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Education Foundation Gala Raises Over $100,000 for Visual and Performing Arts
The derby-themed event marks the fourth consecutive year the gala has raised over $100,000, bringing vital funding and community support back to Oshkosh student arts.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) Education Foundation Gala has exceeded the $100,000 mark. The Kentucky Derby-themed event, held on May 1, 2026, at The Waters, raised a remarkable $101,500 to bolster visual and performing arts across the district, uniting over 150 community members in a vibrant celebration of student creativity and local philanthropy.
The evening served as a live showcase of the very programs the funds support. OASD student string musicians greeted guests before enjoying a lineup of high-caliber performances by the Oshkosh North High School Jazz Band, the Carl Traeger Middle School Show Choir, OASD alumnus Josh Hawley, and legendary entertainer Steve March Tormé. The event also featured a presentation of Lily Guilder Ambient Fashion, created by Oshkosh North High School alumna Caitlin Stolley, which helped transform the venue into a celebration of artistry and innovation.
“This event reflects what makes Oshkosh special — a community that believes creativity, expression, and the arts are essential parts of a student’s educational experience. Every dollar raised helps provide students with opportunities to perform, create, explore, and build confidence in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.”— Theresa Duren, Director of the OASD Education Foundation
Gala Highlights and Direct Impact
Beyond the live performances, the gala featured unique interactive experiences for attendees:
- Alumni & Student Art: Curated visual art displays from K-12 students and alumni.
- Faculty Contributions: Artwork donated by OASD faculty was available for purchase, with all proceeds directly supporting student opportunities.
- Teacher Classroom Wishlists: A dedicated platform allowed attendees to fund immediate classroom needs for the upcoming school year.
- The Wishing Tree: An interactive experience where guests shared messages of encouragement, some of which will later be shared with graduating seniors as reminders of the community’s support.
Returning to Its Roots
The OASD Education Foundation's fundraising gala aims to support Oshkosh public schools, with proceeds benefiting a specific need or area each year. The 2026 event brought the gala’s focus back to its roots; after the inaugural 2023 gala also benefited the arts, the Foundation supported Career and Technical Education (2024) and Athletics and Adapted Sports (2025). Funds raised this year will ensure the continued expansion of visual and performing arts programming district-wide.
A special thank you goes out to the 2026 event planning committee: Dawn Davis, Jim Evans, Barbara Herzog, Ryan Lindley, Donna Nelson, Caitlin Stolley, and Melody Wollangk.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The success of this event would not be possible without the generous support of our community partners:
- Triple Crown: JEK Foundation
- Garland of Roses: Avergent, Bray Architects, Nicolet Bank, Susan & John Vette
- Champion: HPS | PayMedix, Joint Ventures Medical
- Promoter: Aither Health, Miron Construction
- In-Kind Donors: Legacy Lens Photo Booth, Sturgeon Spirits, The Waters
About the OASD Education Foundation
The OASD Education Foundation brings our community together to support and strengthen Oshkosh public schools. Through the generosity of donors and community partners, we help provide opportunities and resources that enrich students’ educational experiences and enhance their lives.
To learn more or to make a donation, please visit the OASD Education Foundation Webpage or contact Theresa Duren at theresa.duren@oshkosh.k12.wi.us or 920.424.0395.