NCDSA 9th Annual Gala 2026

Join North Carolina's only grassroots, statewide nonprofit focused on serving individuals with Down syndrome as we unite to celebrate community and strive toward an inclusive future for individuals with Down syndrome.  

CELEBRATE

6:00 to 7:00 pm Cocktail Reception, Open Bar & Silent Auction

Seated Dinner

Dessert Dash

Live Auction

Dancing 

HONOREES AND AWARDS

Community Champion

Self Advocate of the Year Award

Step Up Award

Exceptional Educator

A hotel block is reserved at the venue.  Book your room by February 6 at Hilton Garden Inn at Crabtree. (919) 703-2525

Cocktail or Business Formal Attire

Dine With Us

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

 Your Choice of One:  

Ribeye with garlic au jus and horseradish cream.  Served with garlic mashed potatoes and broccoli with lemon and roasted red pepper flakes. (GF)

Salmon, grilled and served with Dijon cream.  Served with wild rice pilaf and broccoli with lemon and roasted red pepper flakes. (GF)

Tomato & mozzarella stuffed portobello mushroom, sauteed spinach, roasted peppers with a balsamic glaze  (V) (GF)

 
Dessert Dash Auction

A variety of dessert options will be donated from local bakeries. The highest bidding table will get first choice of delectable desserts. 

Sip... Sparkle... SURPRISE!
 
Get ready for the ultimate toast at this year's Gala with the Diamond Toast!

At the event, 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 diamond, confirmed by an on site jeweler!

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

Golden Ticket Trip

Only 100 Tickets will be sold at $100 each! One raffle winner will be announced at the gala.  Winner does not need to be present to win, but must make a selection within one week of the event date. 

Winner will choose from the following destinations:

Luxury Mexico Resort:

Luxury Mexico Resort 5 Night Stay in Riviera Maya, Nuevo Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Penasco or Acapulco for (2)  

Kentucky Bourbon:

Classic Kentucky Bourbon Custom Blend Experience with 3-Night Stay in Downtown Louisville for (2)

Fly Fishing in Colorado:

Fly Fishing Guided Adventure in Boulder Colorado with a 2 Night Hotel Stay for (2)

Wrigley Field:

Chicago Classic Wrigley Field Rooftop Experience with a 3 Night Stay for (2) 

*transportation is not included