Bright Lights Big Dreams 2022 Annual Gala Zilli's Lake & Garden in Milwaukee 5:30-9:00PM

Join us for a night of inspiration and celebration...

After two years of being virtual we are back in person and are very excited to welcome everyone back to our annual Bright Lights Big Dreams Gala- Thursday, September 22. This year our theme is "We Rise When We Lift Others." Thanks for your generosity, throughout all of these many months of the pandemic, and continuing to support our youth.

Bright Lights Big Dreams brings together community members and advocates to support Lad Lake's youth every year. This is our largest fundraising event. During this event, we will celebrate the achievements of some of our top achievers. The lives of these amazing kids have been transformed and they are becoming productive members of our community.

For over 170 years, Lad Lake has prided itself on evolving to meet our community's needs. Lad Lake is in a time of growth and innovation. We are adding new programs and evolving others. Lad Lake's experience has shown that the best way to create long-term success is through proven programs that foster healthy relationships, strengthen families, embrace equity, and connect families to community resources.  With the community's support, we can change the lives of more youth and families, so everyone has an opportunity for a brighter future.

Even if you cannot join us in person, we hope you will register to participate in our virtual auction and bid on all of our great silent auction items. 

With the exception of our "Premier" Items, which close on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at noon, the silent auction begins at noon on Monday, September 19, 2022, and ends at 7:oopm on Thursday, September 22.

How To Bid

How To Bid With GiveSmart from GiveSmart by Community Brands on Vimeo.

How to bid
Once you have completed a registration on the campaign, you will receive the welcome text message, linking you to the items to browse, bid or buy.

1. Click on the Blue link in the Welcome text to be directed to the Items page.
2. View Items by category or search by Item number or name.
3. Click the item of interest to view the description as well as the current bid and or price.
4. The system will auto-populate the bid amount based on the set increment for the item. Choose to bid at the set amount or higher.
5. Click Bid.

How to place an auto bid
Allow the system to automatically bid up to a designated amount for you. The system will bid incrementally up to the amount designated as long as someone else places a bid against you. If no one bids against your auto bid, the price remains the same.

1. Click the item of interest
2. Click the Auto Bid tab
3. Enter in the maximum amount you would like to bid
4. Click Bid.

Auction Rules

1. All sales are final. No exchanges or refunds are permitted. 

2. All items are sold "as is." Please read special instructions carefully. Special instructions include but are not limited to restrictions, availability, transfer of items, and expiration dates. Vouchers and certificates have no cash value. 

3. Any upgrades, up-charges, or cancellations by the winning bidder are the responsibility of the winning bidder.

4. Lad Lake believes all descriptions and commentary accompanying the auction items to be correct; however, Lad Lake makes no warranties or representation of any kind regarding the items or services provided. 

5. The last and the highest qualified electronic bid entry at the close of the auction shall be the buyer of that item. Each increase in bid must equal or exceed the bid increment shown within the item.

6. Items will be available for pick up on the night of the auction unless otherwise noted. An email will be sent to the winners for pickup arrangements. Shipping may be available at the winner's expense.

Under no circumstances is Lad Lake, its employees, or its affiliates liable to any party for any direct, indirect, special, or other consequential damages for any use of or reliance upon items that were received as the result of a donation or purchase.

Additional FAQ

Feeling Lucky? Win a $500 Southwest Airlines gift card for use anywhere Southwest Airlines flies

Tickets Sold Only  In-person the night of the event

Raffle Tickets

 1 for $25

3 for $60

                                                       The winner will be announced during the program                                                                                   

    *** Cash or Check payment preferred 

A Wine Pull will also be held

Thank you to the wonderful group of dedicated volunteers on our 2022 Gala Committee!

Anita Smith

Irene Smith

Michelle Rausch- Neary