Dreaming under the stars

Durham Nativity School is proud to announce the Annual Spring Benefit, a signature community celebration of leadership, generosity, and educational equity. This year’s gala will take place on April 21, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the historic Cotton Room in Durham, bringing together partners and supporters dedicated to the transformative power of education.

Celebrating a Decade of Literacy and Access

The evening will highlight the Jenny Lillians Semans Koortbojian Reading Program, Durham Nativity’s inclusive summer literacy initiative. This vital program serves both girls and boys in first through fifth grade from across the Durham community, providing the essential resources to maintain and strengthen reading skills throughout the year. This year marks a significant milestone: ten years since the program’s founding gift in December 2016. Over the past decade, the Koortbojian Reading Program has become a cornerstone of the DNS mission. Beyond its academic impact, the program serves as both a critical admissions identifier for the school and a pathway for the school to engage with a wider audience of Durham children and their families.

Honoring Visionary Leadership

In recognition of this ten-year legacy, the 2026 Benefit will honor the life and legacy of Jenny Lillian Semans Koortbojian. Her lifelong dedication to advancing the arts, education, and social mobility has shaped institutions and strengthened communities across North Carolina. Her leadership reflects a profound commitment to expanding educational pathways and enriching civic life throughout the Triangle.

Investing in the Future

Proceeds from the Durham Nativity Annual Spring Benefit directly fund the rigorous academics, mentorship, and holistic support that allow DNS young men to thrive. This event serves as an invitation to honor the giants of our past while investing in our young men to be the leaders of today and tomorrow.

We invite our corporate and community partners to invest in our mission through a variety of sponsorship opportunities that offer meaningful engagement and visibility. You may view our 2026 sponsorship levels and complete your registration below. For more information, please contact Michael Shaw, Chief Advancement Officer at mshaw@durhamnativity.org.