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GPAC gala

Saturday, April 18, 2026
6:00 PM 11:00 PM

1801 Exeter Road Germantown, TN, 38138 (map)

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PRESENTED BY

GALA CHAIRS—MAYOR MIKE AND MARCH PALAZZOLO

6 pm

Cocktail Attire

Exciting Live Auction!

Highland Capital Performance Hall

1801 Exeter Road, Germantown, Tennessee

EXPLORE THE LIVE AUCTION ITEMS!

Backyard Songwriter Salon

Have a rocking-good time with the one and only Mark Edgar Stuart!

This local singer-songwriter and Concerts in The Grove fan-favorite has been around the block a few times with his mix of old-school charm and modern Memphis mojo. From sharing the stage with the biggest names in the industry to carving out his own niche, he’s done it all. Now he’s ready to show you and 20 of your friends an incredible time with a personal concert in your own backyard! This party will be one that your friends will never forget. All you have to do is set the date, and we’ll take care of the food, drinks, and fun!

Provided by GPAC

Under the Tuscan Sun - La Dolce Vita!

Stay in the spectacular medieval town of Cortona, known around the world as the setting for the book and movie Under the Tuscan Sun.

A charming hilltop town, Cortona is truly a gem, framed on the horizon with soft hills and the wide expanse of Lake Trasimeno. The town’s easy, relaxed vibe will capture your heart as you stroll past its countless restaurants, quaint boutiques, artisanal shops and friendly cafes. Cortona is strategically located between Florence, Rome, Siena, Assisi and the wine regions of Montepulciano, Montalcino and Chianti, making it the perfect base for exploring Tuscany! Stay in a charming apartment for six evenings, situated in the heart of town, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a comfortable and attractive living area. The apartment is merely steps away from the main square of town and from everything you might need during your stay. Your trip includes an informative three-hour private walking tour with a professional local guide who will share with you all the secrets of one of the oldest towns of Tuscany. You will also enjoy a fabulous wine tasting in the coolest wine bar in town, located in the main square. A wine expert will lead you on a fabulous journey discovering different wines that come from one of the most iconic wine regions in the world. You will have a personal concierge to arrange extra activities and anything else you desire during your stay.

Provided by GPAC

"Snake Oil Remedy" Wine Dinner

You’ll start the evening with Kelley’s Katch caviar, bubbly, and some live music, and then sit down to enjoy an exclusive wine tasting led by Tiffany Werne, Division Sales Manager for Priest Ranch Winery. A 30+-year veteran of the wine and spirits industry, Tiffany is a Certified Sommelier and recipient of the Frederick Wildman & Sons Top Performer Award, having helped put Tennessee on the map as a Top 10 Wine Sales Region in the U.S.Tiffany will guide you on a journey into the elevated vineyards of Napa Valley’s Vaca Mountains, leading you through an intimate exploration of mountain-grown wines and the story behind them.

High above Lake Hennessey in St. Helena — near the shores of Lake Berryessa — Somerston Estate spans 1,682 breathtaking acres, with just 222 acres meticulously planted to vine. This dramatic “hidden valley” is defined by volcanic soils, rugged terrain, and significant diurnal shifts that naturally shape wines of depth, structure, and vibrant balance. Throughout your dinner, you will explore six distinctive wines that showcase the character of this extraordinary site, experiencing the freshness and lift that elevation brings to Sauvignon Blanc as well as the layered intensity and structure of mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, and discover two exciting newer releases — Remedy and Snake Oil — that reflect both the bold spirit and refined craftsmanship of Priest Ranch. You will sip, learn, and uncover how terroir, elevation, and thoughtful winemaking come together to create wines that are powerful, expressive, and unmistakably Napa.

Highly regarded Chef Jensen (Erling Jensen’s) has been featured in numerous newspaper and magazine articles in Memphis as well as in Food & Wine, Southern Living, and John Mariani’s Virtual Gourmet. Erling has cooked twice at the James Beard House in New York City and has received many distinctions, many times, including “Best Chef in Memphis,” “Best Restaurant in Memphis,” and “Distinguished Restaurateur of the Year.”

Provided by Tiffany Werne (Priest Ranch), Erling Jensen (Erling Jensen’s), Kelley’s Katch Caviar, Tennessee Crown, and GPAC.

THE SIGNATURE COCKTAIL

Meet your Mistaken Identity—thoughtfully curated by GPAC's award-winning Master Mixologist Brad Pitts.

BRAD PITTS

With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry in the Memphis area, his knowledge extends beyond the back of the bar into the distributing, marketing, and branding aspects of the wine and spirits industry. During his career, Brad has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation and crafted cocktails for some of Memphis’s finest dining establishments in addition to numerous private and charity events. The beverage program at GPAC focuses on service excellence and a superior patron experience for all events, whether it be inside in the Highland Capital Performance Hall or outside in The Grove

CHEF JOSH PULLEN

Welcome, to the GPAC Gala!

Chef Pullen has had a long and successful career with Villa Castrioti, beginning in 2001 as a busser. He worked his way through the ranks to become an executive chef, winning awards and hearts along the way.

Chef Josh's approach to the culinary arts is deeply rooted in his childhood. His foundation in the kitchen comes from his mother, along with his appreciation for freshness, quality ingredients, and thoughtful sourcing. He brings this lifelong passion to everything he creates for Villa Castrioti.

We can't wait to sample his curated Italian bites and experience the "hospitality with heart" that Villa Castrioti is famous for during the Cocktail Hour!

CHEF RABIYA FAHAD ALI KHAN

Rabiya Fahad Ali Khan is the Owner and Chef of Sufi’s Mediterranean Grill & Bar, an award-winning, family-owned restaurant known for its refined Mediterranean flavors, live entertainment, and elevated hospitality experience.

Rabiya brings a hands-on, chef-driven approach to every event, ensuring that each menu she curates reflects artistry, cultural authenticity, and exceptional taste, making her a fantastic fit for the GPAC Gala!

We’re thrilled to welcome Germantown’s own "2025 Entrepreneur of the Year," as a featured restaurant at the cocktail hour!

CHEF WILMER NOGUERA

Chef Noguera embarked on his culinary career at just 19, honing his skills in some of Memphis’ most celebrated kitchens. His journey has taken him through the ranks of esteemed establishments like Maciel's, River Oaks, Southern Social, and, most notably, Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar. There, he spent eight years refining his craft under the mentorship of Chef Eduardo Murillo before stepping into the role of Executive Chef at Moondance. With a deep-rooted passion for both food and hospitality, Chef Wilmer creates every plate with skill, warmth, and culinary artistry.

Chef Wilmer’s small bites are sure to please your palate!

CHEF ERLING JENSEN

One of the most distinguished names in Memphis’ fine-dining scene, Chef Erling Jensen is bringing his visionary dishes to the GPAC Gala as the evening’s Featured Chef. Chef Jensen has received several accolades for his culinary masterpieces and has been invited to cook twice at the James Beard House.

MEMPHIS SOUL REMEDY

A band comprised of doctors, nurses, and other life-saving specialists, Memphis Soul Remedy is here to heal your spirit and uplift your soul! This 12-piece band specializes in the infectious rhythms of 70s, 80s, and 90s R&B and funk that will keep you dancing all night long!

EVENT STYLIST—ANN PARKER

Ann Parker of Parker Design Studio brings intention, distinction, and beauty to every space she designs. Back for her 6th year as Event Stylist of the GPAC Gala, Ann curates a surreal setting on the stage of the Highland Capital Performance Hall that transports attendees to a new world.

Sponsor the event

FULL CIRCLE

LEAD EVENT SPONSOR - $15,000

The Lead Event Sponsor receives a premier table for ten guests and prominent verbal recognition at the 2026 GPAC Gala, prominent placement of name or logo on all event signage and event program, recognition on the GPAC website with logo and link to your website, extensive recognition in pre and post social media with logo as a Lead Sponsor, recognition on digital billboard at Poplar and I-240, and four tickets to all 2026-2027 GPAC Presents shows, per request. The Full Circle Sponsor will also receive a full-page ad in the Season 32 Program, Vol. I and II. A portion of this sponsorship is tax-deductible.

Sponsor a table

CENTRAL