Why “Diamonds in the Rough”
Every diamond starts out rough, unpolished, and overlooked — and so does every young person GAD Youth Center serves. They are brilliant and full of potential; they simply need the right environment, the right investment, and people who believe in them to become who they’re meant to be. The Diamonds in the Rough Gala invites the community to be part of that polishing process: every seat filled, every sponsor secured, and every dollar raised is an act of belief in the brilliance already inside our youth.
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The evening’s navy, white, and crystal palette carries the same meaning: crystal represents the brilliance we see in our youth, navy reflects the depth of our commitment, and white represents the clean slate and possibility ahead.
What the Evening Supports
Eliminate school feeding debt
Pay down outstanding school meal balances for enrolled GAD youth, so no child carries lunch debt into the next school year.
Youth school supplies initiative
Provide backpacks, notebooks, calculators, and essential supplies for every GAD participant each January.
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GAD program sustainability fun
Sustain and grow GAD’s core programming, including summer camp, workshops, transportation, and the new feeding program launching in November 2026.
What to Expect
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A 6:00 PM VIP Diamond Reception for sponsors and VIP guests
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Cocktail hour with live music, followed by a seated dinner
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A short “mission moment” featuring a GAD youth participant sharing their own story
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Presentation of the inaugural GAD “Diamonds in the Rough” Award, honoring a youth, volunteer, or community leader who embodies the mission
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A silent auction
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Dancing with a DJ to close out the night
Ticket Pricing
General Admission
$50
/seat
Dinner
Program
Dancing
VIP
$100
/seat
Includes 6:00 PM VIP Diamond Reception, priority seating, priority dinner, and a live entertainment