Great Hearts Gala, 2016

Great Hearts recently held its inaugural fundraising Gala supporting teacher training and development across its network of 23 academies in Arizona.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with this magnificent event. Our teachers bring our classrooms and curriculum to life, and we are so pleased to use the monies raised to provide them continuing development and support, not only strengthening the entire Great Hearts network of schools, but properly honoring and cultivating these individuals who dedicate their lives to this work,” said Katie Cobb, Great Hearts’ SVP for Advancement. “We are so thankful for our many sponsors and the nearly 600 attendees for their support of this event and Great Hearts Academies.”

Caribe Devine, weeknight meteorologist for 12 News in Phoenix emceed the event and kept the audience engaged throughout the evening.

Keynote speaker Dr. Bill Bennett, one of America’s most influential and respected voices on education, addressed a VIP reception prior to the main event and then took the stage with Great Hearts students and teachers for a question and answer session that was about the state of education today. There was great energy in the room as attendees enjoyed the exchange and had a chance to hear first-hand from some of the wonderful students and teachers representing Great Hearts.

“The success of the event is truly due to the more than 50 sponsors who gave so generously, including APS, Arizona Bank & Trust, Duley|Bolwar|Pederson, GreenbergTraurig and SchoolDesk,” said event co-chairs Bonnie and Jon Brovitz. “We also appreciate the support of so many Great Hearts parents and families who stepped up to the plate in a huge way, raising a phenomenal amount of money at our first ever Gala to support our amazing teachers.”

Plans are already underway for next year’s Great Hearts Gala which will be held on September 23, 2017. Stay tuned for more details about next year!