The Gala
Saturday, november 21, 2026 | 6:30 PM
The anderson pavilion • pICHLER fOUNTAINS • cAROL aNN’S cAROUSEL
Event Chairs: Tarita Preston and Brian L. Tiffany
Honorees: The Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, Nanci Wilks Lanni and Barbara Wilks, Trustees
Noir, Silver & Song
Operatic stories embody the extremes of human emotion, and to reflect that, we are focusing this extraordinary moment on mystery and extravagance, intrigue and dazzle, noir and silver. We hope you’ll embrace this theme and surprise us with your choice of stunning outfit.
Our exclusive evening commences at the Pichler Fountains and Carol Ann’s Carousel, offering a breathtaking view of the Roebling Bridge, accompanied by cocktails, entertainment, scrumptious bites, and even the opportunity for a ride on the carousel. The festivities continue downstairs in the Pavilion with a delectable dinner curated by eat well celebrations and feasts. And what would an opera event be without fabulous performances and entertainment following dinner? As this is a fundraiser, we hope you’ll come prepared to bid at our auction!
Attire: Black and silver extravagance
Premier Sponsors
Noir & Silver Sponsors
Anne-Marie Blancquaert, DVM, and Walter Bruyninckx, DVM, PhD
Dr. Onassis A. Caneris, Riverhills Neuroscience
Cintas Cares
Headliner Sponsors
1919 Investment Counsel
Chavez Properties
Milly and Doc Huffman
The Winters/Kennedy Family Fund
Spotlight Sponsors
Flávia Bastos, PhD, and Larry Huston
Core Specialty
Mr. and Mrs. Thaddeus Jaroszewicz
Drs. Yemisi and Alvin Jones
Lynn & Don Larson and Buffie & Eppa Rixey
Tricia Suit and Eric Appleby
The Zaring Family Foundation