MSBR’s 29th Annual Gala
April 24 @ 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm EDT
The MSBR Gala is an evening of celebration for our collective talents and accomplishments to support the MSBR STEM Fund—a wonderful opportunity to network and socialize with your colleagues and guests. Evening activities include a welcome reception, silent auction & raffle, plated dinner, distinguished guest remarks, and STEM testimonial and awards! This year’s Gala, held on Friday, April 24, will be at the Bethesda Marriott.
Entertainment: Live music by The Jazz Experience
Dress: Cocktail attire
More information coming soon!
Gala Links:
• Gala Ticket Information and Registration
• Hotel Information
• Silent Auction Donation Information and Form
Gala Ticket Information and Registration Form
• Member Group Table (8 seats): $1,500
• Individual Member Ticket: $200
• Non-Member Ticket: $225
Please use the below form to reserve and purchase your tickets.
Hotel Information
The Bethesda Marriott has set aside a block of rooms at 139.00 USD for the night of the Gala if you wish to stay after the event. There is complimentary self-parking for guests attending the event and hotel guests reserved within our MSBR block.
Book your room for the MSBR Annual Gala at a special rate of $135/night. The reservation cut-off date is Friday, March 27, 2026.
Event Parking: When you arrive to the hotel, please enter through any of the parking gates. It will prompt you to grab a ticket and then you can park anywhere in the hotel lot. The best place to enter the hotel will be the main entrance where there will be directional signage to the event. We will have validated parking vouchers that will be handed to you. When you are ready to exit the parking gates, please scan the validated ticket and the gates will open.
MSBR Silent Auction Donation Information and Form
As MSBR prepares for our Annual Gala and Silent Auction on April 24, we are reaching out to valued community members like you requesting help to make this year’s event our most impactful yet. Your donation will play a vital role in advancing MSBR’s mission to expand STEM education across the state of Maryland. By contributing an item or experience, you directly support students, educators, and programs that spark curiosity, inspire innovation, and shape the next generation of explorers.
To help inspire donations, we have included examples of popular, high‑interest items that have performed well in previous MSBR auctions and similar STEM‑focused fundraising events. These categories consistently attract attention and offer wide appeal to our Gala guests. Donors are encouraged to contribute an item or experience that aligns with their interests, services, or capabilities. Suggested silent auction item examples include:
Sporting Events & Experiences
• Professional sports tickets (Nationals, Orioles, Ravens, DC United, Capitals, Wizards)
• Premium seating packages (club level, suite experiences, parking)
• Golf foursomes, golf lessons with a pro, or driving range packages
• Outdoor adventure experiences: sailing day trips, kayaking, or guided hikes
• Racing or motorsports experiences (NASCAR, F1 fan packages)
Luxury, Lifestyle, & Hospitality
• Spa gift baskets or spa day certificates
• High end restaurant or steakhouse gift cards
• Winery, brewery, or distillery tours or tasting events
• Weekend getaway packages or B&B stays
• Curated gift baskets (coffee, gourmet foods, chocolates, cigars, top shelf spirits)
Technology & Gadgets
• Apple products (Apple Watch, iPad, AirPods Max)
• Virtual reality headsets (Meta Quest 3 or similar)
• Smart home devices (Nest, Ring, Sonos, Hue lighting kits)
• High quality binoculars, telescopes, or photography gear
• STEM themed building kits (LEGO Space Sets, robotics kits)
Space & STEM Collectibles
• Framed NASA or space telescope imagery
• Mission patch collections or commemorative coins
• Meteorite specimens with certificates
• Space related premium experiences (e.g., “VIP Launch Experience,” facility tours)
Performing Arts, Culture, & Entertainment
• Wolf Trap, local theater, or symphony tickets
• Museum membership packages
Home, Family, & Lifestyle
• Cooking classes or private chef experiences
• Premium kitchen appliances (Nespresso, Vitamix, air fryer bundles)
• Fitness packages (Pilates, yoga, cycling studios)
• Pet care baskets or grooming services
For reference, face value of contributions typically ranges from $100 to $1,000, with most in the $300 to $500 range. However, we welcome contributions of any size, whether products, services, gift cards, exclusive experiences, or unique collectors’ items. Every donation directly supports MSBR’s 501(c)(3) STEM Grants Fund and helps expand educational opportunities across Maryland. Your generosity has a real and lasting impact on our community.
Information about delivery of donations is listed below in the form.