An Inaugural Gala
Teachers
Hall of Fame
★ Where Teachers Are the Stars ★
Celebrating
Stevie Van Zandt
As He Is Inducted Into the Count Basie Center Walk of Fame
Join Us for an Unforgettable Night of Artists, Awards and Song on Stage
Closing Out the Night With a Full Performance By
Honorary Event Chairman
Kevin Keyes
October 17, 2026 · 6–10PM
The Count Basie Center’s Historic Theatre
Dress Code: Your Finest With a Modern Purple Twist
A Powerful Mission Celebrating Teachers and a Rockin’ Good Time
Why Your Presence Matters
Honoring Educators
We celebrate the extraordinary impact teachers have every day in our schools and communities. This night puts them in the spotlight.
Powering a Movement
Your support provides TeachRock’s free, innovative music-based resources that empower teachers to keep students in the classroom and thriving in thousands of schools.
Celebrating Little Steven
Recognizing Stevie Van Zandt’s lifelong commitment to using music as a force for good. Join us in celebrating his legacy and unwavering support of education and the arts as he is inducted into the Count Basie Walk of Fame.
Executive Committee
Rick Buck
Greg Damico
Howie Dessau
David Epstein
Margo & Jim Farber
Nicki Germaine & Garry Tallent
Jim McDermott
Bruce Resnikoff
Jeff Rusnak
Susan Strauss
Susan Walsh
Sponsorship Tiers
Every Sponsorship Provides Event Admission
for Educators & Students
for Educators & Students
Walk of Fame
$100,000
Limited to One
- 8 tickets to the private Little Steven Walk of Fame induction ceremony
- 8 tickets to the private Chairman’s Reception directly following the induction
- 20 event tickets — premier front/center orchestra
- 20 tickets to the Exclusive Pre-Show Purple Velvet Reception (with fine wines, cocktails & artfully presented hors d’oeuvres)
- Provides event admission for 50 educators & students
- Introduction on stage + greet audience
- Website + signage + social
- Exclusive signature induction gift from artist Hazy Mae
North Star
$50,000
- 4 tickets to the private Little Steven Walk of Fame induction ceremony
- 4 tickets to the private Chairman’s Reception directly following the induction
- 10 event tickets — premier front/center orchestra
- 10 tickets to the Exclusive Pre-Show Purple Velvet Reception (with fine wines, cocktails & artfully presented hors d’oeuvres)
- Provides event admission for 20 educators & students
- Acknowledgement on stage
- Website + signage + social
- Exclusive signature chairman’s gift from artist Hazy Mae
Guiding Star
$25,000
- 2 tickets to the private Little Steven Walk of Fame induction ceremony
- 2 tickets to the private Chairman’s Reception directly following the induction
- 10 event tickets — premium front/center orchestra
- 10 tickets to the Exclusive Pre-Show Purple Velvet Reception (with fine wines, cocktails & artfully presented hors d’oeuvres)
- Provides event admission for 10 educators & students
- Acknowledgement on stage
- Website + signage + social
- Exclusive signature inaugural gift from artist Hazy Mae
Shooting Star
$10,000
- 8 event tickets — premium front/center orchestra
- 8 tickets to the Exclusive Pre-Show Purple Velvet Reception (with fine wines, cocktails & artfully presented hors d’oeuvres)
- Provides event admission for 6 educators & students
- Acknowledgement on stage
- Website + signage + social
- Exclusive signature premier gift from artist Hazy Mae
Bright Star
$5,000
- 6 event tickets — preferred front/side orchestra
- 6 tickets to the Exclusive Pre-Show Purple Velvet Reception (with fine wines, cocktails & artfully presented hors d’oeuvres)
- Provides event admission for 4 educators & students
- Website + signage + social
- Exclusive signature elite gift from artist Hazy Mae
Rising Star
$2,500
- 4 event tickets — preferred seating
- 4 tickets to the Exclusive Pre-Show Purple Velvet Reception (with fine wines, cocktails & artfully presented hors d’oeuvres)
- Provides event admission for 2 educators & students
- Website + signage + social
- Exclusive signature limited gift from artist Hazy Mae
Starburst
$1,000
- 2 event tickets — prime seating
- 2 tickets to the Exclusive Pre-Show Purple Velvet Reception (with fine wines, cocktails & artfully presented hors d’oeuvres)
- Website + social recognition
Individual Tickets — On Sale August 23.
Sponsorships Are Available Now.
Sponsorships Are Available Now.
Can’t Join Us?
But Want to Send a Teacher in Your Place?
A gift to our Teacher Ticket Fund does exactly that. Every gift helps send teachers to this incredible evening!
Contact: Michael-Ann Haders | michael@teachrock.org