Little Oak Montessori presents the 2026 Gala & Auction…

The Gilded West

We are thrilled to announce this year’s Annual Gala & Auction, The Gilded West, on Saturday, April 25th, 2026 at the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn.

Each Spring we gather with our beloved Gorge community to connect, celebrate our growth, and raise funds for a robust tuition assistance program.

Please join us for a glamorous evening of celebration and support as we come together to extend our reach, strengthen our community bonds, and work towards a sustainable future of accessible Montessori education in the Gorge.

tickets will go live in the new year, stay tuned!

What to Expect at the 2026 Annual Gala

the details

Date: Saturday April 25th, 2026
Time: 5:30- 10:00
Venue: Best Western Plus Hood River Inn, Trillium Room & Gorge Room

Elements of the evening: Begin the night with a cocktail hour and robust raffle, followed by a formal dinner and live auction. We’ll end the evening dancing! Expect some delightful surprises…

the cause

Our Annual Gala is our most beloved community celebration and our biggest fundraising event of the year! Not only does this night support the future well being of our school, it is the driving source of our tuition assistance program. Raising funds for tuition assistance through community support allows us to continue to expand, diversify, and nurture more curious minds in the Gorge.

attire

Dressing up is highly encouraged at this beloved annual event! This year’s gala theme, The Gilded West, invites you to embrace rustic elegance and the adventure of the frontier, with a touch of glamour. Think rich textures like rhinestones, velvet, and leather with warm sunset tones; tailored suits with bolo ties and boots; fringe, feathers, and sparkling accessories that bring the Gold Rush era to life. Got a 10 gallon hat? Let’s bust it out! Whether you lean into classic Western glam, modern flair, or a playful mix of both, this is your chance to get creative, shine, and dress for a truly unforgettable evening.

accomodations

For guests that have traveled or simply want to play it safe and skip the late drive home, we recommend you make a night of it and reserve a room at the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn. The Best Western has generously offered a special gala rate for our guests of 10% off any available rooms. Interested in taking advantage of this offer? Simply call the hotel directly (541-386-2200) and mention the “gala rate” when booking your stay.

How to Contribute to the Gala

volunteer

The Little Oak Annual Gala is our biggest fundraising effort of the year, requiring the time, talent, and treasure of many in order to be a successful event. While our Gala Committee works tirelessly over the course of the year to make sure we are set up for an unforgettable evening, we rely on the commitment of volunteers to pull it all together in the days and hours leading up to the big event.

If you would like to volunteer to help ensure a smooth run of show, please fill out the form below.

sponsor

Are you a business owner or connected community member that would like to partner with Little Oak? We are seeking sponsors to help offset the major expenses of this event. Gala sponsorships come in a variety of levels (from $250 to $2,500) with corresponding benefits. Sponsorships are a fantastic advertisement opportunity and help us reach our bigger fundraising goal of increasing our scholarship fund. If you would like to sponsor the gala, or you know a business that would be aligned and enthusiastic to support our cause, please reach out to lulu@littleoakmontessori.com by February 1st.

donate to our auction

We are looking for items and experiences to make up our silent and live auctions! Are you an artist, maker, or builder that wants to share your unique craft/product? Do you possess special skills or provide services that you know this community would benefit from? Do you own vacation property (local or not) that you'd be willing to donate for a live auction package? One-of-a-kind, collectible, rare, and artisanal items are always desirable, as are covetable experiences and trips. Items and experiences of all styles and sizes can be strong auction items on their own or be grouped together to make an incredible package, so we are happy to accept whatever you wish to bestow upon us. If you have ideas and aren't sure if it's the right fit, please reach out to lulu@littleoakmontessori.com.

If you would like to donate an item or experience to our auction, please fill out the form below.