The Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) will mark 40 years of funding school programs with its Red Apple Gala on Saturday, Nov. 14, at Montage Deer Valley.

The event is the foundation's major annual fundraiser. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by dinner and a live program at 7 p.m. An after-party runs from 9:30 to 11 p.m., with music, casino games and desserts, according to TownLift.

The foundation reported reaching 4,200 students through approximately 100 funded programs and investing $1.8 million in Park City schools during the 2025–26 school year. Forty-three percent of Park City School District parents contributed, according to PCEF's gala page.

PCEF is a nonprofit overseen by an independent board of parents, educators and community members. It partners with the district to fund programs that support students and teachers.

Where the funding goes

PCEF supports preschool tuition assistance, elementary visual arts instruction, affordable afterschool programs, student wellness services and hands-on learning opportunities.

Its Bright Futures program helps first-generation students prepare for college and navigate higher education. Since its launch, the program has supported about 200 students, according to the foundation's Bright Futures report.

The program reported a 64% college-graduation rate among students in its tracked cohort, with 25 alumni completing degrees as of spring 2025.

PCEF also funded a cell-phone pouch pilot at Treasure Mountain Junior High during the 2024–25 school year. Together with a student-support coordinator pilot, the foundation said the programs contributed to a 72% reduction in behavioral incidents compared with the previous year.

The foundation's student wellness page also describes improvements in classroom focus and student engagement reported by teachers and students.

PCEF's current strategic plan organizes its work into four priorities: personalized learning, real-world learning, elevating educators and closing the opportunity gap.

For the 2026–27 school year, PCEF has committed $1.9 million in grant funding for Park City schools.

Gala celebrates 40 years

The Red Apple Gala will recognize the foundation's four decades of work in the district.

Whitney LaPointe, Michelle Parker and Mandy Pomeroy are serving as event chairs, according to PCEF.

The event is black-tie optional and will take place at Montage Deer Valley.

Ticket information is available through the foundation's official event page.