Tickets Available for the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria’s Ruby Gala, April 18

ALEXANDRIA, VA – If you’ve lived in Alexandria long enough, you know this is one of the nights when Alexandria brings its A-game.

The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria’s annual gala—often called “Alexandria’s prom for grown-ups” in social media posts—is back, and this year it’s extra special. The organization is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a Ruby Gala, marking four decades of opening doors for Alexandria students.

And yes—this is that party.

This year, it starts at 6 pm on April 18 at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center and is expected to draw more than 500 guests—business leaders, elected officials, educators, and community members—all united by a shared goal: helping Alexandria students access higher education.

SEE PHOTOS of the 2025 Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Gala

The evening itself is fast-paced and festive, beginning with a cocktail reception featuring a full open bar and a signature drink, followed by a gourmet dinner, a lively auction, and a packed dance floor. It’s widely considered Alexandria’s biggest black-tie party—but at its core, it’s about sending local students in need to college.

The gala’s silent and live auctions—and the always-anticipated paddle raise—play a central role in funding scholarships for Alexandria City High School students who may not otherwise have access to the resources needed to pursue higher education. Even those who can’t attend in person can still take part by browsing and bidding online.

And then there’s the raffle.

Thanks to Alexandria Toyota, one lucky ticket holder will drive away with a brand-new vehicle—or opt for a $25,000 cash prize. With odds of just 1 in 750, it’s one of the most talked-about moments of the night—and the winner does not have to be present to claim the prize.

Behind all the glamour is a mission that has steadily grown over four decades.

The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria began in 1986 with just $7,000 awarded to students—an effort sparked by founder Kitty Porterfield, who was recently inducted as a Living Legend of Alexandria.

Prompted by helping her own daughter navigate the college application process, Porterfield recognized how overwhelming it could be for students without the same support—and set out to change that for the broader community.

“I essentially replicated the process I went through with my own children,” Porterfield said of the organization’s earliest days.

Today, that grassroots effort has grown into one of Alexandria’s most impactful nonprofits—awarding more than $20 million in scholarships to nearly 6,000 students.

And the momentum continues.

In 2025 alone, the organization awarded a record-breaking $700,000 in scholarships to Alexandria City High School seniors, with many receiving multi-year support.

“This community shows up for our students in ways that are truly extraordinary,” said Jasmine Milone, Executive Director of the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria. “Year after year, we see what happens when Alexandria invests in its young people—and the results are life-changing.”

Milone notes that the gala is critical to sustaining that impact.

“Every ticket, every paddle raise, every donation—it all adds up to real opportunity,” she said. “These scholarships don’t just support a student—they can change the trajectory of an entire family.”

That’s what makes the night memorable.

Beyond the music and the fashion, it’s the student stories that stay with people—reminders of what access to education can mean, and how a community can come together to make it possible.

Forty years in, the Ruby Gala is both a celebration and a reflection of Alexandria at its best.

For many in Alexandria, the gala has become a cherished tradition—an evening that combines elegance, community, and a shared commitment to supporting local students.

Tickets and raffle entries are available here now. For details and more information about volunteering or being a sponsor, visit alexscholarshipfund.org/for-donors/gala/