Thank you to everyone who joined us on November 17, 2023 for the 11th Annual Gala for the Gryphons! Our incredible community came together and raised an extraordinary $64,000 for Eagle Ridge Academy’s Grow Your Own and New Teacher Mentoring programs, and our student scholarship program. Whether you joined us at the event, participated through the silent auction or sponsorship, donated an in-kind item or service, or donated an outright cash gift, we extend our thanks for pushing us to be better and achieving our goals.
We are grateful to Karen Sorbo for emceeing the event and auction, our keynote speaker Dr. Ken Greener for his historical insight and passion for building Eagle Ridge Academy, Taher Inc. and Patisserie Margo for their delicious desserts, Midwest DJ for getting everyone out on the dance floor, all of our spectacular volunteers, our in-kind contributors and generous donors, ERA parent and photographer Sridhar Thayur for donating his services to capture the magic of the evening, and to Mr. DeMarcus Williams, ERA parent and filmmaker, for donating countless hours and talent in creating our 20th anniversary video. We also need to say a special thanks to Rick Carlson of Carlson’s Llovable Llamas for bringing out his sweet llamas to the event for everyone to enjoy – a real treat for all!
Enjoy the photos, video, and memories! If you were unable to attend this year’s Gala, it’s not too late to support the staff and students of Eagle Ridge Academy. Consider a 100% tax-deductible donation here. All gifts matter as we invest in the future of Eagle Ridge Academy.
Featuring Speaker Dr. Kenneth D. Greener
Trick, featuring Todd Epley and Rick Blomquist, provided acoustic music during the cocktail hour and presentation.
The celebration concluded with a party on the dance floor led by DJ entertainment from Midwest Sound.
Karen Sorbo Returned as Gala Emcee and Auctioneer
As a leading benefit auctioneer, Karen Sorbo’s dedication, effusive energy, commanding yet elegant stage presence, and precision techniques have engaged audiences across the country and internationally. Karen has raised over $900 million dollars conducting more than 2,900 auctions since 1993.
In addition to being a benefit auctioneer, Karen is a speaker, author, mentor, resilience coach, humanitarian, documentary film producer/director and travel enthusiast.
The Gala for the Gryphons silent auction, featuring over 200 items, will open Friday, November 10, and remain open until Friday, November 17, at 7:30 p.m. Want to see the silent auction items in person? Make sure to register for the Gala for the option to see all the online silent items AND bid on the incredible live auction items at the event. If you are unable to attend in person, you may assign a proxy bidder to bid on the live auction items at the gala.
Proceeds from this year’s silent auction will help fund the Eagle Ridge Academy’s Teacher Grow Your Own Teacher and Teacher Mentor programs, helping to recruit and sustain quality teachers. Having excellent, diverse, and Classical teachers for all of our Gryphons has been a challenge. In addition, the Gala will continue to support scholarship funds for our graduating seniors, creating opportunities for future generations of Eagle Ridge Academy scholars.
Volunteer! We welcome you as part of this fun planning team to meet new people, lend your voice and talents, and help make this night out special! Please email kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org or call 952-746-7760, ext. 1107 to learn more.
The silent auction is a favorite part of the gala and we’d love your help! Consider a few ways to participate:
- Pull friends or classroom parents together to create a themed basket.
- Ask your place of employment for a gift or experience.
- Do you have a timeshare or Airbnb, airline miles, belong to a hunting club, or other unique experience to donate?
- Do you have season tickets to Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, Wild, United, etc.?
- Do you own a business and would like to sponsor the event or donate from your organization?
