The North Gwinnett Schools Foundation (NGSF) brought all the glitter and glam to the 24th Annual Big T’Do on November 9th at the Westin at Sugarloaf. Attendees stepped into the roaring ‘20s, donning their best Gatsby-inspired attire to eat, drink, and celebrate the North Gwinnett School system, while raising critical funds for teachers and students across the district.
This gala evening serves as the only annual fundraiser hosted by the NGSF and has become a “must-attend” event for many in the North Gwinnett Cluster. Guests perused silent and live auction tables filled with incredible items donated by local businesses, ranging from signed sports memorabilia to an unforgettable seven night stay at Las Ventanas del Mar in Costa Rica.
But the Big T’Do is about more than glitz and glamour — it’s about making a difference. “The evening isn’t just about a party; we do it for the kids. When the Big T’Do ends, we immediately start planning next year’s event. The board works hard all year to create the perfect evening to inspire attendees to bid — and bid big. With over $100,000 in teachers’ grant requests each year, we have plenty of motivation to keep us going,” said board member Angie Gora. This year’s hard work paid off, as the foundation successfully funded over $81,000 in grant requests.
The NGSF’s impact speaks volumes. Since its inception in 2001, the foundation has awarded over $900,000 in teachers’ grants, directly supporting innovative programs, resources, and opportunities for North Gwinnett students.
The 24th Annual Big T’Do proved once again that when the community comes together, incredible things happen — all for the benefit of the teachers and kids who make North Gwinnett Schools extraordinary.
