An Evening of Inspiration and Impact
On October 19, 2024, Springfield Education Foundation celebrated an incredible milestone—30 years of supporting Springfield students and educators—with an unforgettable event: the Night of 11,000 Stars Gala & Auction. Held at the University of Oregon’s Ford Alumni Center, this year’s gala was more than just a fundraiser; it was a celebration of community and the impact we can make in our schools when we come together. With the help of our generous supporters, sponsors, and partners, we raised an astounding $200,000 to empower the next generation through education!
From the very beginning, guests knew they were in for an extraordinary evening. The night began with a red-carpet experience, complete with a champagne welcome. Each guest received a special 30th-anniversary gift—beautiful wooden coasters crafted in partnership with student workers from Connected Lane County. These coasters were not only a keepsake but a meaningful reminder of the partnership SEF shares with local student programs, reinforcing our mission to support and nurture Springfield’s young talent.
The reception was a lively gathering filled with activities designed to showcase SEF’s impact and bring the community together. Jazz musicians from SHS and THS music programs performed while guests mingled and explored the silent auction, bidding on unique items and experiences donated by local businesses and supporters. The Raven Dental photo booth captured joyful moments, creating lasting memories for all. Additionally, the SELCO Innovative Educator Grant Showcase provided guests with an inspiring glimpse into the impact of SEF’s Innovative Educator Grants, which help educators bring creative projects to life in all 21 Springfield Public Schools.
For those seeking a little extra fun, the Harry Ritchie’s Prize Wheel added excitement, offering the chance to win delightful prizes like jewelry gift cards, beer, and wine while contributing to SEF’s mission. Each spin was a win for our students!
The heart of the night was the dinner program, which brought laughs and inspiration, and highlighted the importance of SEF’s mission. The evening’s live auction, led by our new auctioneer, Jason Robinson, brought incredible energy to the room as guests vied for exclusive items and experiences. Jason’s engaging style had the crowd on their feet, making every bid count toward a brighter future for Springfield students.
The traditional Heads & Tails game was a crowd favorite, drawing cheers and laughter as guests competed for a prize with each flip of a coin. Dessert Dash was another highlight, as tables pooled their bids to claim sweet treats, all while supporting SEF’s mission. And of course, the paddle raise was a powerful moment of collective generosity. Led by an inspiring $5,000 match from Erik & Hilary Vos, guests pledged over $21,000, amplifying the impact of their contributions and reinforcing the importance of community in supporting education. We’d like to thank guest speakers, Ally Warner (THS Alum) and Colton Petersen (SHS Alum) for speaking on the impact SEF made in their educational experiences at Springfield Public Schools.
The Night of 11,000 Stars Gala would not have been possible without the dedication and support of many. We owe a huge thank you to the SEF Board of Directors, whose leadership and vision make events like this one possible. We also want to express our gratitude to the incredible student volunteers from Springfield and Thurston High Schools: THS & SHS Band Programs, THS Dance Team, THS Culinary, THS Tennis, SHS Cheer, Mariachi del Sol, & SHS Rotary Interact Club. Your enthusiasm and hard work brought a special spirit to the evening that reminded us all of why we do this work. Each of these groups will receive financial support from a portion of the evening’s proceeds in appreciation of their efforts.
A special thanks goes to Events by Erin for flawlessly coordinating every detail and to LifeSlice Photography for capturing the spirit of the night in these beautiful photos. Thanks also to the Night of 11,000 Stars Event Committee and committee co-chairs Stephanie Lovdokken and Adriel Pickar for your dedication during many months of planning; Jeff Fuller & Andy Price for graciously hosting; and to SPS Communications, Barry Thompson, and John Sperry for helping produce media played throughout the program.
We extend heartfelt thanks to our sponsors (listed below), whose generosity and leadership inspire momentum in our community. We’d also like to thank these other key partners whose contributions made the night seamless and enjoyable for our guests.
- Zion Ideas Productions for their exceptional A/V support
- Mishjacks Catering for the delicious dinner
- Active 20-30 Club of Eugene for providing reception volunteers
- SELCO Community Credit Union for set-up crew volunteers
- The Flower Market for providing beautiful floral centerpieces
- Grocery Outlet Eugene for non-alcoholic drinks and snacks
- Voodoo Doughnut for sweet treats for our student volunteers
- Hop Valley for beer donations
- King Estate Winery for the wine selections
- Destination Events for event rentals
- Smile Photo Booth for capturing memorable moments
As we reflect on this amazing night, we’re filled with gratitude for everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, and cheered us on. The Night of 11,000 Stars Gala is a testament to the power of community, reminding us that together, we can accomplish remarkable things for Springfield’s students and educators. The $200,000 raised will help to fund SEF’s Innovative Educator Grants, enabling teachers to launch engaging, hands-on learning projects that ignite a love for learning in our students. Learn more about the award-winning projects from the 2024-25 school year here.
Thank you for being part of this special evening and for supporting SEF’s mission. With your help, we’re lighting the path for Springfield’s future leaders, innovators, and dreamers. Cheers to 30 years of impact and here’s to many more years of empowering student success through community engagement!
Scroll down for a gallery with more photos from the event.
