Get ready for A Night at the Museum filled with music, food, drinks, raffles and fun!

This event is for adults only, ages 21 and older.

Wall of Distinction Ceremony starts at 6pm
Doors open at 7:00 PM with Cocktails & Hors d'oeuvres from 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Dinner and Dancing begins at 8pm and runs until 11:00 PM

Honoring Our 2026 Inductees

The Wall of Distinction honors ESM alumni and community members who serve as a role model for today’s students through their achievements and service. We are proud to recognize this year's honorees for their contributions to our community:

Colleen Carroll (Class of 1981)
Jack Dooling (ESM Community Member)
Gibs & Candy Flock (Retired Teacher & Community Member)
Matthew Rosenfeld (Class of 1985)
John Vona (Minoa Class of 1948 & Former Teacher)

✨ Live Music: Dance the night away to The Horn Dogs! Savor delicious food from Bull and Bear Roadhouse, served station style. Enjoy an open bar with cocktails, beer, wine, mocktails, and soda.

Win amazing prizes with our raffle baskets! Explore exhibits throughout the museum. Capture the fun of the evening with AlterImage Photography's radiant photo booth!

👗 👔 Attire: Semi-formal — dressy but not overly formal

🚗 Parking Details: Public Trolley Lot: Behind the Museum, accessible via the tunnel under the elevated train tracks. Center Armory Garage (218 W. Jefferson St): Across from the Museum's east lawn. Paid on-street parking also available.

📍 Check-In: Enter through the main entrance and show your ticket (digital or printed) at the registration table. Don't worry if you forget your ticket - we will have a registration list.

Help Us Make a Difference – Support Our Event!

Here’s how you can get involved:

🎟Purchase Tickets & Join Us – Tickets are limited! Ticket sales end March 8. Secure your spot now before they sell out.

🎉 Contribute Raffle Items!

🎉 Help us create exciting raffle baskets by donating items, gift cards, prizes, or experiences. Interested in donating? Reach out to Kelly Dutton at kdutton@esmschools.org.

💸 Make a Monetary Donation! 💸 Support our cause with a generous gift! Every contribution helps make a lasting impact. Visit givebutter.com/esmef to donate today. Thank you for your support!

🌟Become a Day of Event Sponsor - Photo Booth, Cocktail Hour, Entertainment and Table sponsorships available.

🌟 Become a Foundation Sponsor in 2026! Support a great cause and gain valuable recognition! With tiers ranging from $500 to $4,000, there’s an option for everyone. Email us at esmedfoundation@gmail.com for more details!

Here Are Some Other Ways You Can Help:

Spread the Word 📣: Share our event and donation links with friends, family, and colleagues. The more people who know about this event, the bigger the impact we can make together!

Volunteer 🤝: We welcome volunteers to help with event planning, set up, or day-of tasks. Contact Kelly Dutton at kdutton@esmschools.org. Your support helps ensure that we continue to provide valuable opportunities to our students. Thank you for making a difference!

Enhancing Education at ESM

The East Syracuse Minoa (ESM) Education Foundation is dedicated to enriching the educational experience for students across ESM Schools. Through fundraising events such as our Annual Golf Tournament, Dinner Dance, and Chicken BBQ, we provide financial support for programs and initiatives not covered by the district’s budget.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, we’ve been able to fund a variety of grants, including:

🎨 Creative & Hands-On Learning

STEM/STEAM building kits and learning bins
3D pens and materials—combining art and technology
Loom & weaving materials—connecting art with classroom curriculums

🧠 Sensory & Movement Support

Sensory room for preschool students at Park Hill
Movement & sensory pathways for elementary students

🎭 Enrichment & Engagement

Diversity & equity assembly for 4th & 5th graders across all four elementary schools
“An Evening of Jazz” in partnership with the Central Winds Jazz Ensemble
STEM Learning Fair at Pine Grove Middle School

💡 Real-World & Leadership Opportunities

Cash register & barcode scanner for the student-run store at Pine Grove Middle School
Peer Writing Center at ESM High School—student tutors supporting classmates' writing & communication skills
Sources of Strength Peer Leader training & team-building—empowering students to support mental well-being

🏋️ Health & Wellness

Recumbent bike for the High School Fitness Center—expanding fitness opportunities for students with diverse physical needs

A Heartfelt Thank You

We extend our sincere gratitude to our 2025 sponsors for their generous support and partnership. Your commitment makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, and we are truly thankful.

A Night At The Museum

An Evening of Fun & Fundraising! Dance to music from the Horn Dogs, savor delicious food from Bull and Bear Roadhouse, open bar with cocktails, beer, wine & mocktails, raffle baskets with amazing prizes and interactive science and technology exhibits.