Signs of Spring 55th Anniversary Fundraising Gala
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
We are celebrating 55 years of being a Leader and Pioneer in Deaf Education and services.
We are excited to announce our Signs of Spring Gala on Wednesday, April 15th. This is TLC’s largest in-person fundraiser since 2019, and we are thrilled to bring our broader community together to celebrate. Your support, donations, sponsorships, and proceeds from our Gala and silent auction will directly benefit TLC services, including:
- Support, playgroups, and resources for families with a deaf or hard of hearing infant;
- In-home mental health services provided by Deaf clinicians and mentors;
- Educational audiology and technology assistance for mainstream students;
- STEM-based enrichment and field trips for Pre-K through Grade 12;
- ASL Interpreting Services for grandparents and extended family members to visit our classrooms.
Announcing your Gala Emcee
JAC - often known as a “JAC of all trades”, is a sharp-witted, dynamic Master of Ceremonies, auctioneer, and Deaf ASL consultant with nearly 30 years of experience across theatre, film, education, and live events. JAC has served as Master of Ceremonies for galas, fundraising events, and national programs including the NAD Deaf Miss America / Ambassador Program, engaging diverse audiences with clarity and cultural fluency. Being on the stage is their home.
TLC Honors Dr. Benjamin Bahan at 55th Anniversary
Benjamin Bahan is a visionary scholar, leader, and artist whose life’s work has profoundly shaped Deaf Studies, ASL linguistics, storytelling, and the global Deaf community. He receive TLC’s annual Warren Schwab Award, named in honor of TLC’s founder, during our Anniversary Gala program.
Are you Ready to ROCK!?
We are SO EXCITED to share our feature entertainment for our 'Signs of Spring' Gala -- Introducing: Blast Time, the boundary-breaking band founded in 2023 by Jon Sahlin, a visionary CODA. Their shows are a sensory feast, incorporating a multitude of visual elements that enhance the music and create a truly unforgettable experience. Jon's remarkable talent lies in his ability to seamlessly incorporate American Sign Language (ASL) and vocals simultaneously, ensuring universal access to their electrifying performances.
Hosted at the beautiful Gillette Stadium, our event will provide a stunning backdrop of the New England Patriots field, as well as vibrant and spacious accommodations to dine, network, and raise funds to support TLC. Featuring special entertainment, a robust silent auction, and the winner of this year’s Warren Schwab Memorial Award, we look forward to celebrating together! The event will be in American Sign Language with interpreting services.
Ticket Information:
General Admission:
- $175 per person; Two for $300 ($50 savings!)
- Tables of 8: $1,200
Admission includes event entertainment, program, food, and silent auction. Cash bar.
Dress Code:
Our event is a semiformal. No jeans, ripped clothing, flip flops, or other inappropriate attire.
Sponsorships
Sponsorships and program booklet ads are now available! Our work is not possible without the support of our broader community, friends, Alumni, donors, and local businesses. We welcome your partnership as we celebrate our 55th Anniversary together! Click here to download a sponsorship packet.
Questions? Email us!
Refund Policy
Tickets purchased for this fundraising gala are considered charitable contributions and are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, your ticket purchase will be treated as a donation to support our mission. Tickets may be transferred to another guest with advance notice to the event organizers; please email events@tlcdeaf.org no later than five business days before the event. In the unlikely event that the Gala is canceled, ticket purchasers will be notified of available options, which may include converting the ticket to a donation or receiving a refund. We appreciate your understanding and generous support.
Download the Handbid App
Our event is powered by Handbid. The Handbid app provides an immersive auction experience. We strongly recommend you download the app before our event. Automatically sync your ticket purchases, see your auction bids in real time, and enjoy an easy and automated checkout and invoicing process.
Download HANDBID from AppStore or PlayStore
Click text link you received AFTER you have successfully downloaded the HANDBID App (Wait for app to log you in and bring you to your Auction.)
SWIPE LEFT from the “white” border to get started. In the app, swipe left or right to access the categories and items.
Thank You
