Monday, March 16, 2026
6:30-9:30 pm
Kindly RSVP by March 4, 2026
Host
ADAM PALLY
Actor & Comedian
Featured Speakers
DR. SCOTT GAYNOR
Head of School, Stephen Gaynor School
MEGAN HOGAN
Global Co-Head of Talent and Chief Diversity Officer at Goldman Sachs
NICK KENNER ’90
Founder & CEO, Just Salad
STEVE MADDEN
Founder & Design Chief, Steve Madden, Ltd
Gala Committee
MINDY PRICE and ALLIE SHAPIRO
Gala Co-Chairs
CHARLOTTE BEN-DAVID
LORIE BROSER
REBECCA CHIA
ANUSHA DANDAPANI
SHERI FARBER
ALANA FRANKFORT
REGINA GROSSMAN
HOLLY LANE
EMILY LEMBO
TAYLOR NEIDITCH
DANIELLA PALLY
LATANYA PHELPS
ANDIE PRINCE
ALEXIS RUBIN
GARA SCHWARTZ
MICHELLE SILVER
KATY WILLIAMSON
MANON ZENTNER
Event Experience
Dining Stations
Auction & Paddle Raise
GALA TICKET & DONOR LEVELS
*Please note that availability is limited at all underwriting levels.
MARQUEE
$25,000
Premium seating for 10 guests. This ticket underwrites 10 faculty/staff tickets.
A Marquee donor provides exceptional leadership support for Gaynor’s faculty and students.
Spotlight
$10,000
Prime seating for 8 guests. This ticket underwrites 10 faculty/staff tickets.
A Spotlight donor makes it possible for a large group of Gaynor educators to attend this meaningful event.
Supporter
$5,000
Preferred seating for 5 guests. This ticket underwrites 5 faculty/staff tickets.
A Supporter strengthens the Gaynor community by bringing families and educators together.
Advocate
$2,500
Two Gala tickets and writing for 2 faculty/staff tickets.
An Advocate expands access for the teachers and staff who bring Gaynor’s mission to life.
Mentor
$1,500
Two Gala Tickets and underwriting for 2 faculty/staff tickets.
A Mentor ensures that Gaynor educators can be part of this celebration and is a meaningful way to connect and give back.
Single Ticket
$350
One ticket to the Gala
Young Alumni Ticket
$100
One ticket to the Gala
CORPORATE Sponsorship Opportunities
*Please note that availability is limited at all underwriting levels.
PREMIER UNDERWRITER
$100,000
All benefits of the Presenting Sponsor Level, plus:
- Exclusive branding on all Gala gift bags
- Name/logo on all event collateral including signage, step & repeat, and digital screens
- Full-page back color ad in the program (exclusive placement)
- Most prominent branding across all Gala communications and branding
PRESENTING SPONSOR
$50,000
All benefits of the Marquee Sponsor Level, plus:
- Front-row seating for 20 guests
- Underwrites attendance for 20 faculty/staff
- Prominent brand recognition on all Gala materials
- Full-page inside cover ad in the program (premium placement)
- Verbal recognition during the Gala program
- Special event-night signage
MARQUEE SPONSOR
$25,000
All benefits of the Spotlight Sponsor Level, plus:
- Premium seating for 10 guests
- Underwrites 10 faculty/staff
- Brand recognition on Gala website, publicity materials, and event program
- Full-page custom ad in program
- Opportunity to provide guests with a parting gift
- Special recognition on night of event
- Recognition in post-Gala communications
SPOTLIGHT SPONSOR
$10,000
All benefits of the Supporting Sponsor Level, plus:
- Prime seating for 8 guests
- Underwrites 10 teachers, with recognition in program
- Half-page ad in Gala program
- Digital ad on event screens and special recognition during the event
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
$5,000
- Preferred seating for 5 guests
- Underwrites attendance for 5 teachers
- Digital ad displayed during the event
- Recognition in the Gala program
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Gaynor Gala will take place on Monday, March 16, 2026, from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Pier Sixty! The evening will feature delicious food, specialty cocktails, stories from members of the Gaynor community, a short live auction/paddle raise, and endless fun.
What should we expect at the Gala?
- Food will be served buffet style around the space with heavy passed hors d’oeuvres circulating
- The event will feature speeches from several different members of the Gaynor community, a short live auction/paddle raise, as well as plenty of time to mingle and enjoy the venue
- Guests who purchase special packages or “tables” will have designated seating areas and other perks.
- Every attendee will have a bracelet identifying the color of their cluster.
Why is the Gala so important?
- It is our largest community event and only major fundraiser.
- Current parents, past parents, newly accepted parents, alumni, grandparents, and friends come together to build relationships and celebrate Gaynor.
- All proceeds from the event go toward supporting special initiatives at the school. This year, the focus is on growing our Endowment to continue supporting faculty professional development and student programs.
What should I wear?
The vibe is “business dress/cocktail attire.” Feel free to dress however you feel comfortable for mingling and enjoying the party!
Why should we purchase a table?
- We encourage those who can to purchase a table/underwriting package.
- These sponsorships allow our faculty and staff to attend the event at no cost.
- Hosting a table allows you to invite friends and relatives to the event to celebrate Gaynor, providing a designated space for them to gather.
- Lastly, table sponsorship offers a larger tax deduction than purchasing individual tickets and makes a big impact on our fundraising efforts.
Why purchase individual tickets?
- There are tiers of individual and pairs of tickets to fit different budgets.
- Many options include underwriting for faculty and staff tickets.
- Purchasing individual tickets might be the right choice for you don’t have a seating preference. Individual ticket holders will have open seating options.
I’ve been invited to sit at a hosted table. What other ways can I support Gaynor that evening?
You can make a lasting impact by raising your paddle during the paddle raise; all donations will support the Endowment.
What if I have a group of families I want to sit with?
If you plan to attend the gala with a group, purchasing a ticket/table package is the best way to ensure you will be seated together.
Financial Assistance is available for those with currently awarded tuition assistance. Please contact Joan Halligan, Director of Institutional Advancement, for tickets.
Questions?
Contact gaynorgala@stephengaynor.org
