Gingerbread
& Jazz

November 11, 2023

It’s BACK.
Don’t miss the return of our beloved gala featuring fine foods, signature cocktails, musical performances, and ultimate Gingerbread Masterpiece challenge.

Ticket Options

A fundraiser benefitting the children and families of Early Connections Learning Centers. All tickets include access to the Fine Arts Center exhibits.

$125
Gala Ticket

The Gingerbread & Jazz Gala includes sweet and savory bites, complimentary drinks and signature cocktails, live musical performances, dancing, and Gingerbread Masterpiece challenge and showcase.

$250
VIP Legacy Dinner + Gala

Be the first to the party and enjoy a five-course dinner with wine pairings and hear from a special musical guest. Includes access to reserved seating in the Deco Lounge.

$1,000
Gala Party Pack (10 Tickets)

Save 20% when you purchase a party pack that includes ten (10) Gala tickets. Bring your friends, coworkers, and neighbors to the most memorable Gala in town.

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.

Evening Highlights

Music & Atmosphere

Hot jazz, cool elegance, and sprinklings of holiday magic set the tone for a fun and festive evening that includes live music and dancing, all in support of the care and education of children.

Food & Drinks

Enjoy plenty of savory and sweet culinary delights that pair perfectly with a selection of fine wines, spirits, and signature cocktails. All drinks are complimentary.

Gingerbread Challenge

Our signature gala would not be complete without the exciting competition that showcases the creative and masterful talent of chefs creating an edible masterpiece out of gingerbread.

Event Details

26th Gingerbread & Jazz Gala
5:00 p.m. VIP Legacy Dinner Starts
6:00 p.m. Gala doors open, gingerbread competition begins, music starts
10:00 p.m. Event ends

Directions

Location

We’re excited to host our 26th Gingerbread & Jazz gala at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. On November 11th, Early Connections will transform the FAC for an unforgettable evening filled with the delightful aromas of gingerbread and sounds of joy, laughter, and music as we raise the critical funds needed to provide ALL children access to the highest quality early education and care. Plus as a bonus your ticket includes access to all exhibits! 

A Shared Connection

Alice Bemis Taylor (1877-1942)

Early Connections and the Fine Arts Center share a special connection as both were conceived, founded, and funded by powerful women, and have one inspiring female founder in common: the extraordinary and generous visionary, Alice Bemis Taylor (1877-1942). At the age of 20, Alice banded with other prominent women in Colorado Springs to found Early Connections (then called the Colorado Springs Day Nursery) to provide children holistic care and education. In 1922, she constructed the Historical Day Nursery, an architectural gem of a building thoughtfully designed and dedicated to the care and education of children. For 126 years, Early Connections has remained steadfast to our mission of providing ALL children the highest-quality early education and care, regardless of their family’s income.

Today, Early Connections honors her legacy by continuing to be responsive to the needs of our community, and is currently raising funds for a new, state-of-the-art 18,000 square foot facility: the Alice Bemis Taylor Center for Early Childhood Education. The new facility addresses the current crisis in child care by growing the skilled workforce desperately needed to meet the demands of child care with dedicated space to the recruitment, training, and retention of early educators. Based in the heart of downtown by Antlers Park, the new facility also adds more desperately needed infant, toddler, and preschool aged child care slots to support our growing city.

Benefiting the Children of the Early Connections Learning Centers

Early-Connections-Icon-2

We are committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive early care and education for all children, regardless of their background or financial situation.

The early years of a child's life are critical for their overall development and success in life. Research shows that children who receive quality early education are more likely to have better academic outcomes, fewer behavioral issues, and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college
Not all families have access to high-quality early education, and many children are left behind because of their family's financial situation. This is where Early Connections Learning Center comes in. We are dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality early education to all children, regardless of their family's income.
We rely on the generosity of donors like you to continue providing our services to children in need. Your donation will go directly towards funding our programs, hiring highly qualified teachers, and providing the necessary materials and resources for our classrooms.

Event Sponsorship

Become a sponsor and make sure you’re front and center at the Gingerbread & Jazz Gala! Gain exposure for your business and support the critical work taking place at Early Connections Learning Centers.

Contact Nicole Anthony Schiff, Development Director, to learn more and realize your vision of support: Nschiff@earlyconnections.org 

A Special Thanks to our generous sponsors

Contact Nicole Anthony Schiff, Development Director, to learn more and realize your vision of support: Nschiff@earlyconnections.org