WA Gala
Save the Date: WA Foundation Gala 2026 - Blacksmiths 'n Boots
Saturday, March 7, 2026 | Marriott Westlake
Get ready for a night where luxury meets the Wild West! This year’s Blacksmiths ‘n Boots gala will be an unforgettable celebration of community, generosity, and the bold spirit of Westlake Academy.
We’re thrilled to host the event at the newly renovated Marriott Westlake, now home to the signature House of Toro steakhouse. Expect a fresh, luxurious setting—perfect for a night of cowboy (and cowgirl) couture, spirited bidding, and meaningful giving.
Each year, the WA Foundation Gala raises over $250,000 to directly support our students, teachers, and school programs. This year, we’re aiming even higher - and we need everyone in the Westlake community to be part of it.
From the moment the boots hit the ballroom floor to the final winning bid, this will be a night to remember.
Let’s make 2026 our best year yet. We can’t wait to see you there.
WA Gala 2026 Quick links!
- Singer Songwriter Bios
- Gala eBook
- Register to Bid in the Auction
- Sponsor now
- Sponsor benefits
- Buy Gala tickets
- Donate an Auction Item!: Have something in mind?
- Donate an Auction Item: Need Ideas?
- Can't attend? No worries you can support the Gala from afar! Click here for all the details!
- Prefer a paper form for all things Gala? Click here, fill out the form and email to the WAF at smyers@westlakeacademy.org
That’s a Wrap on WA Gala 2025!
You showed up, you gave big, and WOW—did you deliver! Together, we raised a show-stopping $390,000 to support the people and places that make WA exceptional.
What your generosity makes possible:
- Student Study Hubs: Flexible indoor + outdoor seating across campus (think: picnic tables, bean bags, benches, Adirondacks & more!) to boost collaboration and comfort.
- Teacher & Staff Gift Cards: Every WA team member will receive $1,100 next school year for classroom and workstation needs.
- Up to $100K in Teacher Grants: Fueling bold ideas and hands-on innovation in classrooms and labs.
- Click here for the Gala 2025 recap
Thank you doesn’t feel big enough—but thank you. Your generosity took center stage, and the impact will resonate for years to come!
What is the WA Gala?
Held each Spring, the Westlake Academy Gala is the Foundation’s signature event dedicated to raising funds to support the school’s most important asset – our teachers! Thanks to these best-in-class professionals, WA students consistently exceed world IB averages, and their academic performances perennially place WA in the Top 1% of U.S. high schools.
All net proceeds from the Foundation Gala directly support academic programming, professional development and teacher grants as well as an Academy “love-to-have” project, known as the “Fund-an-Item.” This extra-special project is typically valued in the $100,000 – $125,000 range. Annual fund-an-item requests have included new school buses, security initiatives, weight room & athletic equipment, SmartBoards, and the Teacher Gift Card initiative ($1,100 in gift cards for every teacher and staff member).
All fans of Westlake Academy teachers can get in on the fun Gala action. Whether at the event or from the comfort of your own home, YOU can impact WA teachers!
:. Purchase a Ticket
:. Become a Sponsor
:. Donate to the Fund-an-Item
:. Bid in the Online Auction