Thank you for joining us!

Welcome to the Harvest–Westminster Gala! Tonight, we gather in gratitude for God’s faithfulness to both Harvest Christian Academy and Westminster Christian School, celebrating the rich legacy He has built through generations of students, families, educators, and supporters. As we honor the stories of perseverance, partnership, and discipleship that have shaped our past, we also look ahead with great anticipation.

This evening marks a significant step forward as we come together to support the launch of River Valley Christian School—a unified vision rooted in biblical truth, academic excellence, and Christ-centered formation. Thank you for joining us for an evening of celebration, fellowship, and generous support as we invest in the future and prepare the way for students who will impact the world for Christ.

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Thank you to our GALA Sponsors

Welcome our GALA Emcees

Meet Eddie Schultz

Eddie and his wife, Lexi, have been part of the Harvest Christian Academy community for the past four years and have attended Harvest Bible Chapel for the last thirteen years. They own and operate multiple companies across the country within the window film and window treatment industry.

Sixteen years ago, Eddie began taking over the operations of his family business, which at the time consisted of seven employees—three of whom were family members. Today, the business has grown to six companies and more than seventy employees across ten states, each of whom Eddie and Lexi know personally. Their long-term vision is to become the largest company in their industry while intentionally sharing that success with their growing group of partners, which currently includes nine members.

Eddie and Lexi strive daily to ensure their businesses reflect the values of their faith, focusing on living in a way that points both their team members and customers to the Good News of Jesus. 

Meet Michelle Smalenberger

Michelle and her husband, Steve, have been members of the Harvest Christian Academy community for the past eight years, since their daughter began in Kindergarten. They deeply value the school’s faith-based education, nurturing environment, and strong sense of community, which have played a meaningful role in their family’s life.  Michelle is the co-founder and CEO of Financial Design Studio, which she launched with Steve after working for more than 16 years at a nationally recognized firm.  She is passionate about helping others achieve financial confidence and give generously, with personalized guidance for clients. 

Thank you to our DUAL ELITE Sponsors

Our COMEDIAN Jaron Myers

Jaron Myers is a stand-up comedian from Missouri whose viral videos have racked up over 1 billion views across social media. With a dedicated following of more than a million fans, Jaron is known for his joyful energy, sharp storytelling, and clean comedy that connects with audiences of all ages.

His breakout special The Blind Date — where Jaron went on a real first date in front of a live audience — captivated millions online and ended in a surprising twist: he married her.

Jaron has two stand-up specials on Amazon Prime, a DryBar Comedy special, and co-hosts the hit educational comedy podcast Things I Learned Last Night. He tours nationally, delivering live shows that are hilarious, heartwarming, and rooted in a message of hope.

Our KEYNOTE Speaker, Mrs. Carlye Hay

Carlye Hay serves as Head of School for Harvest Christian Academy and Westminster Christian School and is leading the unified transition to River Valley Christian School. With a deep commitment to Christ-centered education, she brings clarity, collaboration, and faithful leadership to this new chapter, shaped by 28 years of experience in public and private education in roles ranging from special education (K–12) and classroom teaching to instructional coaching and principal. Carlye and her husband, Don, a pastor, have dedicated their lives to faith, service, and education and are proud parents of Jacob and his wife, Grace, who live on the West Coast; Abby; and twin daughters, Maya and Olivia.

Between education and ministry, their family has attended more school events and church potlucks than they can count—and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Thank you to our Gala AUCTIONEER Tim Pfister

Thank you to our CHOIR Students

Madelin Basak
Ashley Burke
Emma Coleman
Brooklyn Davis
Hope Giovenco
Amelia Herther
Eva Irion
Karis Meeker
Ava Swanson
Peyton Vance
Brielle Walsh

Thank you to our Hca CORPORATE Sponsors

Learn more about our Corporate Sponsor program here.

Thank you to our AUCTION donors

Advance Design Studio
Alexa Pupich
Alyssa Fiebig
Baked in Chaos
Chick-fil-a Elgin
Clay DeHaan
Cornerstone Photography
Debbie Layne
Families of HCA
Families of WCS
Grace Weiss
Harvest Christian Academy
HCA SIPS & SCOOPS
HCA 2nd Grade Teachers
Health in Balance Chiropractic
Itasca Park District
Jennifer Serrato
Jesse Crognale
Kathleen Weinstein Photography
Katie Swalve
Kountry Pet Resort & Training
Kustom Heating and Cooling
Laila Oliveria
Luxury Escapes International
Nick Williams
Noelle Hoffmeister
Patrick Kelly
Reagans Corner
Reilly Photography
Schaumburg Boomers
Shedd Aquarium
St. Charles Pain and Wellness
The Basak Family
The Labib Family
The McMillians Family
The Meeker Family
The Polar Dome
The Pruitt Family
The Smalenberger Family
The Smerek Family
The Stahl Family
The Weidman Family
Top Shelf Sports Cards
Veronica Werneske
Westminster Christian School

Thank you to our Gala COMMITTEE members

Alexandra Schultz
Beth Lindberg
Jennie Labib
Jess McKenna
Joy Solis
Kayla Dutcher
Kristy Weidman
Lauryn Miller
Lisa Lewis
Patti Dziubla
Sandra Mills

Thank you to our Gala VENDORS

Balloons Bouquets (Party Xpress)
Balloon Arch/Photo Backdrop (Patti Dziubla)
Flowers (Town and Country Gardens)
Photography (Laura Humpa, Cornerstone Photography)
Production (Bryan Tripp, Louis Go, Steve Leucht)
RVC Signage/Renderings (Ovi Condrea, Artisan Graphics)
Stonegate Banquet and Conference Center (Venue)

Thank you to our STUDENT volunteers

Abby Arnold
Alyana Booras
Ashliana Nicholson
Cora Lewis
Evan Abraham
Isabel Ovsak
Marcus Booras
Olivia Campos
Paige Blaudow
Parker Howard
Peyton Vance

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS

Harvest Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.