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Gingerbread
& Jazz

Join us for an elegant evening celebrating the 28th Gingerbread & Jazz Gala at the enchanting Flying W Ranch.

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Ticket Options

$250 VIP Legacy Dinner

Guests will enjoy early access to the Ranch, followed by a plated dinner and premier front-row seating. Each ticket includes a $165 tax-deductible contribution
Sold Out

$125
Gala Ticket

Includes sweet and savory food stations, signature cocktails, musical performances, dancing, live auction, and Gingerbread Showcase (includes a tax-deductible donation of $60 per ticket).
Sold Out

Tickets are sold out for more information please contact Ashley Groves at agroves@earlyconnections.org

$1,000 Gala Party Table

Includes ten (10) Gala Tickets at a 20% discount plus a reserved table for your group (includes a tax-deductible donation of $350 per table).
sold out

Location

flying w ranch logo

The Saddle Ballroom at Flying W Ranch 

Gingebread Jazz Gala women happy guests
Gingerbread Jazz happy guests party
Gingerbread Jazz trio kids trumpet
Gingerbread Jazz CEO Liz Denson podium
Gingerbread Jazz Gala auction
Gingerbread Jazz Gala decorating cookies
Gingerbread Jazz Matt Ent
Gingerbread Jazz Gala wranglers
Gingerbread Jazz Gala singer
Gingerbread Jazz Gala Live auctioneer

We’re returning to the majestic Saddle Ballroom at Flying W Ranch for our Gingerbread & Jazz Gala—one of the most naturally beautiful venues in Colorado. On November 8th, Early Connections will once again transform this stunning indoor space for an unforgettable evening filled with delightful bites, joyful music, laughter, and purpose. Together, we’ll raise critical funds to ensure children in Colorado Springs have access to the highest quality early education and care.

Event Details

Saturday, November 8 | 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Special Note: VIP ticket holders enjoy early access to the Gala
The evening includes musical performances, a Gingerbread showcase, heavy appetizers, signature cocktails, and Live Auction featuring exclusive items and experiences.
Cocktail Attire or formal western welcomed.

Gingerbread Magic: Meet our Bakers

Sugarplum Cake Shoppe
Boonzaaijer’s Dutch Bakery
Icing on the Cake

Jazz Hands: Meet our Musicians

Colorado Springs Youth Symphony’s Ascent Jazz Combo kicks off the evening for our VIPS. These young musicians explore varying styles of great jazz literature, led by Dan Bell. Julie Bradley & Friends have performed extensively across the United States and abroad, bringing a blend of jazz standards and jazz fusion. Whether you’re enjoying the sounds or wishing to dance, they add great fun to close out the night.

Directions & Parking

Complimentary parking is available, with ample space for all guests. Walking distance from your car to venue is approximately 50 yards. We will have golf cart transportation for those with walking limitations.

3330 Chuckwagon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80919

live Auction lot

The Whiskey House in Nashville
Value: Priceless
This package includes an unforgettable trip for two to Nashville, with a $1,500 stipend for travel, accommodations, and an exclusive experience at The Whiskey House. During your visit, you’ll enjoy a private tasting featuring 8-12 pours tailored to your preferences, as well as a guided tour of their museum, which showcases over 800 historical decanters and 4,000 open bottles. This exclusive invitation to The Whiskey House is only available through the live auction at our Gingerbread & Jazz Gala, making it a truly rare opportunity. Plus, the more generous your donation, the more generous your experience at The Whiskey House when you visit!
A Napa / Sonoma Evening
Donors: Mike & Diane Bell
Value: $3,000
Prepare yourself for a special evening of side-by-side comparisons of highly rated wines from Napa and Sonoma in the varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. This special tasting for eight people will be held at the home of Mike and Diane Bell with wines from their cellar. The wines will be served with a five-course dinner specifically prepared to enhance the wines.

Sparkling

Chardonnay

2016 Peter Michael Cuvee Indigene WA100

2017 Kongsgaard The Judge WA100

Pinot Noir

2019 Raen Sea View JS98

2019 Peter Michael Ma Danseuse JS99

Cabernet Sauvignon

2007 Joseph Phelps Insignia WA100

2007 Verite Le Desir WA100

2018 Hundred Acre Morgan’s Way WA100

2016 Harlan Bond Quella JS100

Dessert Wine

Courtside Craze: Ultimate NBA Experience
Donors: Neil & Sandy Schroeder
Value: $2,500+
Enjoy an unforgettable night of basketball at Ball Arean in Denver, CO. Watch the Denver Nuggets take on the Atlanta Hawks (Friday, January 9, 2026) or the Portland Trail Blazers (Saturday, March 22, 2026) from 2 courtside seats all while enjoying the Lexus Club with unlimited food and drinks (the club opens 90 minutes prior to game time). This exclusive package also includes complimentary parking.
Scarecrow Wine: A Vertical Box
Donors: Neil & Sandy Schroeder
Value: $3,000
[Vintages in Vertical: 2012, 2018, 2022] Scarecrow Wine is one of Napa Valley’s most revered labels, known for producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon from the renowned Rutherford AVA and crafted from wines originally planted on the J.J Cohen Estate. The story behind this impressive, cult wine runs deep. J.J. Cohn was born dirt poor, but experienced great success in Hollywood. During Hollywood’s golden age, Cohn was instrumental in the marking of the much beloved film, the Wizard of Oz. Scarecrow’s limited production combined with ti’s critical acclaim and score from top wine critics has made it a highly sought-after by collectors worldwide. Each vintage represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship.
VIP Passes to Stagecoach Music Festival
Donor: Sam Telarico
Value: $3,000
Country music’s biggest party in the CA desert, April 24-26, 2026
A “Minnesota Nice” Escape
Donors: Kim McFarland & The Latzka Family
Value: $2,500
Enjoy Broadwater Lodge, a beloved Northern Minnesota resort that has been welcoming guests for more than 70 years. Nestled along the pines and pristine waters of Woman Lake, soak in quiet mornings on the dock, starry nights by the fire, and a genuine hospitality you’ll never forget. Good for one week in spring or fall for up to four people. This also includes a travel voucher of $500.
Golf Swings and Sweet Dreams at Flying Horse
Donor: Classic Homes
Value: $1,350
A round of golf for four (with golf cart) plus a one-night stay for two in a Luxury Premier Guestroom at the Flying Horse Resort & Club
A gift from the Sea Necklace
Donor: Margaret Sabin
Value: $1,200
Threaded on a delicate 18K Gold chain necklace, this stunning pearl was plucked from the south pacific
From Arts to Zoo, the Ultimate COS Itinerary
Donors: CS Philharmonic, The Broadmoor, Main Event, Scheels, CM Zoo, Cave of the Winds
Value: $1,000
Our city boasts breathtaking views, family-friendly attractions, remarkable musicians, a nationally rated best zoo, plus a five-star resort. Experience it all with this special lot! Includes NYE tickets to Rhapsody in Blue concert, Zoo, an overnight stay at the Broadmoor, games and laser tag at Main Event, plus a shopping spree at SCHEELS—it’s fun for everyone.
Four Firepit Tickets at Ford Amphitheater
Donors: Brad & Sharon Gann
Value: $1,000
Pick any show in 2026 to enjoy from Suite 19, Section 203 – right in the center – at the new Ford Amphitheater. Enjoy the warmth of the firepit while you order food and drinks from the suite’s personal server (good for four).
The Need for Speed
Donor: Mike Finkbiner
Value: $500
Feel the speed and adrenaline rush with a high-performance driving experience with a certified Porsche driving coach at Pueblo Motorsports Park 9 turn 2.3-mile road course. Take your own high-performance vehicle (no SUV’s other than Porsche Macan or Cayenne) out on the racing track for a four-hour open track session (includes 4 30-minute on track session and coaching time).

Frequently asked questions

The Gingerbread & Jazz Gala promises to be an elegant evening where class meets charm. While cocktail attire is encouraged, guests are welcome to embrace the spirit of the venue with formal western. The Saddle Ballroom will be beautifully decorated to create a sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for a night of fine dining and jazz.

The Gingerbread & Jazz Gala at the Flying W Ranch will be a cozy and warm event, perfect for a November evening. Hosted indoors in the elegant Saddle Ballroom, guests can expect a comfortable atmosphere, regardless of the chilly weather outside. The main ballroom is well-heated, with additional ancillary spaces featuring heated floors, ensuring warmth throughout the venue. The Flying W Ranch is well-equipped to handle the November elements, providing a welcoming and pleasant environment for all attendees to enjoy the evening to the fullest.

Free parking is provided, and although valet service isn’t available, staff will be on hand to direct you to a parking spot.

The Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit (CCTC) is a state tax incentive designed to encourage donations to promote child care in Colorado. Individuals, businesses, and organizations that donate to qualifying child care programs or organizations in the state can receive a tax credit worth 50% of the total contribution amount. Donors can claim a tax credit equal to 50% of their total contribution. For example, a $1,000 donation could yield a $500 tax credit on the donor’s Colorado state income tax return. 

Our annual Gala fundraiser is a cornerstone event for our non-profit, serving as a crucial source of funding that sustains our programs throughout the year. The financial contributions raised during this event have the power to profoundly shape the futures of the children we serve. Your generous donations provide the essential resources, materials, and opportunities that our children need to thrive. Whether it’s funding educational tools or creating enriching experiences, your support acts as a catalyst for positive change, ensuring that every dollar you give goes directly toward nurturing young minds and fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Questions or Concerns? Please call 719-381-4803 or email nschiff@earlyconnections.org

why we host this event

All funds raised from the Gingerbread and Jazz Gala go directly to Early Connections Learning Centers, supporting our vital early education programs

Our annual Gala is essential to sustaining our work year-round—your support fuels life-changing programs, empowering children with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to grow, learn, and thrive.

There is a shortage of spots in high-quality early education programs, especially for younger children. Our capital campaign aims to address this by expanding our capacity.

The cost of child care poses a significant challenge for many families, particularly those with lower incomes who struggle to afford even essential care. Our sliding scale fee structure aims to make child care more affordable and accessible for these families.

Our nationally accredited programs include a literacy-focused curriculum, family support activities, nutritious meals and snacks, physical and behavioral health support, and highly qualified professional staff.

sponsors

Be front and center at Gingerbread & Jazz by becoming a sponsor! Our sponsorship levels are flexible and deliver meaningful benefits to our partners. Contact Nicole Anthony Schiff, Development Director, to realize your vision of support: nschiff@earlyconnections.org | (719) 381-4803

Platinum

monarch logo

Gold

Mike & Diane Bell

Silver

US Bank

In Loving Memory of Bobby Havens

Bronze

OS Schools | SCHEELS | Whataburger | Raymond James | Axis Business Technologies | Alpine Bank

Donation Only

Can’t make it to the party but still want to support our important cause? Make a donation and know that 100% goes to providing children the critical care and early education they need to thrive and become our city’s future leaders.
See Donation Options
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