Letter from Head of School, John Novick, Jr.
Dear NPES Community,
I am delighted to invite you to this year’s NPES Gala, our largest fundraiser of the year and a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community in support of our shared mission.
On Saturday, March 7, 2026, we will gather at Sarabande Chicago for an unforgettable evening inspired by this year’s theme, Legends and Luminaries. This celebration honors the artists, innovators, leaders, and changemakers who have shaped our world, while also shining a light on the students we nurture every day – the luminaries of tomorrow.
At North Park Elementary School, we are guided by values that place curiosity, creativity, character, and connection at the heart of learning. Our students are encouraged to think boldly, lead with integrity, and engage meaningfully with the world around them. This year’s theme reflects who we are as a school and what we strive to cultivate in every child: imagination, courage, and a belief in the power of ideas to shape the future.
The Gala is more than an evening of celebration – it is our most important fundraising event of the year. Proceeds directly support the NPES Fund, which touches every part of our school, from academic enrichment and the arts to faculty excellence and financial aid. Your generosity ensures that NPES continues to provide an exceptional educational experience for every student.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to our Gala Co-Chairs and committee for their leadership, creativity, and tireless efforts in bringing this event to life. Their dedication, along with the generosity of our families and supporters, makes evenings like this possible.
I hope you will join us for a night of connection, celebration, and shared purpose as we honor our community, our values, and the bright future ahead for our students.
With gratitude,
Sincerely,
John Novick, Jr. Head of School
Inspired by artists, thinkers, innovators, performers, changemakers, and cultural trailblazers, guests are invited to channel a Legend or Luminary of their choice through fashion, color, or a subtle stylistic nod - bold, creative, elegant, or playful.
The evening transforms into a living gallery of brilliance, honoring imagination, ingenuity, and the human spark that inspires future generations. Perfectly fitting for our community, the theme also reminds us that NPES students are the luminaries of tomorrow, nurtured by curiosity, courage, and creativity.
Scan the QR Code to Access the Gala Look Book!
GALA COMMITTEE
GALA CO-CHAIRS
Lindsay Johnson
Khushboo Rami-Patel
GALA COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Claire Barnes
Shaina Barshai
Samantha Carroll
Alicia Gonzalez
James Haigh
Samantha Hendrickson
Kelsey Hornbach
Maria Allison Logli
Brittany Miller
Melissa Oglesby
Aly Prater
Marisa Seal
Sarah Smith
Sneha Soni
Priya Stipe
Heather Sullivan
WAYS TO SUPPORT
TICKETS
Early Bird Tickets
$150 - January 14, 2026 - January 31, 2026
General Admission
$175 - February 1, 2026 - March 6, 2026
Sponsor a Teacher
Your $150.00 donation allows an NPES teacher to attend the Gala for free
The cost of your ticket includes a memorable evening featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, an exciting auction, live music, and dancing.
Tickets are limited
DONATE AN ITEM
Support the Silent or Live Auction by donating an item or unique experience. The following items are always welcome:
• Airline miles or hotel points
• Vacation property stay
• A gift card or unique experience
• Wine tasting
• Host an outing, like a round of golf or a day on the lake
• Event Tickets
ENTERTAINMENT & CATERING
We’re thrilled to welcome back Blue Orbit Combo during the reception, featuring band member and NPES alumni parent Richard Sides. Paramount Catering also returns with a mouthwatering selection of passed hors d’oeuvres and a latenight nosh table. This year, dancing will take place after the program, with music provided by Style Matters DJs.
www.blueorbitcombo.com/
https://www.stylemattersdjs.com/
MORE WAYS TO SUPPORT
SPONSORSHIPS
Financial support from a family or business to sponsor the Gala will receive benefits such as logo recognition, event tickets, and exclusive VIP perks.
All sponsors receive year-long NPES Community Partner membership, with your company linked on our school and event pages, listed in our annual report, mentioned on our social media channels, and digitally displayed on lobby monitor.
If you can sponsor at a higher level, we are pleased to offer additional benefits and can customize with you or your company to suit your needs.
Platinum ($10,000)
• Six gala tickets with bottle service
• Verbal recognition at Gala
• Opportunity to provide a premium giveaway to guests (qty. 250)
• Logo featured prominently on event signage and program*
• Highlighted in a dedicated social media post and e-newsletter feature
Gold ($5,000)
• Four gala tickets
• Verbal recognition at Gala
• Opportunity to provide a giveaway to guests (qty. 250)
• Logo featured on event signage and program*
Silver ($2,500)
• Three gala tickets
• Logo featured on event signage and program*
Bronze ($1,000)
• Two gala tickets
• Name listed on event signage and program*
Copper ($500)
• One gala ticket
• Name listed on event signage and program*
Contact Erin Leyden, Director of Development and Marketing for more information, leyden@ npeschool.org
DATES TO KNOW
Raffle Ticket Sales
Tickets go on sale February 18th through 10 am on March 6, 2026
Parties on-sale (until sold out)
Buy in parties go on sale the week of March 2nd check in early as popular parties sell out quickly!
Silent Auction Opens
Bidding for the Silent Auction opens the week of March 2nd, get ready to bid on your favorite items!
HOST A BUY-IN PARTY
Live Auction & Paddle Raise
The biggest prizes are available during the Live Auction ONLY at the Gala on March 7, 2026 during the program at 8:00pm.
Silent Auction Closes
Keep bidding even after the party ends! Bidding on Silent Auction items is available until 12pm on March 8, 2026. Watch out because the last minutes can be the busiest!
Host a ticketed gathering for adults, kids, or families that raises funds for our school while bringing together our community.
Party Request Form
Ready to host? Submit your ideas by January 31!
Host A Party Guide
We’ve got all the useful information you need to host a party to support the NPES calendar.
Party Ideas
Interested in hosting but need some ideas? We’ve got plenty of inspiration from parties previously hosted.
Events Calendar
Our calendar includes all confirmed parties and important dates to consider when planning your party.
Please reach out to Priya Stipe (priyastipe@gmail.com) or James Haigh (jwhaigh78@yahoo.com) with questions Find out more about hosting here!
HOW TO BID
GET READY TO BID WITH GIVESMART! Auction will go live week of March 2nd
We’re excited to use GiveSmart once again as our event platform for this year’s Gala! In order to bid on auction items, make purchases, or donate, you must be registered through GiveSmart. It’s quick and easy - follow the steps below to get started!
How to Register By Text:
1. Text NPESGALA26 to 76278.
2. Follow the prompts in the text messages received.
By Desktop, Tablet, or Smartphone:
1. Visit NPESGALA26.givesmart. com.
2. Click Register to Participate.
3. Enter the required information.
4. Click Create My GiveSmart Account.
Once registered, you’ll receive a Welcome Text & Email with a personal link to access the campaign.
How to Bid
1. Click your personal link from the Welcome Text or Email.
2. Browse auction items and select one to bid on.
3. Enter your bid amount and confirm!
4. Get notified if you’re outbid so you can bid again.
Watch this short video to see how easy it is to bid!
WATCH VIDEO:
LET THE BIDDING BEGINGOOD LUCK!
SILENT AUCTION & TEACHER TREATS
Get ready to bid and win! The Silent Auction is your chance to score amazing experiences and exclusive items—just place your bid, and the highest bidder wins! From date nights to Chicago sporting event tickets and gift certificates to local restaurants, there’s something for everyone. Looking to try something new? Bid on experiences such as cooking classes, fitness memberships, or a local adventure!
Don’t miss out on NPES Exclusives - one-of-a-kind experiences designed just for our community. Treat your child’s entire class to Sundae Funday or Taco Tuesday, secure front-row seats at the All-School Musical, or team up with your class to bid on the NPES Sleep Under! Pool your money with others in your class and treat your child’s class. For middle school families, we are excited to bring back the Ultimate Ditch Day - with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place outings so be sure to strategize on dollar amounts with your grades.
And of course, a beloved NPES Gala tradition: Teacher Treats! Our amazing teachers have created unique and fun activities for a limited number of students - hosted by them! These special experiences will be auctioned off to the highest bidder at the Gala.
Bid, win, and make unforgettable memories - all while supporting NPES! (you must be registered on Give Smart to bidSee page 10).
LIVE AUCTION ITEMS
AUCTIONEER:
Dani Hollis | Benefit Auctioneer & Fundraising Strategist
OAXACA RETREAT (AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED)
Enjoy a week in a private home in the vibrant city of Oaxaca, where culture, food, and tradition come together. Your stay includes two all-day guided tours, a home-cooked authentic Oaxacan meal, and a hands-on cooking class. The home comfortably accommodates five guests. Additional details to follow.
NPES ULTIMATE SCHOOL SLEEPOVER!
Ever wondered what it’s like to spend the night at school? One lucky grade (3rd–8th) will take over NPES for an unforgettable overnight adventure - no parents, just friends, fun, and faculty chaperones! The night kicks off with a pizza feast because no sleepover is complete without it, followed by a cozy movie screening with popcorn and candy. Students will get creative and competitive with games and crafts before diving into an epic afterhours hide-and-seek game. When the lights go out, the fun continues with a midnight dance party, and in the morning, a kid-approved continental breakfast featuring ice cream sundaes wraps up the adventure. Date TBD via poll with the winning grade. Don’t miss your chance to bid on this once-in-a-lifetime NPES experience!
MORE WAYS TO GIVE
PADDLE RAISE
The Paddle Raise is a special moment in our gala program - a chance for our community to come together around one meaningful initiative that strengthens NPES today and ensures its future. Unlike the auction, every dollar raised through the Paddle Raise goes directly to one shared purpose, allowing families, faculty, and friends to unite in support of something that truly matters. This year, we are proud to dedicate our Paddle Raise to NPES Financial Aid.
Financial aid allows us to open our doors to students who otherwise may not be able to afford an NPES education. It ensures that talented, deserving children can learn, grow, and thrive in our community - bringing diverse perspectives, experiences, and strengths that enrich every classroom.
This is a particularly meaningful year for our school. For the first time, NPES has been able to offer financial aid to several qualified families. These students are an integral part of our community, and their presence embodies the values at the heart of NPES: opportunity, belonging, and access to an exceptional education.
Our hope is not only to sustain this progress, but to grow it. By supporting this year’s Paddle Raise, you are helping us build a program that can reach more families, create lasting impact, and keep this important momentum going.
Together, we aim to raise $80,000 in support of NPES Financial Aid. Your generosity is an investment in students, in families, and in the long-term strength and sustainability of our school.
Thank you for being part of this powerful moment for NPES.
RAFFLE BASKETS
The Grade Basket Raffle is a fun and exciting way for students to participate in the NPES Gala! Thanks to our generous families and dedicated room parents, for creating an incredible collection of unique and creative baskets. There’s truly something for everyone! Parents are welcome to browse the baskets with their students at dismissal. For Preschool, Junior Kindergarten, and Kindergarten families, we recommend an adult assist with placing tickets in the lockboxes. Tickets go on sale February 18th through 10 am on March 6, 2026. Winners will be drawn at the end of school on March 6th.
Ticket Prices & Quantities:
1 ticket = $15
3 tickets = $30
8 tickets = $75
20 tickets = $100
Look for a designated email on February 18th on how to purchase tickets
GRADE ART PROJECTS
Each year, our students collaborate on unique, curriculum-inspired art projects that showcase their creativity, skills, and the techniques they’ve learned in class. Whether drawing inspiration from a famous artist or exploring new artistic methods, every piece is made with care, creativity, and love.
These priceless works of art are a true reflection of our talented NPES students and make a meaningful addition to any home. Don’t miss the opportunity to bid on these one-of-a-kind masterpieces—take home a beautiful reminder of our vibrant school community while supporting NPES!
The art project will be on display for a sneak peek in the school lobby from February 18– March 3 and will also be featured at the gala.
GALA PARTIES
GALA BUY-IN PARTIES
JOIN THE FUN AND SUPPORT NPES!
Be part of an NPES tradition by attending a Gala Buy-In Party - a fantastic way to support the school while connecting with other NPES families. These fun, themed events happen throughout the year and contribute directly to NPES. Some traditional parties include Game Night, Wine and Steak, Lamb & Pig Roast, Davis theater and more!
Whether it’s a kids’ adventure or an adults-only gathering, there’s something for everyone!
Ravi Kalhan, Chair
Lauren Rocklin, Vice-Chair
Darren Lubotsky, Treasurer
Michelle Weber, Secretary
Hilary Goldfine
Harisha Haigh
Andrew Herman
Anita Pancholi
Davin Peelle, Development Committee Chair
Joshua Samis
Goran Simic Grey Tanzi
Dana Weed
Wei Lin Wong
For more information, or wish to sponsor or donate an item please reach out Erin Leyden, Director of Development and Marketing Leyden@npeschool.org
Giving Beyond the Gala: Supporting the NPES Fund
The Gala is just one of the many ways to support the NPES Fund , which is the cornerstone of fundraising at NPES. Since its inception, the NPES Fund has allowed our school to grow, adapt, and provide an exceptional educational experience for our students. Contributions from parents, grandparents, alumni, staff, and friends directly benefit our students every day.
At NPES, we believe in the power of a small school with a big impactwhere every student is known, supported, and given the tools to thrive. As an independent school, NPES relies on charitable giving to sustain our outstanding programs, faculty, and facilities. Donor support ensures that every child benefits from an enriching, inclusive, and forwardthinking learning environment.
Beyond the Gala, families can support NPES through Community Partnerships, the Fin Run, Giving Tuesday, and more - all of which help us continue providing top-tier education, innovative programming, and a strong sense of community.
Thank you for considering a gift to the NPES Fund. Every contribution makes a difference in the lives of our students and strengthens the future of our school.
The NPES Fund Make an Impact
npeschool.org