NCDSA 8th Annual Gala, 2025

Join us as we unite to celebrate community and strive toward an inclusive future for individuals with Down syndrome.   

CELEBRATE

6:00 Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction

7:00 Seated Dinner & Program

HONOREES AND AWARDS

Community Champions Award

UNC Health

Self Advocate of the Year Award

Kasey Treadway

Step Up Award

Masters Family

Exceptional Educator Award

Ellen Emerson-Bates

Ali Spencer

Dress To Impress

Cocktail or Business Formal

 Dine With Us

Crisp romaine, shaved parmesan and herbed croutons with traditional caesar dressing.

 Your Choice of One:  

Option 1- Ribeye with garlic au jus and horseradish cream.  Served with red bliss mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus. (GF)

Option 2- Jumbo shrimp with a white cheddar cheese grit cake.  Served with steamed vegetable medley and roasted asparagus. (P) (GF)

Option 3- Seasonal vegetarian risotto, served with Chef's selected accompaniments. (V)

Dessert Dash

Dessert Dash Auction- A variety of dessert options will be donated from local bakeries and beloved family recipes. The highest bidding table will get first choice of delectable desserts. 

A hotel block is reserved at the venue.  Book your room by February 8 at Hilton Garden Inn at Crabtree

Only 100 Tickets will be sold! One raffle winner will be announced at the March 1 gala.  Winner does not need to be present to win.

Winner will choose from the following destinations:

Hilton Head Headwinds:

3 Night Hotel Stay in a Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott or
similar for (2)
Afternoon Sail Adventure on an America's Cup
Sailboat for (2)

Tennessee Whiskey Tours:

Choice of (1) Tennessee Whiskey Tour Listed Below:
Nashville Barrel Company Tasting and Tour: Straight
from the Barrel Experience for (2)
Nashville to Nearest Green Distillery Tour and &
Tasting for (2)
3 Night Stay at the Hutton Hotel for (2)

Bryce Canyon Glamping:

Clear Sky Resort Bryce Canyon 3-night stay in a
Glass SkyDome for (2)

Broadway Bound:

2 Night Stay at either the New York Hilton Midtown
or the Sheraton New York Times Square or similar for
(2)
Orchestra or Front Mezzanine Seats for your Choice
of any Non Sold Out Broadway Shows for (2)
Enjoy dinner at one of the following popular New
York Restaurants for (2) Atlantic Grill, Strip House or
Dos Caminos

Savoring New Orleans:

2-Hour Cooking Demonstration with Full Meal,
Recipes and Beverages for (2)
3 Night Stay in a Standard Room at a Hilton, Hyatt,
Marriott or similar for (2)

*transportation is not included

Sip... Sparkle... SURPRISE!

 
Get ready for the ultimate toast at this year's Gala-introducing the Diamond Toast!

We will be selling just 100 flutes of champagne, each containing a hidden gem. But here's the twist: only ONE flute will have the real 1.5-carat diamond, generously donated by Rhudy's Jewelry Showroom.

For just $100, will YOU be the lucky one to find the diamond in the rough?