Join Us
Friday, March 20, 2026
at the
NEW Northstar Gymnasium and Community Center
to celebrate our 30th Anniversary.
You can look forward to:
Four chef-curated food stations by EAT Restaurant Partners, featuring selections from
Red Salt Chophouse and Sushi, Wong’s Tacos, and a preview of their newest Italian concept
Navigator Awards: honoring those who continue to shape our community,
Live music throughout the evening
Games, Open bar, an Exciting silent auction, and
Meaningful moments that highlight students and the impact you make possible!
Cocktail Attire
(Optional: Add a touch of blue or green to complement the evening’s theme)
Doors open at 7:00 pm
Navigator Awards at 7:45 pm
Silent Auction Closes at 9:25 pm
Come ready to jump in:
- Silent Auction (mobile bidding): Opens at noon, Thursday, March 12 so you can browse and start bidding early. We’ll share a few standout items on social media in the coming weeks. Some of our best items go quickly once bidding opens.
- Heads or Tails Game: A fast-paced, crowd-favorite. Join in for a chance to win $20 for one chance or $50 for three chances!
- Wine Pull: $30 for a mystery bottle. This sells out every year, be sure to visit early.
- Raise Your Paddle: A powerful moment where everyone can participate and make a direct impact. Many guests choose to plan their gift in advance so they can fully take part in the moment
Become a sponsor to directly impacts students!
You can be part of a special evening with others who care deeply about students with disabilities and believe in our mission. Join us in helping students with disabilities achieve educational excellence and career opportunities.
Congrats to our Navigator Award Honorees!
The Navigator Awards honor individuals and community partners whose generosity, advocacy, and leadership have created opportunities for students with disabilities to thrive. Their efforts strengthen our community, inspire others to get involved, and through their example, extend the impact of Northstar's mission far beyond our doors.
2026 Navigator Award for Enduring Support 2026 Navigator Award for Outstanding Community Partnership
Mary, Lem, and Robert Doss Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority
Your Gift Makes a Difference for Students
Northstar Academy and Career Center is a nonprofit, independent school serving students with disabilities across Central Virginia. For more than 30 years, we have empowered over 2,000 students through a mission grounded in educational excellence and meaningful career opportunities for those facing academic, physical, or social challenges. The Illumination Gala plays a vital role in sustaining and advancing this work.
We offer two distinct programs—the Academy and the Career Center—each designed to help students reach their full potential. Through small class sizes, specialized instruction, and experienced faculty, students receive the individualized support they need to grow in confidence and ability.
Northstar serves learners with a wide range of abilities, supporting 12 of the 13 disability categories identified under IDEA. Through differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and real-world worksite experiences, students build practical skills, collaborate with peers, and develop the independence needed for life beyond the classroom.
Every gift—large or small—makes a meaningful difference in the life of a student. You can make your tax-deductible gift today by:
- Clicking this link or
- Texting "northstar" to 855.800.4975 or
- Contact Susan Herzick to donate stock, IRA, or DAF.
For questions related to Northstar's Gala, please contact Susan Herzick, Director of Development at sherzick@northstarva.org.
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors!
Our sponsors make the Illumination Gala possible and fuel the life-changing work happening at Northstar every day.
We are proud to recognize these partners whose commitment to our community is making a lasting difference.
Decade Sponsor
Star Sponsor
Table Captains
Silver Sponsors
Patron Sponsor
Inclusion Sponsors
Thank you to our amazing committee!
Michael Jarvis, co-chair Nancy Jordan, co-chair
Steve McCoy
Rob Benaicha
Kate and Todd Bagwell
Lem Doss
Gloria Lujan
Susan McCarthy
Chrissy Nemeyer
Sabra Quinn
Megan Durand
Sara Smith
Goal Progress
Help us reach our goal of $141,000 to provide students with disabilities
excellent education and career opportunities.
Make a donation today!