The Odd Ball: Our Biennial Gala

Dear Duke School Community,

We are thrilled to invite you to our Odd Ball. Many of you remember our 75th anniversary celebration, Jubilee. What a great time! We plan to have many of our fan favorites such as the unforgettable photo booth, DJ, and dancing. This upcoming event will be a strolling gala designed with our entire community in mind. If you want to dance all night, sneak away to one of our conversation spaces, or enjoy good food, this will be the event for you. We are happy to announce the return of our Silent Auction and other ways you can support fundraising efforts for Duke School while having a great time. Many of you helped us celebrate in 2023 and we can use your help again. We need your help with silent auction items and identifying sponsors. If you'd like to help make this event unforgettable, please contact Alexandria Turnley or Shenise Foote in our Development Office.

PURCHASE TICKETS

DONATE TO THE AUCTION

We can't wait to see you there!

The Duke School Odd Ball is a biennial gala celebrating the vibrant spirit of our community while raising critical funds to support our students and programs. This inaugural event will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 6pm in the newly opened Center for IDEAS, marking a new tradition for Duke School. The Odd Ball will be a lively evening of dining, a silent auction, entertainment, and connection, bringing together Duke School parents, grandparents, faculty, alumni, and community supporters. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit Duke School’s commitment to providing innovative, inclusive, and high-quality education, ensuring every student has the resources and opportunities to thrive.

sponsorship opportunities

Join our growing list of sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. You can also donate an item or experience for our silent auction. Act now to showcase your business! For more information please reach out to Shenise Foote, Director of Development .

SPonsorship opportunities

Gala Details & FAQ

Why the "Odd Ball"?

What's This Gala All About?

Q: What exactly is the Odd Ball Gala?

A: The Duke School Odd Ball Gala is a biennial gala celebrating the vibrant spirit of our community while raising critical funds to support our students and programs. This inaugural event will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 6pm until 11pm in the newly opened Center for IDEAS, marking a new tradition for Duke School. The Odd Ball will be a lively evening of dining, a silent auction, entertainment, and connection, bringing together Duke School parents, grandparents, faculty, alumni, and community supporters. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit Duke School’s commitment to providing innovative, inclusive, and high-quality education, ensuring every student has the resources and opportunities to thrive.

When and Where?

Who's Coming?

What Will the Night Look Like?

Q: What can I expect during the event?

A: This fun filled night will have something for everyone. There is no designated seating so you can enjoy delicious food and beverages as you stroll around the Center for IDEAS. Sample our signature cocktails or quench your thirst with a non-alcoholic option. View the silent auction items placed throughout our space and get in your final bids. Make some memories in our photo booth, dance the night away on the dance floor, and enjoy connecting with others in our quieter conversation spaces. We’ll have exciting entertainment, a wine pull, and more opportunities to show your love for Duke School. You’ll hear a few words from key DS Staff, an alumni speaker, and spend a fabulous night celebrating in the newly opened Center for IDEAS.

What Should I Wear?

Food & Drinks: The Delicious Details

Q: What will we be eating and drinking?

A: We are excited to share that our gala will feature a thoughtfully curated menu designed to cater to a variety of dietary preferences. You can look forward to a delightful selection that includes gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, ensuring that everyone can find something delicious to enjoy.

In addition to our diverse menu, we are pleased to offer an open bar featuring a selection of wines, beers, and signature cocktails. Whether you prefer a classic drink or something unique, our bartenders will be ready to serve you!

What About the Kids?

Q: Can I bring my children?

A: We appreciate your understanding that our gala is an adult-only event from 6pm - 11pm. To create a sophisticated atmosphere for all our guests, we will not be providing childcare services. We encourage you to make arrangements in advance and enjoy a well-deserved night out with friends!

Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to celebrating with you!

Parking

Affordability

Q: What if a ticket is not in my budget right now?

A: If you would like to apply for ticket assistance, please follow these steps:

Please email: Kimberly.Shaw@dukeschool.org
Notification: You will receive a notification regarding your status.

We are excited about your participation in the festivities and appreciate your contributions to our community. Please be aware that while we would love to aid everyone, the Ticket Assistance Program is limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. We look forward to celebrating with you at the gala!

Supporting the Odd Ball

Q: How can I support the Odd Ball?

A: There are several ways to support the Odd Ball:

Sponsorship Opportunities: We offer a range of sponsorship packages tailored to fit various levels of support. Each package provides unique benefits, including visibility on our promotional materials, event recognition, and a great opportunity to showcase your brand to our community. For detailed information about the sponsorship levels and benefits, please visit our Sponsorship Opportunities
Auction Donations: If you would like to contribute items for our silent auction, we welcome your generosity! Donating an auction item and experiences are a wonderful way to showcase your support and attract attention to your business or organization. For more information on how to donate, please click here.
Fund a Ticket for a Friend: We're excited that you want to help make the Odd Ball Gala accessible to everyone! Click here to donate a ticket funds towards a ticket for a member of our community.

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