
MOOS WINTER GALA
Roots & Blooms: Celebrating Where We’ve Come From
and What We’re Growing Together
Returning for our Second Year
Saturday, February 21st at Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center
VIP Experience: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
General Admission: 7:00 – 11:00 PM​
The Moos Winter Gala is a joyful evening for our entire school community — parents, caregivers, teachers, neighbors, alumni, and friends — to connect, celebrate, and support the children blooming in our classrooms every day.
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This is an elevated but welcoming event: cocktails and food are included, there’s music, art, and good company — and it’s for everyone in the Moos ecosystem. You don’t need to be a certain kind of family or donor to attend. If you’re connected to Moos, you belong here.
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Last year, our community showed up with heart and generosity. This year, we’re building on that momentum to nurture the strong roots of Moos and the bright blooms of our students’ future.
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​​​​What to Expect​
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Silent online auction
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Collaborative student art
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Complimentary cocktails & food included with all tickets
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Music, connection, and celebration
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Opportunities to support Moos programming
​​​​VIP Experience (6:00–7:00 PM)
Enhance your evening with our VIP hour featuring:
✨ curated whiskey & wine tasting
✨ light bites
✨ early access to the silent auction
✨ time to mingle with Moos friends and supporters
At 7:00 PM, VIP guests are joined by the full community for the main gala until 11:00 PM.
​​​​Student Art Auction
Back again this year, our student collaborative art auction features original works created by Moos students under the guidance of art teacher Ms. Lappe. There are only 6 pieces and each one will include work from every Moosketeer!
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This year’s projects are still in the works, but they will reflect the curiosity, color, and imagination blooming in our classrooms. Each piece is a collective creation — a reminder of what young artists can build together.​
​​​​Why We're Gathering
Moos is rooted in history, diversity, and neighborhood pride — and every year our students bloom into who they are becoming: curious, confident, and creative learners.
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Funds raised from the Winter Gala directly support that growth, including:
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Improvements and repairs to our outdated building that CPS can't cover
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Future supplemental teacher & curriculum support to bring more STEM education into the lives of our students
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Community building, staff appreciation, 8th Grade DC Trip supplementation, and more!
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Every ticket, bid, and donation nurtures the environment our children need to thrive.
​​​​Tickets & Participation
All general admission tickets include:
✔ full event access
✔ complimentary cocktails & food
✔ silent auction participation
✔ a beautiful evening with the Moos community
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VIP tickets also include:
✨ whiskey & wine tasting (6–7 PM)
✨ light bites during the VIP hour
✨ early access to the silent auction
Can’t attend in person? You can still take part through the silent auction or make a tax-deductible donation.​
​​​​Help the Gala Bloom — Get Involved!
The Winter Gala grows through the collective support of our community. If you have time, talents, or connections, there are meaningful ways to contribute.
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Volunteer Your Time
Help with:
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Event prep & décor
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Setup before the gala
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Night-of check-in
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Clean-up & breakdown
No experience required — just enthusiasm.
Donate to the Silent Auction
We welcome items such as:
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Tickets, services, or lessons
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Restaurant or retail gift cards
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Artwork or handmade goods
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Unique experiences or connections
Ask your family, friends, or workplaces — you never know who might contribute something wonderful.
Become a Gala Sponsor
Businesses, families, and community groups can underwrite the gala.
Sponsors will be recognized and showcased during the event.​
​​​​FAQ
Who is the gala for?
The gala is for our whole Moos community — parents, caregivers, teachers, neighbors, alumni, and supporters. All are welcome.
What should I wear?
We encourage festive, celebratory attire and love seeing people dress up — but truly, we want you to come however you feel most comfortable. If you feel good, you’re dressed right.
Are cocktails and food included?
Yes! All cocktails and food are complimentary and included with your ticket.
Do I need to be a Moos parent to attend?
No! Anyone who believes in Moos and wants to support our students is invited.
Can I bid in the silent auction without attending?
Yes — remote bidding is open for the full duration of the auction.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. Friends of Moos is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Is childcare provided?
Childcare is not provided for this event.​
Join Us!​​​​
Celebrate the rich roots of Moos, the blooms of our students’ growth, and the future we’re nurturing together.
Join Us at the Moos Winter Gala

About Friends of Moos
Friends of Moos is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that consists of parent volunteers, school faculty, and community members. Our mission consists of three components:
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Raise funds to provide financial support for academic programming, social emotional programming, and school beautification projects
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​Create, strengthen, and broaden relationships between Moos Elementary and neighborhood and school families and community groups, businesses, and non-profit organizations
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Amplify the Dual Language and International Baccalaureate programs to increase neighborhood enrollment​
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Friends of Moos (FOM) is a registered non-profit organization; our 501(c)3 Tax ID number is 47-4063425.
