Welcome to the Johnston Community School Foundation's Inaugural 2026 Dragon Gala

 

Enjoy an evening out featuring a delicious dinner, an auction, and live music by local favorite the Damon Dotson Trio. You'll hear about the foundational and innovative work being done in the Johnston Community School District and learn how your generosity equips and empowers educators and provides students with the supports and resources for success.

 

The ticket purchase includes plated dinner and a drink ticket for each attendee. If you purchase individual tickets, you may indicate preferred table mates on the registration form, and we will do our best to accommodate your requests. All sponsors will be provided with a reserved table of premium seating for 8. Sponsors will receive complimentary bottles of white and red wine at the table during dinner.

 

If you wish to share a reserved table with friends, you may purchase a Table Sponsor ticket on the Event Sponsor page. Please note that the Table Sponsor may pay for any number of seats at the time of initial purchase but commits to fill all 8 seats or pay for any unfilled seats by April 1. 

 

We appreciate your understanding that this is an adults only event.

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Continue reading below for event details. 

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Tickets

 

Individual Ticket - $125​

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Sponsorship Levels

 

Dragon Sponsor - $5,000

• Premium seating for 8

• Presenting Sponsor of the live band

• Two bottles of wine at table during dinner

• Podium Greeting at Dragon Gala

• Logo and company name displayed on the event website and social media

• Logo and company name listed in the event program as a Dragon Sponsor

 

Gold Sponsor - $3,000

• Premium seating for 8

• Two bottles of wine at table during dinner

• Live recognition/appreciation at Gala

• Logo included in event materials

• Logo and company name displayed on the event website and social media

• Name and logo listed in the event program as a Gold Sponsor

 

Purple Sponsor - $2,000

• Premium seating for 8

• Two bottles of wine at table during dinner

• Live recognition/appreciation at Gala

• Logo included in event materials

• Name and logo listed in the event program as a Purple Sponsor

 

*Table Sponsor - $1,000

• Premium seating for 8

• Two bottles of wine at table during dinner

• Name listed in the event program as a Table Sponsor

 

*Please note that the Table Sponsor may pay for any number of seats at the time of initial purchase but commits to fill all 8 seats or pay for any unfilled seats by April 1. ​

 

 

What to Expect

 

The Evening

 

• 6:00PM - Check-in | Cocktail Hour

• 6:30PM - Plated Dinner Service | Speakers

• 7:30PM - Auction Events

• 8:15 PM - Live Music by Damon Dotson Trio

• 10:30PM - Event Concludes

 

The Menu

 

Cocktail Hour  | Each attendee will receive one drink ticket, which may be used for beer, wine, or a non-alcoholic drink. A cash bar will also be available throughout the evening.

 

Plated Dinner  | Includes house rolls and garden salad with guest choice of entree:

 

Airline Chicken Caprese (GF)

cherry tomato | spinach | balsamic | parmesan risotto | seasonal vegetables

 

Pork Medallions (GF)

brined and grilled pork tenderloin | roasted asparagus | rustic potato mash | au poivre sauce

 

Special Dietary Option

Grilled Vegetable Stack (GF; vegan option available upon request)

tomato | zucchini | yellow squash | risotto | aged modena balsamic

 

*Please note: Attendees select an entree when purchasing a ticket or registering for a pre-paid seat. If no selection has been made by April 1, Airline Chicken Caprese will be served.

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​Dessert Dash  | Compete with other tables to select your favorite from an assortment of delicious dessert options. Attendees at each table will pledge donation amounts toward dessert selection. The table with the highest donation gets first pick of the desserts.

 

Entertainment - The Damon Dotson Trio

 

Live musical entertainment will be provided by the Damon Dotson Trio. The trio features Damon Dotson on vocals and guitar, joined by a bass guitarist and drummer. The group performs a mix of pop/rock originals and covers.

 

The results of Cityview Magazine's Annual Reader Poll are in. Damon Dotson is the winner of the Cityview 2026 "Best Local Musician" category, and the Damon Dotson Band is the winner of the 2026 "Best Local Band" category. We are thrilled to have these talented and popular musicians provide the entertainment for the evening.

 

Additional Details

 

Dress Code  | Cocktail attire. Guests are encouraged to incorporate purple and gold to show your Johnston Dragon pride.

 

Parking  | Free parking will be available in the Hyperion Field Club parking lot.

 

Upon Arrival  | Please follow the signs to the check-in table.

 

Seating  | Sponsor tables will be reserved and marked with your company or host name.

 

Bar Purchases  | Each attendee is provided with one drink ticket for beer, wine, or a non-alcoholic beverage. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening. Cash and credit cards accepted.

 

Auction  | Please be prepared to pay for any auction items or donation pledges prior to check out at the conclusion of the evening.

 

Tax Deductibility  | The Johnston Community School Foundation (JCSF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. While donations to the JCSF are tax deductible, the purchase of items of value is not fully tax deductible. The amount paid for an item in excess of its fair market value may be considered a tax-deductible donation. Please retain your receipts and consult your tax advisor.

 

 

About the Johnston Community School Foundation

 

The Johnston Community School Foundation (JCSF) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1998 to support academics, special needs, and the arts in all of our schools, across all grade levels, in the Johnston Community School District. The mission of the Johnston Community School Foundation is to raise funds to provide grants for our educators in support of our students and schools to promote educational excellence.

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