A Night of Boots, Diamonds, and Big Hearts at Great Hearts Gala

In another stunning display of support for educators, the 7th annual Great Hearts Gala raised an astounding $1,007,517.50. This remarkable achievement displays the community’s unwavering commitment to honor and reward the invaluable contributions of teachers. The Teacher Excellence Fund will be returned to the very individuals who mold young minds, providing them with a well-deserved bonus in December.

Over 600 guests, dressed in “country glam,” entered The Van Buren, an urban event venue and concert hall in Downtown Phoenix. This year’s Gala theme was “Classical Roots and Western Boots,” presented by Great Clips.

Now in its seventh year, the annual fundraising event has evolved over time. Originally a formal black-tie affair and temporarily an online telethon during the pandemic, the Gala underwent its biggest transformation last year. The event embraced a country twist as attendees traded dress shoes for cowboy boots, and the traditional dining room was swapped for a concert venue featuring a performance by multi-platinum country star Riley Green, while still retaining the red-carpet entrance, gourmet food, and impressive presentations from Great Hearts.

The country-inspired theme continued this year with plenty of glitz and glamour. After enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the courtyard and lobby, guests entered the main room and were treated to the opening act, a barbershop quartet from Great Hearts Veritas.

This was followed by a welcome address from Great Hearts Arizona Superintendent Brandon Crowe, who introduced Gala Co-Chairs Anthony and Desarae Puchta from Great Hearts Glendale, and Tom and Valerie Spengler from Great Hearts Cicero. Crowe reminded the attendees of the evening’s purpose: to reward and retain excellent Great Hearts teachers through the Teacher Excellence Fund.

Great Hearts’ reigning Bard Competition winner, Elinor Patient, a fifth grader from Great Hearts Roosevelt, gave her winning recitation of “Mending Wall” by Robert Frost, impressing the audience and showcasing the caliber of students nurtured by Great Hearts teachers.

The live auction, led by auctioneer Kelee Lee Walton, was a lively segment of the evening. Items included a Dormie Network Golf Membership, a Portuguese Trifecta International trip, and the popular 5-Course Full-Service Private Dinner Party with wine for 10, hosted by Chef Michael DeMaria, Jim Rinsem, and the M Culinary Team. Walton engaged the crowd with her country charm as she shared memories of her visits to the Maryvale and Veritas campuses. Later in the evening, she led the popular paddle raise, which exceeded previous years’ results.

The 2024 Exceptional Teaching Award Recipient, Mrs. Carter Mogren from Great Hearts Veritas, was announced. This award honors a teacher who has dedicated 10+ years to Great Hearts’ mission of “cultivating the minds and hearts of young people.” It seeks to recognize a teacher who not only excels in the classroom but also builds a connection with students that transcends academics. Great Hearts alumnus Carter Twist delivered a heartfelt speech about his former teacher before inviting her to the stage.

The evening led up to an amazing performance by country music artist Chayce Beckham, winner of American Idol Season 19. Nominated for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year at the CMT Music Awards for his #1 platinum hit single “23,” Beckham and his band performed a set for the Gala crowd, embracing a timeless country-rock sound with an authentic, against-the-grain attitude.

A popular Gala staple, the Diamond Raffle, returned this year. Guests purchased tickets for a chance to win a 1.8 carat brilliant-cut diamond valued at $13,500, generously donated by Coffin & Trout Fine Jewelers. The winner was announced at the end of the evening.

The night was a memorable celebration, but most importantly, it showed the unwavering admiration and support for the stars of the Gala, our Great Hearts teachers. The Teacher Excellence Fund aims to reward and retain outstanding teachers across the Arizona network of schools with significant bonus compensation, awarded at the headmaster’s discretion based on teaching performance.

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.