Meet Spencer

When it was time for the Kennedys to find an early childhood education program for their sons, 16-month-old Spencer and older brother Quinn, there was no question in their minds St. David’s Center was the right fit. Spencer was born with Down syndrome, and Heather and Caleb felt strongly that both boys be in an early learning environment that included children of all abilities and offered the highly-coordinated care Spencer needed. That coordinated care became even more important to the Kennedys when Spencer was diagnosed with autism at age 5, at which point the Kennedys embarked upon a new phase of their journey with St. David’s Center. Through it all, a constant in Spencer’s life has been the network of teachers and therapists who have walked alongside him, nurturing and supporting his growth.

To help light the way for thousands of children like Spencer, RSVP or donate today.

Meet Gedany

Gedany (far right) remembers being about 4 years old when she first saw her dad hurt her mom. The repeated trauma Gedany experienced while she was young led to a deep-seated fear and pattern of distrust and self-protection that at times made life, friendships, relationships with family, and work very difficult. For the past seven years, Gedany and her family have been working with a St. David’s Center therapist to understand the source of their fear, how to name it when they feel its grip, and how to use new skills to shift their thinking. While it’s still hard at times for Gedany, when fear paralyzes her, she now believes in herself, and she has the skills to continue moving forward.

To help light the way for thousands of young people like Gedany, RSVP or donate today.

Choose how you’d like to attend:

• Table Purchase: Seating for up to 10 guest at the event  
• Individual Tickets: Seating for individual tickets at the event 
• Virtual Registration: Participate in our Silent Auction and stream our event live

Table   Individual Tickets   Virtual

Your Investment Changes Lives

For 33 years, the annual Make Them Shine Gala has brought together many of the Twin Cities’ most influential decision-makers at our premiere event that raises donations and awareness through corporate sponsorships, silent and live auctions featuring exclusive and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and a fund-a-need program highlighting families impacted by our services. In 2022, our fundraising goal is $450,000.

For every $1 you invest in early education and intervention, there is up to a $17 return. A child who gets access to early intervention has a greater chance for success. They enter kindergarten more prepared, they are less reliant on special education and government programs, and they are more likely to graduate and remain on a path to higher economic potential.

Join us with your sponsorship today.

BECOME A SPONSOR 

Online registration for volunteers is now closed. If you are interested in volunteering for our event please email Betsy at brogers@stdavidscenter.org

At St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development, we rely on more than 500 volunteers annually to support our mission-driven work through a variety of hands-on volunteer opportunities. Our Make Them Shine Gala is our largest volunteer event of the year, and your time and talent are crucial to creating an event that will raise over $450,000 for our organization.

With your help, we will be able to reach more families across Minnesota, with services in children’s mental health, parental support, early childhood education, and early intervention. When you volunteer at St. David’s Center, you make a lasting impact.

The wellbeing of our guests, volunteers, and event staff is our top priority.

We will continue to monitor community spread, follow guidance from the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health, and adhere to the COVID policies issued by McNamara Alumni Center. Attendance for the event this year has been reduced.

At a minimum, the following will apply to all guests, volunteers, and staff at the event:

• Staff, volunteers, and guests are required to wear masks while inside McNamara Alumni Center, regardless of vaccination status, unless actively eating or drinking
• Staff, volunteers, and guests will be required to show proof of vaccination, including booster, or a negative test within 24 hours of the event

We will inform attendees of any changes to these guidelines as needed.

For questions, please email Betsy Rogers at brogers@stdavidscenter.org.