Attend the 5th Annual Liberty Gala!

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Join us for the 5th Annual Liberty Gala benefitting Northwest Ohio Classical Academy, Toledo’s only public K–12 charter school dedicated to forming students in truth, virtue, and wisdom through a time-tested classical approach. 

This year’s theme, “Shaping Lives, Changing Culture” captures what NOCA is building every day: young men and women who can think clearly, speak persuasively, read deeply, and live with purpose. Classical education doesn’t just prepare students for tests—it prepares them for life, cultivating courage, character, and a love of what is true, good, and beautiful.

The Liberty Gala is more than a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of a growing community committed to renewing education in our city and investing in the next generation of leaders.

Come enjoy an unforgettable evening of fellowship and vision—and help ensure more Northwest Ohio students can access the excellence of classical education at NOCA.

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Keynote Address

Dr. Mark Bauerlein

We’re honored to welcome Dr. Mark Bauerlein as our keynote speaker, bringing timely insight and encouragement for families and supporters who believe education can shape the course of a culture.
Mark Bauerlein is Contributing Editor at First Things, trustee at New College of Florida, Professor Emeritus of English at Emory University, and Visiting Professor at Ohio State University. He earned his PhD in English at UCLA in 1988. For two years, he served as Director of the Office of Research and Analysis at the National Endowment for the Arts. His books include Whitman and the American Idiom, Literary Criticism: An Autopsy, The Pragmatic Mind: Explorations in the Psychology of Belief, The Dumbest Generation: How the Digital Age Stupefies Young Americans and Jeopardizes Our Future, and The Dumbest Generation Grows Up: From Stupefied Youth to Dangerous Adults.  His commentaries and reviews have appeared in Chronicle of Higher Education, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, New York Post, and other national periodicals. He has appeared on CNN, BBC World Today, Fox and Friends, ABC’s 20/20, Nightline, PBS Frontline, CBS News, All Things Considered, and other national venues.
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Gala Sponsorship Opportunities

Table Sponsorship: $1,000

Includes one table of ten seats at the Gala. Additionally, table sponsors will be noted on the printed program and gala webpage.

 

George Washington: $25,000

 

Includes two tables of ten seats at the Gala and a private reception beforehand with NOCA Heads of School Mr. Michael Kelleher and Mrs. Sarah Davis, along with Dr. Bauerlein, highlighting the history and future of Northwest Ohio Classical Academy. George Washington sponsors will also get two seats at dinner at Dr. Bauerlein’s, Mr. Kelleher, or Mrs. Davis’ table during the Gala. Additionally, sponsors will be noted on the printed program and gala webpage.

 

Alexander Hamilton: $10,000

 

Includes one table of ten seats at the Gala and a private reception beforehand with NOCA Heads of School Mr. Michael Kelleher and Mrs. Sarah Davis, along with Dr. Bauerlein, highlighting the history and future of Northwest Ohio Classical Academy. George Washington sponsors will also get two seats at dinner at Dr. Bauerlein’s, Mr. Kelleher, or Mrs. Davis’ table during the Gala. Additionally, sponsors will be noted on the printed program and gala webpage.

 

John Adams: $5,000

 

Includes one table of ten at the Gala and a private reception beforehand with NOCA Heads of School Mr. Michael Kelleher and Mrs. Sarah Davis, along with Dr. Bauerlein, highlighting the history and future of Northwest Ohio Classical Academy. Additionally, sponsors will be noted on the printed program and gala webpage.

 

Thomas Jefferson: $2,500

 

Includes 4 seats at the Gala a private and a reception beforehand with NOCA Heads of School Mr. Michael Kelleher and Mrs. Sarah Davis, along with Dr. Bauerlein, highlighting the history and future of Northwest Ohio Classical Academy. Additionally, sponsors will be noted on the printed program and gala webpage.

 

Become a Sponsor

Event Details

Date & Time

Saturday 3/7/2026,  – 

Location

Sylvania Country Club
5201 Corey Rd
Sylvania, OH 43560

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Evening at a Glance

Enjoy a memorable night of community, celebration, and student talent—featuring:

  • Cocktail hour
  • Semi-open bar
  • Dinner & Dessert
  • Silent Auction (open throughout the evening)
  • NOCA student performances
  • String quartet during supper
  • Student testimonials highlighting the impact of classical education
  • Live Auction with exciting featured items
  • Childcare available (limited space)
  • Plenty of fellowship with fellow passionate supporters of classical education and NOCA’s mission

Every bid and every gift helps expand access to a rigorous, joy-filled classical education for Toledo families.

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Questions?

Email us! gala@nocafoundation.org