The Highlands Park Senior and Community Center will hold its Annual Holiday Fundraising Gala on November 14, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. This event is inspired by the magical adventures of Harry Potter and the many diverse characters of his trials and tribulations. The Center’s main room will be transformed to resemble the Assembly Hall at Hogwarts School for Wizards during their holidays, and other spaces will be turned into the Potions Room and Nursery Conservatory for liquid lavations and auction. Of course, there will be plenty of delicious foods and delightfully created magical desserts, and entertainment will be provided by the Center’s Community Band and Singers.

An appearance of “Dobbie” will surprise and delight the multi-generational guests, who will be invited to attend in costume if they wish. (Dobbie will be portrayed by one of our delightful seniors.) The Center will be transformed by volunteers, whom we call the “art, culinary, auction, and advertising wizards.”

We anticipate this light-hearted event will be well-attended, with something for all ages. The excitement is building with parents and grandparents already engaging the next generation to attend. Last year we held a “Harry Potter”- inspired tea, which was attended to capacity by adults and children. This particular story encompasses a wide range of ages, different cultures, and “ethnic” differences that it encourages conversation, demonstrates community, resolution, and positive outcomes.

Purchase of some materials for the props and decorations will help us create the conversion from a large empty multipurpose room to the Great Hall of Hogwarts. The Awesome Foundation grant funds will be used to offset the costs of the 2'x4 wood posts and heavy cardboard used for making the sets; for paint and supplies for the creation of the Hogwarts Great Hall; and Goodwill/Abbots picture frames to repair and repaint to frame donated hand-painted characters of our major donors, which will be revealed during the event.