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 - Request your song here!

Photo booth by Ayala Photo and Media

Brewer's Glow Ring Toss

Live Airbrush Artist by Voodoo Paint - Pre-order your tote or hat here!

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. This year, we are focusing on an effort to “Keep Thorp Cool” by funding field trips, enrichment, and much-needed A/C improvements.  Through our past Galas, we've helped raise funds for a new playground, auditorium improvements to seating, lighting soundproofing, auditorium safety railing, library renovation, science lab upgrades, technology and more!  

The evening will include a 4-hour open bar, heavy appetizers, music, Brewer's 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 (bar closed)

9:00 PM - Dessert/Coffee Served

9:45 PM - Silent Auction closes

10:15 PM - Auction Checkout begins

10:45 PM - Auction Checkout closes

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 sweet treats, fruit tarts, and more. 

OPEN BAR MENU from 6:30 - 11 PM

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

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!