( The 18th Annual )
Awards
Fundraiser
Gala
Thursday, November 12, 2026
48 Wall Street, New York
(Why This Night)
This year, Determined To Educate turned 18 — and the Awards Fundraising Gala is where the whole community stands in one room and decides what year nineteen will look like. Dinner, awards, a silent auction, and fundraising that will support our programs and help further our youth’s exposure to new opportunities.
01
Celebrate 18 years
Eighteen years, classes of students have seen further because this room shows up every year. Come raise a glass to what exposure has built — and meet some of the people it built it for.
02
Honor the door-openers
Honorees who used their seat at the table to pull up more chairs: educators, builders, and mentors whose work has changed what our youth believe is possible.
03
Fund year nineteen
Every ticket, table, and donation goes into funding what's next — the tours, the speaker visits, the mentorship hours. These are exactly what your evening pays for.
(The Evening)
One night, start to finish. No breakouts, no panels — just the good parts.
6:00P
Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction
First looks at this year's auction tables, drinks in hand.
7:00P
Program Begins
Brief commencement and introductions
7:15P
Seated Dinner
Dinner service and a welcome from the DTE team.
7:45P
The Awards Ceremony and Silent Auction Winners Announced
Celebrating our honorees with their stories about how they impact communities.
(Introducing...with more to come)
Our 2026 Honorees
(Hosting The Night)
Host
James 'Talent' Harris
Comedian
Tables go first — reserve early.
(Past Silent Auction Items)
Every year the auction tables start the evening's best arguments. A few favorites from galas past — this year's items are revealed on the night.
2025
Autographed New York Giants Photo
Signed by offensive lineman David Diehl
2025
Autographed Shell Toe Adidas
Signed by Hip Hop Legend Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels of RUN DMC
2025
Autographed Essence 55th Anniversary Magazine
Signed by Susan L. Taylor
2025
Autographed LL Cool J Kangol and Album
Hip Hop Legend's staple hat and vinyl
2024
Autographed Donte DiVincenzo Portrait
Shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo's portrait
2023
Autographed Lisa Lisa Poster
Pop singer Lisa Lisa signed memorabilia
(Why We Gather)
It's how next year happens.
The gala isn't a party with a cause attached. Every tour, every speaker visit, every mentorship hour starts donations and sponsorships we receive on this night.
(Tickets)
Take Your Seat
Rather sponsor a seat for a DTE student, alum, or educator? We'd love that — email us at determinedtoeducate@gmail.com
(Good To Know)
Getting There
48 Wall Street, New York, NY — in the heart of the Financial District. The nearest subway stops are Wall St (2/3), Wall St (4/5), and Broad St (J/Z), all within a two-minute walk.
There are several garages within two blocks of the venue. We recommend arriving by subway or car service if you can — Financial District garages fill up on event nights.
Doors open at 6:00 PM with the cocktail reception and silent auction. Give yourself time to browse the auction tables before dinner seating begins at 6:45 PM.
The Evening
Cocktail attire. Come sharp, come comfortable — you'll be on your feet for the auction and socializing.
Yes. Notify our catering team during dinner to see what options are available for you.
Yes — a photographer and videographer cover the evening.
Tickets & Tables
A portion of each ticket is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donations and auction purchases above fair market value are deductible as well. (Please confirm specifics with your tax advisor.)
Yes — and it's one of our favorite traditions. A sponsored seat brings a DTE student, alum, or educator to the gala as a guest of the community. It can also serve as a contribution towards one of our programs.
We're happy to convert your ticket into a donation to a student or teacher.
(CAN'T MAKE IT? — DONATE INSTEAD)
Determined To Educate, Inc. has been dedicating time to continue educating and mentoring our young people. We will continue to do the same in 2026. This year’s event will benefit getting more students involved in College Prep and Career Prep. We are striving to help students prepare for their future. We have developed a strong relationship with schools to bring programs focusing on mental health and career. We are grateful to be in our 18th year and to have worked with over 18,000 students so far exposing them to our amazing programs.
We envision a world where every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to quality education that empowers them to reach their fullest potential. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive community where knowledge and opportunities are accessible to all, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and growth. Through our dedication and commitment, we aim to transform lives, bridge educational gaps, and inspire future generations to contribute meaningfully to society.
We thank you so much for your support for 18 years!!
Click on the DONATE BUTTON to donate to our 18th Annual Determined To Educate, Inc. Awards and Fundraising Gala/Our Programs.