A Celebration of Community: The Night of 11,000 Stars 2025

October 18, 2025: Night of 11,000 Stars Recap

It was a night of laughter, generosity, and shared purpose as more than 220 guests gathered at the Ford Alumni Center for the Night of 11,000 Stars Gala & Auction. Together, our community raised an incredible $200,000 in support of Springfield students — meeting our goal to fund our upcoming 2026-27 Innovative Educator Grant season!

Each year, this event serves as a reminder that when our community comes together, we can make extraordinary things happen for Springfield Public Schools. The 2025 Gala was a true celebration of collaboration, compassion, and creativity.

Gratitude to Our Donors and Supporters

We are deeply grateful to every guest, bidder, and donor who helped make this evening such a success. From friendly bidding wars to heartfelt paddle raises, every moment reflected the kindness and dedication of those who believe in empowering student success. This year’s paddle raise, boosted by a generous $2,500 match from Erik & Hilary Vos, brought energy and emotion to the room as guests stood together in support of Springfield students. To every person who raised a bid card, shared a smile, or made a donation—thank you for believing in the power of public education.

Cheers to Our Event Leaders and Crew

A heartfelt thank-you to our Event Chairs, Adriel Pickar & Nate Bill, for their leadership, vision, and dedication. Their guidance helped bring every detail of the evening to life.

We were once again lucky to have Jeff Fuller & Andy Price return as our program hosts for the third year in a row, alongside our lively auctioneer Jason Robinson, who kept the crowd engaged and entertained all night long.

Our gratitude also goes to Event Coordinator Erin Rice of Events by Erin, whose skill and organization made every moment seamless. The Oakway Catering team provided an unforgettable meal and even donated a live auction package—thank you for your generosity and culinary brilliance!

Behind the scenes, LifeSlice Photography captured every smile and sparkle, Zion Ideas Productions ensured flawless A/V, and Destination Events supplied beautiful rentals that transformed the venue. The Smile Photo Booth was a hit with guests, and Flower Market’s arrangements set the perfect tone for the evening.

The Heart of It All: Volunteers

The Night of 11,000 Stars Event Planning Committee and SEF Board of Directors poured countless hours into making this event a success. Their creativity, dedication, and teamwork are what truly bring this night to life each year.

Interested in joining the fun? Visit our Volunteer Page to learn how you can help plan next year’s gala or even serve on the SEF Board of Directors.

We were also joined by an incredible group of volunteers and student leaders who made the night shine:

SELCO Community Credit Union volunteers who beautifully set the dining room tables
CLF Network volunteers who led reception activities
Academy of Arts & Academics Leadership students who assisted with catering
Thurston High School Cheer and Tennis teams, who greeted guests and sold raffle tickets
Derrick & Michael of Servicemen Painting, who stayed late to help clean up—our true MVPs!

Your hard work, smiles, and energy made all the difference.

Student Talent on Full Display

Student participation was an incredibly moving part of the event – over half of our volunteers were students! The event featured beautiful performances by the Thurston High School Jazz Band and Springfield High School Jazz Band, whose sets filled the room with talent and pride.

Guests also enjoyed a spirited performance from Mariachi Nueva Esencia during the Dessert Dash, a moment that perfectly captured the joy of the evening.

The Thurston High School Video Production Program debuted a special video highlighting their Innovative Educator (IE) Grant projects from the past two years, while Two Rivers-Dos Ríos (TRDR) Elementary School Principal Kristen Noor appeared in a feature about her school’s Kindness Mural grant. These creative projects are powerful examples of what SEF funding makes possible.

Inspiring Words from the Heart

Two speakers moved our guests with heartfelt reflections on the power of SEF programs. Sara Burgin, TRDR 5th grade teacher, shared the story of their STEAM in the Spheres program, reminded us how innovation and imagination can transform classrooms.

We were also deeply moved by Finn San Filippo, Springfield High School Class of 2025 and son of SEF Executive Director Christina San Filippo, who spoke about his personal journey through Springfield schools and the opportunities created by community support.

Their stories grounded the evening in purpose, illustrating why SEF’s mission matters.

Educators at the Center

During the reception, our Grant Showcase educators once again wowed guests by sharing firsthand how SEF funding has impacted their classrooms. These teachers are the heartbeat of our work—bringing creative learning experiences, innovative programs, and joyful discovery to students every day. Thank you to:

Misty Acker, Maple Elementary “PE is Powerful Education“
Xavier Davis, District-wide “Black Student Union Summits“
Tom Lemonds & Jeremiah Tabor, Springfield High School Metals Department
Cody Rosenberg, Academy of Arts & Academics “SPHERO Robots“
Hope Zima, Douglas Gardens Elementary “Handwriting Without Tears”

Guests loved hearing their stories and seeing the real-world outcomes of their generosity.

Our Sponsors: The Stars Behind the Scenes

This event would not be possible without our incredible sponsors, whose support helped create an unforgettable evening. From sponsoring the photo booth and Grant Showcase, to ensuring guest parking and covering wine, beer, and bar service, every contribution helped make the experience special for our guests. Many sponsors also joined us in person, raising their paddles and celebrating alongside the community they helped uplift. Particular thanks to North Star Sponsors Peak Credit Union and Sierra Pacific Industries! Our generous sponsors’ investment in SEF doesn’t just fund a single event—it fuels programs, grants, and opportunities that will reach students across Springfield all year long.

Auction Magic and Dessert Dash Delights

Thank you to our generous auction donors, whose creativity and community spirit filled our catalog with incredible packages and experiences. Many donations came directly from Springfield school programs and local businesses who wanted to give back to their community:

Springfield High School Metals department – Custom Garden Wishing Well
Springfield High School Wood Shop – Handmade Beekeeping Boxes
Springfield High School Theater department – season tickets to all SHS performances
Springfield High School Auto Program – two Auto Maintenance packages
Thurston High School Culinary program – dessert catering package
Thurston High School Forestry program – one cord of wood
Academy of Arts & Academics Cake Club – cupcake decorating class
Gateways Cosmetology program – “Day of Beauty” package

Our legendary Dessert Dash once again stole the show, featuring mouthwatering creations from individuals and the following organizations & businesses:

Each table’s dash for dessert added a mix of laughter and friendly competition that kept the evening sweet—literally.

Thank You, Springfield

From the Ford Alumni Center staff and Isaiah Truong who ensured a flawless venue experience, to our partners at King Estate Winery and Claim 52 Brewing who donated wine and beer, every contributor helped make this event sparkle.

Special thanks to the local representatives, SPS administrators, principals, and educators who joined us in celebrating this incredible community of support.

And finally, our endless gratitude to everyone who lent a hand, a voice, a talent, or a donation. You are the reason we reached our goal of $200,000—and the reason Springfield students continue to thrive.

Looking Ahead

Funds raised through The Night of 11,000 Stars Gala & Auction will directly support innovative classroom grants, essential programs, and opportunities that empower every student in Springfield Public Schools to reach for the stars.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Stay connected, get involved, and mark your calendar for next year’s celebration—we can’t wait to do it all again!

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📸 2025 Night of 11,000 Stars Photo Album

October 23, 2025 at 5:17 pm

SEF