Mark your calendar for Northstar’s 2026 Illumination Gala and 30th Anniversary Celebration!

The fun begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026. We’ll be hosting the festivities in the new Northstar Gymnasium and Community Center at 11501 Nuckols Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059. Parking is onsite and valet parking is available.

The event features delicious food, cocktails, music, games, and an exciting silent auction.

Early Bird Tickets go on sale November 20, 2025 at $150 each.
(Regular priced tickets are $175 each.)

We invite you to donate an item or service to the Silent Auction or become a Sponsor!

Employees and guests of PFG, a Northstar business partner and inclusive employer.

Volunteers sell bottles at the Wine Pull table.

Guests smiling at the 2025 Illumination Gala.

The winner of a silent auction bid with her art piece.

Guests sit for the live program during the 2025 Illumination Gala.

Donna Bower receives the Navigator Award for Enduring Support.

A Northstar Alum draws the winner of the Lucky Envelope game.

The Gala Master of Ceremonies addresses the crowd.

A smiling family poses for a photo at the Gala.

The premier school for learning differences in Central Virginia, Northstar promotes educational excellence and career opportunities for students ages 5-24 who have academic, physical or social challenges. The Illumination Gala is an essential part of our ability to continue that mission. With each ticket purchased you are making a difference daily for 125 students. Help us with our goal of raising $141,000 in 2026.

Thank you to our attendees, donors and sponsors of the 2025 Illumination Gala! With your help, we raised nearly $127,000 to support Northstar students with disabilities.