experience the country life, the Saddle Up! package is another silent auction item that offers a taste of the ranch. This package includes two horseback riding lessons with a t-shirt from Matthew Roberts Stables and one pass for horseback riding for two at MacDonald’s Ranch, with a starting bid of only $150.00.

The Coffin & Trout Fine Jewellers Diamond Drawing is back this year and they are offering a special pre-purchase discount on 3 Diamond Drawing Tickets for a chance to win a stunning 1.80 carat, round brilliant cut diamond, CIA graded with I color, SI1 clarity, and an excellent cut. To take advantage of this exclusive offer, tickets must be purchased online before Thursday, October 31st, at 5:00 PM. Special pricing will not be available the night of the Gala, so be sure to pre-purchase your tickets in advance. The winner will be chosen at random and announced prior to Chayce Beckham’s performance.

In addition to the live music and auctions, attendees can enjoy dancing, delicious food, and beverages while celebrating and supporting the Great Hearts mission. Guests are encouraged to dress in semi-formal/country glam attire. Tickets are limited, so secure yours today by visiting GreatHeartsGala.org or contacting Keara Marsh at Keara.Marsh@GreatHearts.org.

Last year, over $920,000 was awarded to Arizona’s most valued teachers through the Teacher Excellence Fund, and we aim to surpass that number this year. Even if you’re unable to attend the Gala, you can still contribute by donating to the Teacher Excellence Fund throughout the year.

Join us in celebrating and supporting our dedicated teachers while enjoying an unforgettable night of western-themed entertainment.

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contact jason.moore@greathearts.org.