Every story from the climb

New dates include:

• Wednesday, Oct. 28, 6:30 p.m. Stuffing invitations
• Saturday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m.–noon (Get your workday in before trick-or-treating)
• Sunday, Nov. 1, time TBD
• Saturday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m.–noon Unloading and fluffing trees and garland
• Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m.–noon Assembling baskets
• Sunday, Nov. 22, 1:30–4:30 p.m. Decorating workshop, plus the last day to drop off decoration donations

Have decorations to donate? Please bring them by Sunday, Nov. 22. That’s our final drop-off day, and we’ll use them at the decorating workshop that afternoon. Thank you for making the magic happen!

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.

…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!

Every great mountain needs a few trail-builders, and this Saturday, that’s us.

From 9 a.m. to noon in Forte Hall on the 4th floor, we’re rolling up our sleeves to create the decorations that will turn the Gala into Eagles Peak. No artistic talent required. If you can hold a glue gun, fluff a snowy branch, or hand someone the scissors at exactly the right moment, we need you. Come for an hour or stay the whole morning. There will be good company, plenty of laughs, and very likely some glitter that follows you home.

While we’re making magic for one evening in December, we want to make a little for families right here in DC, too. We’re asking everyone who comes to bring a pack of diapers for the DC Diaper Bank, which gets them to local families who need them. Diapers are one of those everyday essentials that add up fast, and a single pack can make a real difference for a family stretching to make ends meet. All sizes are welcome, and the larger ones are always in especially high demand.

So grab a friend, grab a pack of diapers, and meet us at the top of the stairs. The climb to the Peak starts here.

Sign up for the workshop!

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!