Each year, the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools hosts the Denim & Diamonds gala fundraiser. Denim & Diamonds ticket sales open March 15, and the event itself is scheduled for May 1.
“Food, entertainment, and swag bags can be picked up between 5-6:30 p.m. at Creekwood UMC,” Denim & Diamonds chair Casey Jones said. “The main event, aka our live auction, begins at 8:30 p.m.”
The Denim & Diamonds gala is planned as a virtual fundraiser this year. With the event taking place virtually, students will be able to attend this year for the first time and even win raffle prizes.
“For the first time ever, we had a unique opportunity to think creatively and present a fun and engaging experience for various size groups of supporters both within and beyond our district,” Jones said. “We have heard so much excited buzz across the community, and we anticipate a record number of ticket sales.”
Attendees can choose between four different packages for different sized groups, as well as three different restaurant options: Maggiano’s Little Italy, Mi Cocina or Sugarfire Smoke House BBQ to pick up food.
“I am just most happy that this is for the district, and that it’ll be us students who are benefiting from this,” sophomore Bryce Bobo said.
Raffle prizes include a Peloton bike, an Apple MacBook Pro, a 55 inch Frame TV, a PlayStation 5 with gaming accessories and a hotel stay in the Disney area for seven nights and eight people. Several entertainment events are also planned outside of the main auction and raffle drawings, including murder mystery games, card games, and other party games.
“I am thankful that the foundation came up with such a creative solution so that people can bond and participate in a safe manner,” parent Elizabeth Goertz said. “I think it’s fun that families can participate together, which would be a first, but also people can get together in smaller groups across the district to participate.”
As it is each year, funds raised from the gala go toward the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools.
“I love that virtual Denim & Diamonds will be so similar to what we know D and D to be—food, fun, fellowship and fundraising,” Goertz said.
