It’s been a DECADE, and there’s no stopping us now.
This year, we’re not only celebrating 10 years of coming together to support LGBTQ+ youth. The 2025 gala also will mark our inaugural year as Courage+ and, with it, our extended reach beyond Milwaukee.
Featuring Jaida Essence Hall
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 12 Winner
Location + reception
Join us at Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee.
Dinner + Drag Show + After Party
Enjoy a plated dinner and entertainment by local talent. Stay for dancing and great music at the After Party.
Retrospective
10 years of coming together as a diverse Courage+ family
- 2015
Courage MKE
- 2016
Unlocking the Future
- 2017
Homecoming
- 2018
There’s No Place Like Home
- 2019
Secret Garden
- 2020
Virtual
- 2021
Many Hearts, One Family.
- 2022
Our Pride
- 2023
Ohana
- 2024
Flourish
Thank you to our sponsors
Safe Spaces Sponsors
Advocate Sponsors
Ally Sponsors
Nonprofit Sponsors
Friend Sponsors
FAQ
- Date: Friday, Nov. 7
- Location: Baird Center – 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee
- Registration + Reception: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Join us for the online auction, free photos, Courage+ merch for sale and more!
- Program With Plated Meal + Drag Show + After Party: 7-11 p.m.
- Check back Oct. 31 when the online auction goes live!
Why We Need Your Phone Number and Email
When registering, please enter both your mobile number and email address. Event updates and auction bidding notifications will be sent primarily via text.
Assigning or Reassigning Gala Tickets
- Open the email you received when you purchased your tickets.
- Click the personalized link in the email.
- Review your purchased tickets on the page.
- Click the purple Assign/Reassign button to enter guest contact details.
- Once assigned, guests will receive a notification allowing them to update their contact information or meal choice at any time.
Selecting Your Gala Meal
- Open your Gala ticket page (via the original purchase email or the ticket assignment email).
- Click Edit Options.
- Click the purple drop-down arrow on the right-hand side.
- Select or update your meal choice.
- Click the purple Save button.
Meal Selection Deadline: Oct 17. If no choice is made, the chicken entrée will be provided.
Finding Your Purchase Receipt
After purchasing tickets, you will receive a confirmation email that includes payment details and our tax-exempt information.
Need Help with Tickets or Table Purchases?
Email our gala team at courageplusgala@gmail.com.
- Tickets are available for purchase on this website. See Buy Tickets Now button below.
- Individual tickets are $150 per ticket.
- Tables that seat 10 people are $1,600.
- Once tickets go on sale, more details will be available regarding ticket assignment and meal choice management.
- To ensure the safety of all guests, volunteers and venue personnel, all guests must be registered to attend this year’s gala. When you arrive, our gala team will be checking in each attendee and providing a gala wristband.
- If an attendee is not registered online prior to arrival, they will be required to validate their attendance with the ticket purchaser — in person, on-site.
- Please be aware that Baird Center is a smoke-free facility, including the outside terrace of the Ballroom.
- Baird Center has many mobility accessible options. See the website for more details.
- Keeping you safe is our No. 1 priority. Considering the current political climate, we want you to be aware that you will see extra security on-site during the gala. Please know that all security staff have been asked to be sensitive to our guests. As always, our staff, volunteers and security personnel are here to support you. Find anyone from our team if you have a concern or need assistance.
- We’re family, and it shouldn’t matter! It is more important to us that we’re all together versus what we’re all wearing. Dress up, dress comfortably, dress to the theme or dress to razzle-dazzle. Just be you!!
- Hyatt Regency Milwaukee – 333 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee
- Block held under the name Courage+
- $119 for the night of Nov. 7
- 1-800-203-1277
Disclosures
Our Code of Conduct: A Commitment to Kindness and Respect
At Courage+, we are committed to creating a welcoming and safe environment where everyone feels comfortable and valued. We embrace people of all genders, identities, ages, orientations, abilities, backgrounds and beliefs. Whether you are an attendee, speaker, sponsor, guest, staff member, vendor or volunteer, we ask that you treat everyone with kindness and respect.
We encourage positive and respectful interactions. Any form of disrespect or demeaning behavior — be it through words, actions or imagery — goes against our values and will not be tolerated. Our Code of Conduct applies to all Courage+ events, and we expect everyone to honor it.
If you experience or witness any behavior that makes you or others feel uncomfortable, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our events team. We’re here to support you and ensure everyone has a positive and safe experience. Your comfort and safety are important to us.
Event Photography: By attending a Courage+ event, you grant permission for videos and photographs to be taken by Courage+ staff. Event media could be produced and used for Courage+ advertising purposes via websites and/or social media.