Fox Cities News

The Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) Education Foundation is gearing up for its 2024 Fundraising Gala, set to take place on Friday, May 3, 2024, at The Waters. This year's event, themed "Derby Day," aims to raise funds for Oshkosh K-12 career and technical education (CTE) students, staff, and programs.

Komal Mehta, 2024 Gala Co-chair and owner of Triangle Manufacturing Inc., expressed the importance of supporting CTE programs, stating, “Our 2024 gala is all about shining a light on the incredible talent of CTE students while raising funds for their classrooms." Mehta highlighted the critical role CTE programs play in preparing students for the future and emphasized the goal of enhancing CTE opportunities for Oshkosh public school students through the generosity of donors.

The gala will feature Kentucky Derby-inspired activities, including a variety of offerings such as a student showcase, robotics demonstration, student-made dessert bar, and a heavy hors d'oeuvres buffet. Attendees are encouraged to dress in Derby attire or opt for business casual wear.

Tickets for the gala are priced at $100, with all proceeds going towards supporting OASD CTE students, staff, and programs. Additionally, a "Gala Wish List" has been curated by CTE educators to allow donors the opportunity to directly contribute towards essential equipment and resources.

In anticipation of the event, an online hat auction will be held, featuring unique Kentucky Derby-inspired hats designed by OASD student Elizabeth Bird. The auction, which opens on April 15 at 32auctions.com/OASDGALA24, presents an opportunity for attendees to bid on these exclusive pieces before the gala on May 3.

The OASD Education Foundation's fundraising gala serves as a platform to support Oshkosh public schools, with proceeds allocated to address specific needs or areas each year. The 2024 Gala is spearheaded by event chairs Komal Mehta and Dawn Davis.

The Foundation acknowledges and expresses gratitude to its sponsors for their support, including Triple Crown Sponsor JEK Foundation, CTE Champions Bray Architects, First Business Bank, Fox Valley Surgical Specialists, and Miron Construction, among others. In-Kind Donors such as 4imprint and The Waters have also contributed to the success of the upcoming gala.