Gingerbread
& Jazz

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

Ticket Options

$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).

$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).

$250
VIP Legacy Dinner

Guests will enjoy early access to the Ranch at 4:00 p.m., followed by a beautifully prepared plated dinner and premier front-row seating for the Gala festivities. Each ticket includes a $165 tax-deductible contribution

Location

flying w ranch logo

The Saddle Ballroom at Flying W Ranch 

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
Note: VIP Tickets will receive early entrance
The evening includes musical performances, heavy appetizers, signature cocktails, and gingerbread decorating.
Cocktail Attire or formal western welcomed, but not required.

Directions & Parking

Complimentary parking is available, with ample space for all guests.

live Auction lot

The Whiskey House in Nashville
Value: Priceless
Includes a trip for two with $1,500 stipend for travel, accommodations, and special experience while in Nashville. The Whiskey House tasting will include a tour of their museum of over 800 historical decanters and 4,000 open bottles. Enjoy a tasting of 8-12 pours completely customized around what you enjoy most. The only way to get to the Whiskey House is through a nonprofit event, so do not miss out on this opportunity! The more generous you are with your donation, the more generous the Whiskey House is with you when you visit.

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

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

A special thank you to all of our sponsors who make this event possible. Together, we are helping raise future leaders by investing in children today.

Platinum

Gold

Levendi

Silver

The Feffer Family

Bronze

Benefiting the Children of Early Connections Learning Centers

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

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.