News Detail

Denver Academy Hosts Annual Gala Benefiting Tuition Assistance Program

28th Annual Event, Suit Up & Get Down, is Saturday, April 18, at Upper Larimer in Denver’s RiNo Art District

DENVER (Feb. 25, 2026) -- Denver Academy (DA) will hold its annual fundraising gala, Suit Up & Get Down, on Saturday, April 18, 2026. This year’s event is a throwback-prom-inspired evening taking place at the Upper Larimer event venue, located at 3034 Larimer St. in Denver’s RiNo Art District. Advanced registration is required. Denver Academy is an independent school serving students in grades 2-12 with varied learning profiles. Net proceeds from the gala benefit the Denver Academy Tuition Assistance Program, which supports nearly 30 percent of DA’s students.    
“DA’s annual gala is an integral fundraiser to help broaden access to an individualized and transformative Denver Academy education for as many students as possible,” said Director of Development Michael McNeill. “Let’s dress up, celebrate, and dance together while making a meaningful impact!”

The benefit will be held at the Upper Larimer, an industrial ballroom-style venue located in the heart of downtown Denver. The restored historic building blends timeless charm with a contemporary feel.  

Denver Academy’s Suit Up & Get Down Gala begins at 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour with tasty bites, followed by a seated dinner. The throwback prom theme features music being spun by DJs throughout the evening, along with dancing, and a photo booth for classic prom photos. In addition, there will be a special presentation about the Denver Academy difference, and a live auction with a fantastic slate of items. 

Live auction bidding opportunities will include experiences such as an African safari, a trip to Southern France, and a stay at a property in the countryside of Ireland. There will also be the chance to bid on a poker party with Denver Academy Head of School Mark Twarogowski, a French dinner for ten, and so much more!

The 2026 Gala includes an online silent auction opening at 8 a.m. on Monday, April 13, and closing Sunday, April 19, at 12 p.m. It features various items to bid on, from restaurant gift cards to services, gift baskets, and more. The online auction is open for bidding, regardless of whether bidders attend the event on April 18; however, registration is required. Those purchasing tickets to the Suit Up & Get Down event will automatically be registered for the online auction. 

As part of this year’s gala event, special donations are available to Send Your Teacher Packing! For just $5, donors can nominate their favorite Denver Academy teacher(s) to win a special trip. Nominations will be available for purchase soon via the Denver Academy 2026 gala website. 

Registration to attend the in-person 2026 DA Gala event is available now through April 1 and is required in advance to participate. Find out more and register for the event via the link to the Gala website here: www.denveracademy.org/gala2026. Those who can’t attend in person can still register and support DA through the online silent auction or by donating. 

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, visit the DA Gala Sponsorship page, and/or contact Molly Nuanes at mnuanes@denveracademy.org

 
About Denver Academy
Founded in 1972, Denver Academy (DA) believes that students thrive when taught in the way they learn best. DA is one of the top schools in the nation dedicated to teaching students with varied learning profiles, including those with dyslexia and ADHD. DA’s innovative, proven learning model is based on the balanced application of classroom management, information processing, and academic literacy. Small class sizes of 12-14 students facilitate student-centered differentiated instruction. Flexible placement and several academic levels within each core subject, including honors classes and advanced coursework, allow faculty to teach to each student’s optimal level. For more information, visit www.denveracademy.org.

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(Photos available upon request.)

For DA Gala information: 

Molly Nuanes, Associate Director of Development, (303) 777-5870 ext. 260
www.denveracademy.org/gala2026

Media Contact:
Valerie Hamlin, Director of Marketing & PR
(303) 777-5870 ext. 203

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Denver Academy is an independent private school for grades 2-12 located in Denver, CO. DA inspires and empowers a diverse group of learners through student-centered, differentiated, and transformative education.
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