Get ready for the party of the year!

The Summit Gala: Cheers to 21 Years

Friday, October 24, 2025
Mother's Brewing Company

Tickets are officially on sale for The Summit’s 21st Annual Gala, happening Friday, October 24, 2025 at the one-and-only Mother’s Brewing Company! This isn’t just any fundraiser—it’s the biggest celebration of the year, and you won’t want to miss it.

The night kicks off with an exclusive VIP Party at 6:00 pm for sponsors and special guests, followed by General Admission at 7:00 pm. Think unforgettable fun: mouthwatering heavy appetizers, a lively cash bar, exciting silent and live auctions, and nonstop entertainment—including a high-energy performance from 80s cover band Risky Business that will keep the dance floor packed all night long.

Seats are limited and sure to sell out—so grab your tickets today, gather your friends and family, and join us for an epic night of food, fun, music, and memories. Every dollar raised fuels incredible opportunities for our students, teachers, and staff in the 2025–2026 school year.

The Summit is thrilled to host its twenty-first anniversary Gala in Springfield, Missouri at Mother’s Brewing Company’s Barrel House. While the attire will be casual, we’re serious about making this the most impactful fundraiser in Summit history! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Party Packs for $1,200

Get ready to party like a Raven! This exclusive package is the ultimate way to experience Summit’s 21st Gala Celebration—with VIP perks, early access, and unforgettable extras for you and your crew. Celebrate in style and make every moment count.

Six (6) VIP Tickets
Exclusive early start at 6:00 PM
Open bar for beer and wine from 6:00–7:00 PM
Special Raven themed beer available first come, first served
Specialty appetizers served during the pre-party
Live music from The Summit Jam Band to kick off the night
Party favors for each guest
And more surprises to make it unforgettable!

General Admission Tickets for $75

General admission begins at 7:00 pm and includes cash bar, heavy appetizers, music from 80s cover band Risky Business, silent auction, live auction, and more!

Our sponsors are vitally important to the success of The Summit Preparatory School’s Annual Gala. Becoming a sponsor of the Gala offers individuals and/or companies excellent exposure and benefits during the weeks leading up to the event, at the Gala, and in post-event communication.

Teacher Ticket Sponsors

Summit teachers love what they do, teaching! They’re experts in their fields, and they create phenomenal classroom experiences for Summit students. But did you know that Summit teachers also like to have a good time? Help us show our Summit teachers how amazing we think they are by purchasing a Teacher Ticket(s) to the Gala, so they can attend the party for free! Teacher Ticket donors will be recognized in Gala communications and program materials. You can donate any amount to the Teacher Ticket Fund. Suggested amounts include:

Single Teacher Ticket for $75
The entire Early Learner Teacher Team for $450
The entire K/1/2 Teacher Team for $300
The entire 3/4/5 Teacher Team for $225
The entire Upper School Teacher Team for $450
The entire Specials Teacher Team for $900

Event Sponsorships

Gala Sponsorship opportunities include a $10,000 presenting sponsorship to $125 Pint-Sized Partners (advertising only)! Follow this link to view all Gala sponsorships for your business and/or family, and contact Amy Maas, Development Officer, for additional details and opportunities to support Independent Education in the Ozarks.

Gala FAQs

What is the Gala?

The Summit Preparatory School’s Gala is the school’s largest fundraising event of the year. The Gala has been a cherished tradition since our school’s founding in 2005. Every dollar raised at the Gala directly benefits our students and teachers for the 2025-2026 school year, supporting essential programs like teacher salaries, specialty classes, field trips, and experiential learning opportunities. Plus, your contributions help sustain our vital financial aid fund. Enjoy a lively party atmosphere with fellow parents and community members and bid on unique items and exclusive teacher experiences in our silent auction. Don’t miss out on our dynamic live auction (bids must be placed in-person or by proxy) and a heartfelt fund-a-need appeal to support our school. Our goal is to raise $65,000 to make this school year extraordinary, and with your generous support, we know we can reach it!

Where is the Gala?

This year, The Summit’s Gala is at Mother’s Brewing Company in their Barrel House Room (215 S Grant Street). The Barrel Room entrance is right off Grand Street, you’ll see our Summit paraphernalia outside the doors. You can always Uber and/or carpool to the Gala! (Note: the Gala will conclude around 9:30 pm, so you can always make plans to extend your evening out on the town afterwards!)

Who’s coming?

Everyone is invited! Summit families, teachers, staff, board members, alumni, community members, future Summit families – we mean everyone! We typically have over 150 guests at the Gala. There will be something there for everyone to bid on and enjoy! The more the merrier!

What should I wear?

This year’s theme is casual. So you can come in jeans, dresses, sequins, ties – whatever feels good for you! The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident. Just come dressed to celebrate!

Should we eat before we get there?

We’ll have heavy appetizers and desserts, but no formal sit down meal. You’re welcome (and encouraged) to get a bite beforehand, as we have an cash bar for beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks at the event.

What’s a VIP and what do they get?

A Gala VIP is an event sponsor (click here for all the sponsor opportunities), a Summit Raven Partner (a year-long Summit supporter), or has purchased a party pack to celebrate with their friends! VIPs gain early access to the Gala (VIP entry begins at 6:00 pm, that’s a whole extra hour to eat, drink, and enjoy the festivities). VIPs also will be serenaded by The Summit Jam Band composed of Rob Powers, Alex Henke, and Jack Johnson. VIPs has access to an open bar for beer and wine from 6-7 pm, receive premiere table seating for the program and live auction, special take-home gifts, and more!

How do I get tickets?

You can purchase your gala tickets by clicking on this link. A party pack for 6 tickets with VIP access is $1,200 with access at 6:00 pm. Individual tickets are $75 each with entry at 7:00 pm. Note that there are no physical tickets to attend the Gala. Once you make your purchase, your name will be added to the guest list and confirmed upon arrival at the Gala. If you have a table, be sure to list your guests or contact Amy Maas to confirm your table-mates.

What if I can’t make it this year?

Then you’re going to miss out! Seriously, last year’s Gala was a PARTY! You’re gonna want to be at the event. But if you *really* can’t make it, we do have silent auction mobile bidding and live auction proxy bidding available (more details in October). You can also choose to donate to The Summit Teacher Ticket Fund, so that our amazing Summit employees can attend the Gala for free! Just use this link to make a donation to the Teacher Ticket Fund.