On April 18, 2026, BASIS Charter Schools in Arizona held its second annual gala in support of the Annual Teacher Fund. Nearly 500 guests gathered at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix, Arizona, to celebrate BASIS Charter Schools educators and their commitment to world-class, transformative education. Attendees included BASIS Charter Schools families, corporate sponsors, school leaders, educators, alumni, philanthropists, and community leaders from across the state, representing all 23 BASIS Charter Schools campuses in Arizona.
We are proud to share that we raised more than $400,000 for the Annual Teacher Fund. Great things happen when a community comes together – and this year’s event was a powerful reminder of the generosity and shared purpose that define our BASIS community.
Designed to give our community a way to support our schools while enjoying an elegant and memorable evening, the event featured a live auction, silent auction, and paddle raise that together helped us surpass our fundraising goals for the Annual Teacher Fund.
Attendees bid on exclusive packages including luxury getaways to Triple Creek Ranch, weekend trips to California and Arizona destinations, world travel experiences, and ultimate rejuvenation packages – all in support of our Annual Teacher Fund.
The proceeds of the gala will make an incredible difference in the lives of our talented educators, enabling them to continue driving student achievement across our network of acclaimed public charter schools.
First-Ever BASIS Impact Award Presented to Dr. Craig Barrett
One of the most meaningful highlights of the evening was the presentation of the first-ever BASIS Impact Award to Dr. Craig Barrett, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Founder of the Annual Teacher Fund. Dr. Barrett has been a transformative leader for BASIS Charter Schools since joining as Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2009.
Executive Director DeAnna Rowe presented the award alongside Board Member Representative Don Budinger, BASIS Chandler Head of School Matthew FritzMiller, and BASIS Chandler 9th grade student Philip Horsley. The Impact Award recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to BASIS Charter Schools and the advancement of educational excellence.
Esteemed Guest Speakers
During the event, attendees heard firsthand stories from BASIS Charter Schools students, teachers, and alumni, as well as from our network leaders. Featured speakers included:
- Patti and Dr. Peter Bezanson, Co-Chairmen of BASIS Educational Ventures
- DeAnna Rowe, Executive Director of BASIS Charter Schools, Inc.
- Carolyn McGarvey, CEO of BASIS Ed Arizona
- Stacey Padgett, Engineering Teacher at BASIS Chandler Primary North
- Aditya Yadav, BASIS Peoria Senior
Support The Annual Teacher Fund
If you weren’t able to attend the second annual BASIS Charter Schools Gala, don’t worry! You can still give back to our schools by donating to the Annual Teacher Fund today. To get started, visit our Support page and select your school.
Contributions to the Annual Teacher Fund directly support our teachers, allowing us to recruit, retain, and reward the educators who are making a difference in our students’ lives every day. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a big impact on the quality of education provided at our schools.
We look forward to welcoming even more members of our community at next year’s gala. Together, we are building a brighter future for our students and celebrating the exceptional educators who make it all possible!
