What to Expect at the 2024 Gala!

Attire:

The Pioneer Village is a more rustic setting. The property includes gravel walking paths between buildings and guests will be welcome to travel about the grounds during cocktail hour. Guests are encouraged to wear footwear that can accommodate this type of landscape. Additionally guests are encouraged to wear comfortable and tasteful attire appropriate for the setting. Please keep in mind, temperatures can cool as the sun sets so a jacket or outer covering of some type may be prudent.

Buildings & Grounds:

2024’s main attraction is the immaculately restored Cedarburg Train Depot, please be sure to visit this fine building during cocktail hour. Appetizers will be served in the depot. Additionally, other buildings will be open for you to visit throughout cocktail hour from 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM. There will be blacksmith demonstrations by a skilled local blacksmith and five docents will be on site to provide background information. Please come early and enjoy learning about our local history.

Parking and Registration:

Parking attendants will be on hand to guide guests in efficient use of the parking area, please follow their direction. Ample parking exists near the entrance to the village. After parking, guests will head to the main entrance and enter the Pioneer Village visitor center. Registration will take place in the visitors center. Volunteers will be on hand to check you in and update any necessary information in our system. You can streamline this process by entering your information (address, email, phone number, credit card) prior to arrival via our GiveSmart site – https://GCFGala2024.givesmart.com. Lighting in the Parking Lot is poor. If you require assistance returning to your vehicle please see a board member.

AmFund – Trips of a Lifetime Auction

GCF has again partnered with AmFund to offer 8 fantastic trips for guests to bid on. The trips can be previewed on our GiveSmart site – https://GCFGala2024.givesmart.com. Development Director Victoria, will be onsite to facilitate the bidding process. Bidding for these trips is traditional paper and pencil. Victoria will be outside during cocktail hour and inside during dinner. The auction closes at 7:45 PM. This is a great opportunity to travel to some amazing places and support the foundation in the process, so please bid generously!

Silent/Live Auction & Paddle Raise:

Silent auction bidding is handled through our GiveSmart site https://GCFGala2024.givesmart.com. Please check out some of these fabulous items and don’t be bashful with your bidding. After dinner we have one really special live auction item – see GiveSmart – and will end the evening with our traditional open appeal paddle raise. Checkout will occur at about 8:40 PM. If you do not have an item to retrieve, you can check out on the GiveSmart site without visiting the checkout table. See a board member if you have questions with any part of this process. Thank you to all of our generous donors for making these contributions.

Sponsors:

Businesses providing financial support for the gala include:

Signature sponsors: Olsen’s Piggly Wiggly, Levy & Levy, Stevens Dental Clinic
Technology Sponsor: LaBudde Group
Bar sponsor: Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.
Venue sponsor: Herkowski Stickler & Associates
Patron sponsors: Newman Chevrolet, Innovative Storage Designs, Pioneer Pet Products/Smart Cat, Raffel Systems, Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin, Port Washington State Bank, Answerport, PJS Investments

This Year’s Generous Sponsors include: