Celebrating The Gateway School: A Legacy in Bloom

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate The Gateway School's legacy of excellence in educating students with language-based learning disabilities. This special event will bring together our community to honor Gateway's impact on special education and look ahead to a future of continued innovation and growth.

The evening will feature a Live Auction, curated dining experiences, and exciting entertainment. Comedian Seth Herzog (headline opener for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon) will serve as emcee, alongside a special performance by rising star Jules Avalon, accompanied by his band. Guests will enjoy music and dancing, a joyful featured video celebrating our students, their achievements, and our innovative program., and opportunities to support the school through an Online Silent Auction, Wine & Spirits Raffle, Teacher Experience Raffle, and Giving Tree. Proceeds from the Gala will directly support Gateway's mission, ensuring that students with language-based learning disabilities continue to thrive.

Featured Entertainment

Seth Herzog

We are thrilled to announce comedian Seth Herzog as our Emcee and Live Auctioneer for our Legacy in Bloom Gala. Seth, a popular NYC comedian and actor, is the resident comedian and headline opener for NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he also acts as a regular sketch performer. Known for his performances on The Tonight Show and Late Night, Seth has recently hosted two comedic science shows for the National Geographic Channel: Science of Stupid and Duck Quacks Don’t Echo (with co-hosts Michael Ian Black and Tom Papa).

Seth’s humor and wit has made him a regular in the comedy scene. A commentator on VH1 for ten years, he has also frequented Comedy Central in John Oliver’s NY Stand Up Show, Midnight, Chappelle Show, and Stella. You may recognize him from NBC’s 30 Rock, CBS’s Love Monkey, ESPN’s Mayne Street, and E!’s #1 Single, among roles in Role Models, Prime, The Winning Season, The Baxter, The Ten, In the Weeds, Safe Men, and most recently, Boy Band. He is the producer and host of the much-beloved, long-running downtown NYC comedy showcase Sweet, and opened for Jimmy Fallon on his Clean Cut Comedy Tour.

Seth’s unique charm and wit promises to make this night one to remember: get ready for an evening of laughter and entertainment with Seth Herzog!

Jules Avalon

We are pleased to welcome rising star Jules Avalon, accompanied by his band, to headline Legacy in Bloom​​​​! 

German-American singer-songwriter Jules Avalon brings his soulful sound and evocative storytelling to the Gala stage this evening. Now based in New York City, Jules has released four albums, including his newest project, Where the Water Goes, a powerful collaborative work created with musicians Varun Jhunjhunwalla and Eden Marsh. Tonight, they join him live on stage, creating a rich and intimate performance that promises to be a memorable musical moment for our celebration.

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Ars Poetica

As a fun nod to The Gateway School's commitment to literacy, we are excited to welcome three poets from Ars Poetica to meet guests with a one-of-a-kind, personalized experience. Guests will have the opportunity to receive brespoke, unique poems, written live by Ars Poetica's poets. Simply offer your name and a word or phrase that speaks to you, and within seconds, you will be presented with a keepsake poem completely distinct to you!

​FAQs

Suggested attire: Cocktail

What is the seating plan? 

There will be assigned seating at the event. If you purchased a sponsorship that includes a table, you and your guests will be seated together. For our other guests, a seating chart will be available for view at the venue.

What is the venue address?

Tao Uptown 42 E 58th St New York City

Where is the nearest parking?

Parking is not available onsite, but there are several nearby garages. Click here to find and reserve convenient parking near Tao Uptown through SpotHero.

Where is the nearest subway stop?

The closest subway station to Tao Uptown is the Lexington Ave-59 St Station. You can take the 4, 5, 6, N, R, or W train to this station. Tao Uptown is located on 58th St. between Madison and Park Avenues.

Is the venue ADA accessible?

Yes, the first floor of the venue is ADA accessible. There will be staff available to assist any of our guests who require assistance.

What food and drinks will be served?

The Gala will feature a delicious variety of Tao’s famous bites, including a seated dinner. Enjoy a selection of signature wines, craft beers, classic cocktails, and non-alcoholic favorites during the cocktail reception—there’s something for everyone to sip and savor.

How can I bid on Silent Auction items?

Items will only be available for bidding online starting on Monday, April 13th at 9:00 a.m. Bidding for Silent Auction items can be done via mobile or online. Our staff will be available to assist with any questions you may have. Bidding will end at 9:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 23rd.

Is bidding only open to Gateway parents?

No. Anyone may bid unless otherwise specified in the auction description. We encourage you to share the auction with friends, family, and colleagues so they can participate and support The Gateway School!

What is the timing of the program?

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with remarks starting promptly at 7:30 p.m. The evening will include remarks, a special video, and the live auction, led by Seth Herzog, at approximately 7:50 p.m., followed by entertainment by Jules Avalon and his accompanying band. 

Where can I pick up wine I purchased in advance of the event?

You can pick up any wine or merchandise purchases at the merchandise table. Staff will be available to assist you in locating your items.

If I am unable to attend, can I still bid on a Live Auction item?

Yes, you can still bid on live auction items. Email Jennifer Cherney at jcherney@gatewayschool.org by 3:00 p.m. on April 23 if you would like to place a proxy bid.

Can anyone bid on a Charitybuzz auction items? 

Yes. All items are available for bidding by anyone. You can access the auction by clicking here. The winner will be notified after the auction closes. 

I won an auction item. Where do I pick it up?

All items will be available for pickup at The Gateway School (211 West 61st Street) by May 1, 2026. Winners must arrange for pickup by emailing gala@gatewayschool.org before the cutoff date. Any unclaimed items after this date will be automatically donated to The Gateway School of New York.

How do I know if I was a winning bidder? 

You will receive a text message if you are a winner.

When will I know if I won a Teacher Raffle item?

All winners will be notified via email on Friday, April 24.

Can my child/student attend the event?

This event is for adults 18 and over. Attendees under 21 will be required to wear a bracelet indicating that they may not be served alcohol. Any student volunteers assisting during the evening must be chaperoned by an adult and will be required to wear a student name tag.

If you have any additional questions, please email: gala@gatewayschool.org.​