Celebration on the Shore: The Golden Hour Gala

We’re pressing on… So where your rubbers! A little (or a lot) of rain won’t dampen our parade. Celebration on the Shore will proceed as planned, even with rain expected throughout the day. The event will take place beneath tents, and we’ll have plenty of umbrellas available. The dress code has been updated to rainy day chic, so feel free to pair your favorite galoshes with comfortable clothing for the evening.

Event Schedule

5:00 pm — Cocktail Hour & First Floor Tours of the Frank Allis House
Enjoy music by The Honey Pies, cocktails, and appetizers. Explore the first floor of the house and browse the silent auction tent. Here’s the link so you can bid early (and often).

6:45 pm — Golden Hour Toast & Dinner
After a sunset toast, head to the tent for a delicious dinner catered by Chef Dave and a program emceed by the always wonderful John Stofflet. If it’s raining during the toast, we’ll move inside the dinner tent.

7:00 pm — Program Begins
We’ll keep you at the edge of your seat with the Heads & Tails game, live auction, and paddle raise. You don’t want to miss the live auction… We’re selling a 3-night stay in the Sky Scape Domes at the Grand Canyon for 5 AND Winner’s Choice, 5 nights in Europe for a party of 2 to the highest bidders. Certainly, you need a getaway. AND, thanks to Don’s Home Furniture, we’re also auctioning off a 15-month sponsorship of Adirondack chairs, complete with your name or message, at San Damiano Park… Wouldn’t it be nice to have your own seat at the park?

9:00 pm — Post-Program Cocktail Hour
The silent auction closes at 9:15 pm and checkout begins. Enjoy acoustic favorites from The Honey Pies Duo, gather by the fire (weather permitting) or enjoy another tour of the house, take in the nighttime view, and visit the bar.

Parking & Shuttle Service

Onsite parking is reserved for accessible parking, vendors, and volunteers. Please park at Monona Grove High School and take our complimentary shuttle to San Damiano Park. We’ll put up a tent at the high school, where the shuttle will pick you up. 

Attire: Rainy Day Chic

Feel free to leave the cocktail attire at home. With the weather, we’re encouraging casual, comfortable clothing suited for a rainy outdoor evening. Layers, rain jackets, and sturdy waterproof shoes or boots are strongly recommended, as the ground will likely be wet and uneven.

For generations, San Damiano has been a place where people come to pause, connect, and experience the wonders of nature. Whether it’s watching a breathtaking sunset, taking a quiet walk along the shoreline, attending a community event, or simply gathering with family and friends, San Damiano Park creates moments that become lasting memories. Today, Friends of San Damiano is working to ensure those moments remain possible for generations to come.

Celebration on the Shore is not possible without the support of our community!

Consider volunteering your time at our annual fundraising gala.

Celebration on the Shore offers a unique opportunity for recognition via sponsorship, supporting the implementation of the San Damiano Master Plan and ensuring this treasured lakeshore property remains welcoming and accessible for generations to come. Learn how your sponsorship will be recognized at our annual fundraising gala.

Celebration on the Shore is presented thanks to the generous support of our community partners.

Celebration on the Shore, presented by Lake Monona Visionary

Celebration on the Shore Capitol Waters Champion

Celebration on the Shore Monona Shore Sponsors

Celebration on the Shore Rising Tide Sponsor

Celebration on the Shore Shoreline Stewards

Celebration on the Shore In-Kind Community Sponsor