2026 University Academy Gala
One World, One Goal
Kick off global opportunities for UA students! Join us on April 11, 2026, for the University Academy Foundation’s 24th Annual Gala: One World, One Goal: United by the Game, Inspired by the World.
What an unforgettable evening full of energy, generosity, and global spirit!
What a night! The energy was high, competition was fierce, and your generosity showed up big.
Because of you, we raised over $130,000 during the event, exceeding our goal by more than $30,000!
With the generous anonymous match that total doubled to $260,000—helping us reach a record-breaking $640,000+ in overall gala support for UA students and alumni.
A huge and heartfelt thank-you to our incredible event co-chairs, Steve and Erin Gorny, whose leadership, creativity, and enthusiasm brought this high-energy, joy-filled evening to life.
Keep scrolling to relive the night, check out highlights, photos, and this year’s inspiring video.
MANY THANKS TO OUR WONDERFUL
Benefactors
$50,000
World Cup Champion
Individual Sponsors
Shirley & Barnett C. Helzberg, JR.
$25,000
International VIP
Individual Sponsors
Jen & Bar Helzberg
Corporate Sponsors
$10,000
Study Abroad Striker
Individual Sponsors
Ann Baum
Mary & Thomas Bloch
William Dahnke
Ed Milbank
Ellen & Irv Robinson
Cathy & Michael Shultz
Marny & John Sherman
Marcia & Robert Wolff
Sondra & Frank Friedman
Corporate Sponsors
$5,000
Goal Getter
Individual Sponsors
Murphy Charitable Trust: Erika & David Dickey
Robert Epsten
Margaret & Marlin Fiola
Sondra & Frank Friedman
SAndra Baer & Charles Helzberg
Polkinghorn Family
Lois Lacy
Sunflower Foundation: Alex & Susan Masson
Ann Slegman & Tom Isenberg and Jenny & John Isenberg
Laura & James Threatt
Teresa & Tom Walsh
Corporate Sponsors
$2,500
Midfield Mentor
Lynne & Peter Brown
Chris Ellis / Ellis Foundation
Katie Kwo Gerson
Kara & Andrew Harmon
Marlys & Michael Haverty
Dashini Jeyathurai & Byron White
Margaret & Jeff Jones
Kendall & Pete Lacy
Reisler Family Foundation
Lynda & Robert Shapiro
Molly Maxwell & Ryan Sprott
Kristin & Don Trigg
Tony Gleason
Susan & John Goodman
Joan Horan
Assured Partners
Lincoln Investment
$1,000
Team Travel Sponsor
KPM, CPA's
MSA: Mchenry Shaffer Architecture
Christine & Don Alexander
Joanne & John Bluford
Linda & Paul Debruce
Susie Goldsmith
Pam & Gary Gradinger
Rebecca & Rob Gudde
Dr. Camille Hall
Eli Helzberg
Sawyer Helzberg
Joyce & Mark Hrinya
Mariah Jordan
Laura & Brian Landers
Janet Mark & Frank Lipsman
Joann & Robert Lusardi
Lisa & Jason Pottenger
Mary Ann & Nicholas Powell
Lisa & Charles Schellhorn
Sonja & Doug Shaffer
Marilyn & William Taylor
Barb & Randy Wisthoff
Rabbi Michael & Karen Zedek
Reesa & John Helzberg
Jeanne & Don Wagner
Nan Vail & Keith Bottorff
Lynda Jochims & Thad McCanse
Sarah & Bryan Kempf
Carol Helzberg
Dunn Family Foundation
Mark Hoffman
Gala Planning Team
Event Chairs: Erin and Steve Gorny
- Mary Bloch
- Erika Dickey
- Jada Glover (UA'17)
- Rebecca Gudde
- Kara Harmon
- Jen Helzberg
- Ryan McQueary
- Margaret Jones
- Avionne Jones (UA'17)
- Mariah Jordan
- Maura Landers
- Anthony McDaniel
- Erika Dickey
- Sarah McQueary
- Megan Schumm
- Chris Schumm
Thank You To Our Corporate Sponsors
And Benefactors!
Supporting the UAF Gala as a corporate sponsor or Benefactor is more than just an opportunity to attend a premier event—it’s a chance to invest in the future of our students. Your support directly funds transformative educational programs, including summer internships, dual credit courses, and airfare for summer camps, ensuring UA students have access to enriching opportunities that expand their learning beyond the classroom. For more information on becoming a corporate sponsor or Benefactor please contact Sam at sam@uafoundationkc.org
Volunteer at the Gala!
Donate
Consider donating to the gala! If you would like to donate via stock, please contact Leah (leah@uafoundationkc.org).
