Friday, March 6, 2026

6:30pm - 11pm 

Copernicus Center

5216 W Lawrence Ave

Chicago, IL 60630

Heavy Appetizers and Desserts 

4 Hour full open bar 

Live/Silent Auction 

DJ and Dancing

Attire: 

Dressy casual with your bright colors!

Each year, we come together at the Friends of Thorp Gala to support and celebrate our students and Thorp community by raising funds for critical needs and improvements at Thorp. We are focusing this year's fundraising on auditorium upgrades. Through our past Galas, we've helped raise funds for a new playground, lunchroom soundproofing, auditorium safety railing, library renovation, science lab upgrades, technology and more!  

The evening will include a 4-hour open bar, heavy appetizers, music, Glow Ring Toss (winning beer, wine, or coffee), and an opportunity to bid on amazing items at the auction.  

ITINERARY FOR THE GALA - 

6:30 PM -  Light Hors D'oeuvres Served; open bar starts

7:00 PM - Hors D'oeuvres and Main Food Stations Served

8:15 PM - Program and Live Auction starts

9:00 PM - Dessert/Coffee Served

9:45 PM - Silent Auction closes

10:15 PM - Auction Checkout begins

10:30 PM - Cash Bar begins

11:00 PM - Last Call 

FOOD MENU by Beyond Catering 

Crispy Mini Tacos (gf)
Spiced Couscous Cucumber Cups (vegan) 
Citrus Chicken Satay (gf) 
Fig & Pear Brioche Canape (vegetarian) 

Grilled chicken & Pesto sliders
Roasted Vegetable sliders
Braised short rib sliders 

Various salads 

Tater tots with beer cheese 

Dessert stations featuring seasonal fruit, sweet treats, fruit tarts, cannoli and more. 

OPEN BAR MENU from 6:30 - 10:30 PM

All Bottled Beers, Robert Mondavi Wine, Champagne, Call Liquors, sodas, juices, tea, coffee.

*Cash Bar from 10:30 - 11 PM. 

As a CPS magnet school, O.A. Thorp Scholastic Academy has the unique opportunity to bring together students from across Chicago. With your gift to Friends of Thorp, you can positively impact the lives of children across Chicago, from all walks of life. 

Through your generous donation and support, Friends of Thorp will continue to enhance our school's campus with improved learning spaces and art to ensure Thorp can be one of the premier schools in Chicago.  We strive to provide the best learning environment to prepare children for their education in high school and beyond.  Over 1/3 of Thorp graduates are accepted into Selective Enrollment high schools, while others go on to have successful educations in the IB and top programs at their local high schools!