Harvard Elementary PTA’s biggest annual fundraiser gala is always a fun-filled evening with music, exciting performances, and extravagant fun with your fellow Harvard community.  Bid on amazing items donated by the local community including vacation houses, experiences, and more. Your donations and support allows us to continue to provide the children of Harvard Elementary with all the benefits including creative programs, in-school assemblies, and teacher support.

Past Fundraiser Galas

  • 2024: Imagine the Future Gala

    2024’s Imagine the Future Gala was our biggest gala yet - we had the biggest venue, the most guests, and raised the most money! As the guests entered the venue through our futuristic tunnel, they were greeted by a glowing venue of amazing custom light up tablescapes, cocktails, a 360 photo booth, a VR experience, and dancing with giant robots!

  • 2023: HES Auction Gala

    2023: HES Auction Gala

    I want my HES…. to have an amazing fundraiser! 2023’s Auction Gala Fundraiser had us partying like rock stars into the after party! From walking the red carpet, the skyline views, breakdancing performances, Britney’s snake, and of course, moonman awards… we raised a record amount of funds for the PTA!

  • 2022: Harvard Color Ball

    2022’s Color Ball was a colorful adventure with with interactive exhibits, a DJ and light up dance floor, art, and extravagant fun!

  • 2021: Super Harvard

    2021’s Fundraiser was a virtual trivia event with a SUPERhero theme. There were Super Harvard capes, shirts, party boxes, a super wine delivery wagon, and small Covid-safe outdoor gatherings of virtual trivia teams!

  • 2020: Mardi Gras

    2020’s Fundraiser Gala was a decadent evening with a Mardi Gras Masquerade theme. There was a brass band, live music, street performers, and a Bourbon Street Wine and Bourbon pull!

  • 2019: Harvard 007

    2019’s Fundraiser Gala was a fun-filled night with a 007 James Bond theme. There was a casino, martinis (shaken, not stirred), and lots of dapper parents and teachers!

Fundraiser Roles & Sub-Committees

Gala Chair

Oversees the entire Fundraiser Committee. Recruits volunteers, coordinates with PTA and school, plans the meetings, oversees the logistics leading up to event, and the day of the event.

Event Coordinator

Coordinates the fundraiser gala from conception to cleaning up. They book vendors/entertainment/staff, coordinate the venue layout, plan and execute the décor, and make it all come together.

Committee members help put together décor, set up for the event, and break down after the event.

Marketing

Promotes the fundraiser to the Harvard community mainly via print and social media. Designs, writes, organizes, and secures production all the promotional material. Coordinates with entire team to gather information, VP of Communications, and school admin to promote. Ideally a graphic design/marketing person.

Committee members help copywrite, edit, and promote the event.

Auction

Oversees the procurement, assembly, and storage of auction items from local businesses, Harvard Families, and grade levels.  Coordinates the data entry into online software.  Coordinates setting up the auction items at the event, and coordinates item pickup post-fundraiser. Ideally an organized and social person (or 2-3 people!).

Committee Members help solicit friends, families, and area businesses to procure auction items.

Socials

Finds unique ideas and hosts for ticketed social events for Harvard families. Hosts include Harvard families, individuals, and Harvard staff. (Examples: Bowling with Teachers, Movie Night, 2nd Grade Pizza Party, Kinder Campout, Bad Moms Game Night, Bingo Night, Bikes & Brews, etc.)

Grade Level Baskets

Coordinates the six PTA Grade Level Reps’ auction baskets. Suggests unique theme ideas that perform well at the fundraiser, and helps Grade Reps through building their basket via parent monetary and item donations (usually an Amazon Wish List). Works with Gala & Auction chairs.

Sponsorship / Underwriting

Secures larger monetary donations from local business and companies. Works out sponsorship levels consisting of advertising, naming rights, tickets to the event, reserved tables, etc.

Committee Members help solicit friends, families, and area businesses to procure event sponsorship.

Food & Beverage

Solicits food and drinks from local restaurants and businesses, and coordinates logistics with them on the day of the event. 

E-Commerce / Treasurer

Responsible for the online aspects of the auction - ticket sales, bids, close out, and final reports. Keeps track of the fundraiser spending and budget. Ideally an organized numbers person.