Join us for an evening of giving in support of student leaders across Virginia Beach.
Saturday, January 30, 2027 7:00 PM The Gala 417, Virginia Beach
Save the Date
Saturday, January 30, 2027
7:00 PM
The Gala 417 2105 W Great Neck Rd
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Join us for an evening of dinner, giving, and celebration in support of student leaders across Virginia Beach.
Add to calendarBuilding Momentum to Take Our Mission Further
The Virginia Beach Student Leadership Foundation supports leadership training for students across Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Every ticket, sponsorship, and auction bid from this evening goes directly toward the programs that help students find their voice and lead in their schools and community.
In 2026
- high schools held school-based leadership workshops
- 11
- students attended a leadership workshop program during the school year
- 936
- was spent across the city for leadership workshop programs
- $150K
- is the average cost for a student to attend a workshop
- $160
Leadership Workshops
City-wide and school-based training that builds confidence and real skills.
Scholarships and Awards
Merit-based awards that honor students who step up and lead by example.
Student Programs
Year-round opportunities for students, educators, and the community.
What to Expect
Plated Dinner
A seated dinner with a choice of three entrees, prepared by The Gala 417.
Open Bar
An open bar all evening, from the first toast through the last dance.
Silent Auction
Experiences, trips, gift cards, and more, donated by friends of the Foundation.
Raise the Paddle
A direct giving moment where every paddle in the air funds student programs.
Music and Dancing
Live music to carry the evening from dinner through the last dance.
Honorees and Keynote Speaker
The committee is finalizing the evening's honorees and keynote speaker. Announcements will be shared here first, so check back soon.
Put Your Name Behind Student Leaders
Sponsorships from local businesses, families, and individuals help ensure that our focus remains on supporting student leaders. Event sponsorships are recognized using the same tier structure as our annual donors.
- Top Billing
Beacons
$10,000- Premier table placement
- 1 table (8 complimentary event tickets)
- Headline recognition across the evening and on all event materials
- Exclusive social media posts
- Company name and logo on VBSLF website
- Recognition in the printed program
- Signage with company name and logo on table centerpiece and bar
Visionaries
$5,000- Premium table placement
- 4 complimentary event tickets
- Exclusive social media posts
- Company name and logo on VBSLF website
- Signage with company name and logo on table centerpiece and bar
- Recognition in the printed program
Innovators
$2,500- 2 complimentary event tickets
- Inclusion on select event signage and social media
- Company name and logo on VBSLF website
- Signage with company name and logo on table centerpiece and bar
- Recognition in the printed program
Leaders
$1,000- Recognition in the printed program
In-Kind Donations Needed
Donate items, services, and experiences for our silent auction. The value can be applied toward a sponsorship tier, up to $500.
Tickets Available November 21
Reservations open November 21 and close January 10, 2027. Buy up to eight individual seats, or reserve a full table of eight for your business, organization, or group. Not attending? You can use the same form to give at any of the sponsorship levels described above.
Reservations open November 21. Questions in the meantime? Reach us at events@vblead.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Gala 417?
The Gala 417 is at 2105 W Great Neck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, on the water at Long Bay Pointe. Parking details will be posted here closer to the event.
What should I wear?
Formal attire is requested for the evening.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes. Dinner includes a choice of three entrees, and we will collect dietary needs when reservations open.
Can I sit with friends who are also attending?
Yes. The easiest way is to reserve your seats together in a single order so your group lands at the same table. If you reserve separately, use the note field on the reservation form to tell us who you would like to sit with and we will do our best to seat you together.
Is there a bar?
Yes. The evening includes an open bar, so drinks are covered by your ticket. Gratuity is not included, and tips for the bartenders are always appreciated.
How does the silent auction work?
Auction items will be on display during the reception with simple bidding. A preview of featured items will be posted here as the event gets closer.
Is my ticket tax deductible?
VBSLF is a 501(c)(3) organization. A portion of each ticket may be tax deductible, and the deductible portion will be listed on your receipt.
I cannot attend. Can I still support the gala?
Yes, and it means just as much. You can give any time through our donate page, and the silent auction welcomes item donations from the community.
Not Attending?
You Can Still Back a Student Leader
Every gift supports leadership workshops, scholarships, and programs for students across Virginia Beach City Public Schools. If the gala is not on your calendar, your generosity can still be in the room.
Donate
VBSLF is a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax deductible in accordance with IRS rules and regulations.