After four consecutive years of growth and success, the well known St. Jude Teen Gala got an upgrade for the 2019 event. Originally scheduled for early January as a watch party for the Academy Awards show, this years event was moved to April, and brought about many other changes to work towards growing the event.

The most significant change was the location. In years past, the event has been held at the Union Depot, with separate halls for the adult and teen event, allowing for two completely separate programs. The fifth annual event was relocated to The Armory. This allowed for higher attendance, but also created a single joint program for the adult and youth gala. After the program, teens were invited to a separate mezzanine for an after party of sorts with a DJ and activities.

Although this year did not raise as much money from the teen gala as in years past, there was still great success. The teens alone raised over $100,000, with the adult gala more than tripling that number. Teens and adults alike were incentivised to donate by being shown the effect a small donation can have, such as how $25 can throw a ‘no more chemo’ party for a child complete with confetti and treats. This is one of many events St. Jude hosts to fund their research programs and the operation of their hospital, which does not require patients or families to pay for treatment.

The gala is put on by a committee of local high school students that work with a St. Jude event planner. Students from primarily Orono and Wayzata dominate the committee, joined by few students from school like Blake, Monticello, Blaine, and Minnetonka. These students attend meetings with their advisor to plan the event and activities, as well as plan fundraising events and encourage their peers to donate or fundraise.