The ascent
Eagles Peak on Eye
Saturday, December 5, 2026 · Gonzaga College High School · Washington, DC
The evening
One night. Three stages. Every reason to be there.
The climb starts with cocktails and the silent auction, reaches the summit at dinner and the live auction, and culminates in the Lodge with live music, dancing, and Après Eagles Peak until midnight.
Cocktails flow as old friends reconnect, explore featured silent auction items, and keep a close eye on the bidding from their phones.
Dinner, the program, and the live auction mark the evening's peak. The paddle raise is the true summit, where every hand raised helps fund a young man's future on Eye Street.
The Lodge comes alive with live music, dancing, and holiday cheer. Dance the night away, then slip outside to the Lingan Lounge for a fireside toast under the winter sky.
From the top of the peak
A special note
"As we look forward to this year’s Gala, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Gonzaga Mothers Club and our entire community for their unwavering support and remarkable generosity. The Gala is more than a magnificent evening to celebrate the holiday season—it is an investment in the young men of Eye Street. Thank you for joining us, supporting our mission, and making a lasting difference."
-Rev. Joseph E. Lingan, S.J. '75, President
Why we climb
The evening that keeps Eye Street open to everyone
Every sponsorship, bid, and raised paddle helps ensure that a young man's place at Gonzaga is determined by his character, not his circumstances. For 45 years, the Mothers Club has helped keep that promise. On December 5, we do it again.
The peak
Gala night, December 5
Doors open at 6:00 PM. Black tie optional: gowns and tuxedos welcome, cocktail attire perfectly fine.
Evening Itinerary
- Cocktails & silent auctionArrive through the Eye Street gate
- Dinner & programWelcome from the Mothers Club President
- Live auction & paddle raiseProceeds support financial aid
- Dancing at the LodgeUntil Midnight
Know Before You Go
- Attire
- Black tie optional
- Where
- Gonzaga College High School, 19 Eye Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Arrival
- Complimentary parking at the Eye Street Garage (space permitting). Rideshare drop-off at the Eye Street gate.
- Bidding
- The silent auction opens online the week before the gala and closes during dinner. Bidding happens on your phone through OneCause.
How far we've climbed
Key dates
The season at a glance
Voices from the climb
Film, features & community highlights
Meet the 2026 Gala Chairs
Ticia Berg | Spearheading the Event | Austin ’23, Alec ’29
Leads the program, live auction experiences, entertainment & signature gala moments.
Sherwood Turnbull | Shaping the Journey | Dane ’28
Directs decorations, communications, merchandise & the overall guest experience.
Claire Portolese | Powering the Platform | Joseph ‘26, Jack ’29
Manages technology, the gala website, silent auction systems, family ads & baskets.
Dede Curteman | Coordinating the Climb | Hayden ’28
Oversees sponsorships, volunteers, hospitality, logistics, event operations & the Wine Pull.
The mountain is missing a few essentials.
We're building a Christmas chalet worthy of the season, but we need help filling the slopes. Have a tree collecting dust in the basement? A string of lights no longer needed? A pair of skis ready for one last run?
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We're seeking:
- Artificial Christmas trees
- Skis, Snowshoes, & Snowboards
- White twinkle lights
- Sparkling holiday décor
Just lending? Perfect. We’ll tag everything with your family’s name and return it after the gala.
Not a skier, but know people? We need scouts too: Marketplace hunters, listserv posters, and anyone with a cousin who owns a tree farm (we’re serious about that last one).
How to help: Email gala2026@gonzagagala.org, and a dad with a truck will come to you. Please send everything by November 22.
🎄🦅 Help us bring Christmas to the Peak.
Your Mountain Chalet Awaits!
Why trek home after a night on the mountain? The Gala Team has secured a special room rate...
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…for attendees at The George Hotel, just a short climb from the festivities. Dance until the lodge lights dim, then retreat to your own cozy chalet for the night.
Here are the reservation and booking details:
- Where: The George Hotel (Kimpton)
- When: Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5.
- Rate: $199 per night, plus taxes
- Book by: Wednesday, November 18
- Included with your stay: Your stay includes a waived amenity fee (a $37 nightly value), Wi-Fi in guest rooms and public spaces, and two bottles of water in your room each night. Each morning you can enjoy complimentary coffee in the lobby, and from 5 to 6 PM each evening you can return there for complimentary wine at the Kimpton Social Hour.
Make it a mountain weekend: book your chalet by November 18 and stay for the après.
Claim your special rate!
Early Climbers Get the Best Views
The Ticket Office for the 46th Annual Eagles Peak on Eye Gala is officially OPEN, and the first to the trailhead will be rewarded!
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The first 50 ticket buyers will be entered in a raffle for a room at Hotel George on Gala night.
The first two tables purchased will enjoy a complimentary tableside champagne surprise.
Don't wait. Be among the first up the mountain!
Buy your tickets here!
The lodge
Welcome in. The fire's lit.
Why does the Mothers Club hold a gala?
Where does my donation go?
What is OneCause?
What should I wear?
Where do I park?
With gratitude to our 2026 sponsors