Behind the Brunch Fundraiser: Telling the Stories That Move Us to Give

by Steve Curtright : Advancement Director

There’s so much that goes into making the Gateway Brunch Fundraiser feel seamless. But behind the omelette station, beautiful centerpieces, and standing ovations is a whole lot of heart—and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes work that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

This entire event is the brainchild of Dr. Joseph, Founder and Head of School for Gateway.. When she first introduced the idea, we all nodded—and then immediately realized just how much work it would be. But year after year, brunch proves itself to be worth every ounce of energy we pour into it. The impact is undeniable.

The Gateway Brunch Fundraiser is unlike anything else we do. It’s completely student-led—our seniors take center stage. They greet guests at the door, serve as emcees, and deliver heartfelt speeches throughout the event, including a powerful keynote. They’re featured in videos that share their journeys and reflections, and collect donation cards at the end of the event. 

For many of our students, who are neurodiverse and have often struggled to be seen and heard in traditional school settings, this event is a celebration of empowerment. It’s their testimony, and 100% them.

This year, I had the privilege of crafting stories with our seniors (along with a few staff members), and interviewing one of our current families to share their journey through a deeply moving video. These moments, big and small, are the essence of what makes Gateway special. They’re the why behind everything we do.

That family story? It took shape over many hours, with a lot of help from our Director of Graphic Design and Art Teacher, Mr. Grimes. We sat down with Mr. Goings and his graduating senior for an interview that ran nearly an hour long—humorous, emotional, powerful. Mr. Grimes worked to shape that into a tight, 10-minute video that could carry the heart of their journey while still fitting the flow of the event. It wasn’t easy, but it was absolutely worth it.

Mr. Goings, in particular, said something that stopped me in my tracks. He called Dr. Joseph “the silent assassin”—because she assassinated the old dreams they had for their child. Not out of cruelty, but because those dreams had been shaped by a system that beat them down. What she gave them instead was a lifeline. A new set of possibilities. A future. That’s the Gateway story.

And these kinds of stories aren’t outliers. They’re echoed throughout our hallways. Families come to us carrying years of worry, and leave with something they re-discovered: hope.

One of my favorite parts of the brunch is the “popcorn speeches” from our seniors—short, personal reflections about a struggle they’ve overcome. Each one is so different and so honest, just like our students. We spend weeks before the event working with each student, getting to know their story, shaping it with them, and rehearsing it over and over. Then on the big day, they take the mic—often nervous, sometimes terrified—and crush it. And every time, I get chills.

This year, one of our most reserved seniors, someone who usually shies away from the spotlight, got up and not only told their story—but made the whole room laugh with a well-timed joke. Chef’s kiss.

It’s not just me doing this work. Pulling off Brunch takes a team. Faculty members step in to help coach student speakers. Staff members handle event logistics, promotion, guest lists, and seating charts. And on top of that, we’re blown away every year by the generosity of our underwriters, sponsors, and donors who believe in the work we’re doing.

To me, this event isn’t just about pulling off a fundraiser. It’s about telling the story of Gateway, one voice at a time. And when people give, they’re not just writing a check. They’re saying, “I believe in this story. I want to be part of it.”

Giving isn’t about the ask—it’s about the impact. And there are few stories more impactful than the one we’re telling at Gateway. Because here, we’re not just changing lives.

We’re changing the story.