The Gala Takes a Win in the Wild West!

In a stunning display of support for educators, the 6th annual Great Hearts Gala catapulted the Teacher Excellence Fund into the prestigious two-comma club with an astounding $1,373,200 raised at the event. This remarkable achievement not only marks a historic milestone for the event but also underscores the unwavering commitment of the community to honor and reward the invaluable contributions of teachers. This unprecedented sum will be returned to the very individuals who mold young minds, providing them with a well-deserved bonus compensation in December.

550 guests, dressed in country glam entered the Earnhardt Lexus Showroom that had dramatically transformed into an elegant party venue and concert hall. The theme of this year’s Gala was How the West Was One and was presented by Liberty Buick and Liberty GMC with entertainment presented by Casas Bonitas.

Over the past five Galas, the event has had a few iterations. It began as a formal black-tie event and became an online telethon during the pandemic. Everyone was happy to be back together for an in-person event last year as we took A Journey to the Emerald City, but this year, the Gala had a different atmosphere all together. The event had all the components of previous Galas complete with a red-carpet entrance, delectable food, amazing presentations from Great Hearts, an impressive recitation from this year’s Bard Competition winner, 5^th grader Lincoln Carpenter, and a lively auction. While the event garnered a little less glitz and little more country grit, there were still plenty of sparkles to go around, but this time it was mixed with denim and cowboy boots.

Multi-platinum country star Riley Green was the headlining performer. With massive hits like “There Was This Girl” and “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” Green is a chart-topping singer-songwriter lauded for bringing “country back to its roots [with] blue collar sounds for the working man, by the working man” (Whiskey Riff). The American Country Music award-winner, who has remained steadfast to his beliefs, love of family, and (off-the-road) lifestyle has earned a passionate fanbase with his captivating live show. The Alabama native’s latest single “Different ‘Round Here (Ft. Luke Combs),” is currently climbing through the radio charts as he tours North America as part of the Luke Combs World Tour, in addition to his headlining dates.

One Gala staple that returned this year was the Diamond Raffle. Tickets were purchased  for a chance to win a 1.5+ carat, brilliant-cut diamond valued at $14,000, generously donated by Coffin & Trout Fine Jewelers and the winner was announced at the end of the evening.

This pivot from previous Galas was a bit of a risk for organizers who beautifully executed the casual country event with an elevated feel. All the hard work paid off as Great Hearts Arizona Superintendent Brandon Crowe announced that a total of $1,373,200 was raised for the 2023 Teacher Excellence Fund, a record for this annual fundraising event and exceeding the goal of $1M. Last year, the Gala raised $871,133.

“Gratitude knows no bounds as we extend our heartfelt appreciation to all who stood with us at the Great Hearts Gala,” said Chief Development Officer, Genevieve Peterson. “Your unwavering support, which led to the astounding achievement of raising over $1.3 million, will now transform into a gift of appreciation for our exceptional educators this December. These dedicated teachers, who leave an indelible mark on your children’s lives, are the true heroes of our community. Your generosity warms not only our hearts but the future of our students. Together, we celebrate the power of unity and the boundless potential it unlocks.”

Everyone who attended had a great time, but more importantly showed their undying support for our great-hearted teachers. The goal of the Teacher Excellence Fund is to reward and retain outstanding teachers throughout the Arizona network of schools through significant bonus compensation at the headmaster’s discretion based on teaching performance.

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