The 2025 Excalibur
St. John’s Northwestern is excited to present the Excalibur you know and love, with a few exciting changes! Join us at the Commodore, just 4 miles from campus and located on the beautiful Nagawicka Lake. Before the excitement of dinner and auction, enjoy cocktails under the beautiful pavilion overlooking the lake. Live & Silent Auctions are sure to thrill as they do every year. Fund-A-Need is sure to provide students with the updated classroom furniture they need to excel academically! Get a chance to vote on this year’s mini Fund-A-Needs by registering by February 12th! After the event, stay a while and enjoy live music.
Tickets & Sponsorship
Individual Ticket: $150 (Entry for 1)
Couples Ticket: $280 (Entry for 2)
Student Ticket: $80 (Entry for 1 Current SJNA Student Includes dinner and non-alcoholic beverages.)
Staff Ticket: $115 (Entry for 1 Current SJNA Staff Member)
Event Sponsor: $10,000 | 1 Available
Sponsor the entire event and have your name/logo featured throughout the event space, on the event website, and at your table of 8. This sponsorship includes both the speciality dessert and elevated wine experience for your entire table. Enter the Heritage Society at the Presidential Level.
Elevated Table Sponsor: $5,000 | 5 Available
Looking to sponsor a table of 8, but you’d like an elevated experience for you and your guests? This table sponsorship includes a choice of the speciality dessert or elevated wine experience for your entire table. Donors will be recognized at the Scholar Level of the SJNA Heritage Society and have their name/logo displayed on event signage as well as in the event booklet and webpage.
Bar Sponsor: $2,500 (SOLD)
Valet Sponsor: $2,500 | 1 Available
The Commodore offers valet parking for all guests. Sponsor this unique offering and have your name/logo displayed outside the Commodore for guests to see upon arrival. Donors will be recognized at the Founder Level of the SJNA Heritage Society and have their name/logo displayed on event signage as well as in the event booklet.
Entertainment Sponsor: $2,000 (SOLD)
New this year, live music! With this sponsorship, donors will receive signage on the stage all evening, be displayed on event signage, and in the event booklet. Donors will be recognized at the Founder Level of the SJNA Heritage Society.
Cocktail Hour Sponsor: $2,000 (SOLD)
You might be the most popular person at the party with this sponsorship! Donors will receive signage at the outdoor pavilion, be displayed on event signage, and in the event booklet. Donors will be recognized at the Founder Level of the SJNA Heritage Society.
Table Sponsor: $1,884 | 8 Available
What’s better than attending a fun filled night? Attending with 7 of your closest friends! With a table sponsorship, you’ll receive a reserved table of 8 for you and your guests. Table sponsors will have prime seating. This sponsorship includes your name/logo at the table, on event signage, and in the event booklet. Donors will be recognized at the Founder Level of the SJNA Heritage Society.
Specialty Cocktail Sponsor: $1,000 | (SOLD)
A staple of the Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep will be our specialty cocktail of the evening. This sponsorship includes signage at the bar, on event signage, and in the event booklet.
Media Sponsorship: 1/2 Page - $250 | Full Page - $500
Be featured in our event booklet and display an ad on our event website! Reach our 220 in-person guests as well as everyone visiting our landing page.
Print dimensions: Half page - 5.5inX 4in or Full page - 5.5in X 8in
Horse Race Game Sponsor: $500 | 5 Available
This year we’ll be incorporating Horse Racing Board Games, sure to excite the crowd. Sponsor a board and get your name/logo presented at the table, on event signage and in our event booklet.
Not seeing a sponsorship that fits your needs? Please reach out to discuss options!
The Details
The Commodore
1807 Nagawicka Rd.
Hartland, WI 53029
(roughly 4 miles from campus)
Complimentary paved parking spots available on the premises & Valet parking available for an additional cost
Please join us in dressing to impress for a night of excitement and elegance, inspired by the Kentucky Derby! Guests are encouraged to embrace the Derby’s timeless fashion with a blend of classic Southern sophistication and a touch of flair.
For ladies, think elegant dresses, tea-length or knee-length, paired with wide-brimmed hats or fascinators. Pastels, florals, or bold colors are all appropriate, and the more elaborate the hat, the better! Complete the look with stylish heels or dressy sandals.
For gentlemen, opt for seersucker suits, blazers with crisp shirts, or even khaki trousers paired with a button-down shirt. A bow tie or necktie adds the perfect touch. Don’t forget the dress shoes to complete the ensemble.
Whether you prefer Southern charm or modern chic, this is the night to shine and showcase your Derby-inspired style!
5-6 p.m. Cocktail Hour and Passed Hors’devours (Covered outdoor patio)
6 p.m. Program and Seated Dinner Commence (Indoor venue)
8:30 p.m. Post-Program Entertainment (Indoor venue)
Open Bar to include call liquor, beer, carbliss, house wine, and soft drinks from 5-9 p.m.
Cash Bar starting at 9 p.m.
Finalized Menu
Passed Hors'devours:
Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Spoon - Grapefruit Segment, Pink Shrimp, Citrus Butter, Chives, Fresno Chili (GF)
Whipped Goat Cheese - Whipped Artisan Goat Cheese, Crostini, Seasonal Accouterment, Fresh Herbs (V)
Rumaki - Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts, Wisconsin Maple Syrup Glaze (GF)
Crispy Polenta - Crispy Fried Polenta, Wild Mushroom Ragu, Sage (V, GF)
Plated Salad w/ Dinner Roll
Waldorf Salad - Apple, Candied Walnuts, Celery, Dried Door County Cherries, Grapes, Endive, Celery Leaves, Point Reyes Blue Cheese, Dijon Mustard Dressing
Dinner Entree (choice of one)
Strausberg Chicken - Roasted Semi-Boneless Chicken infused with Tarragon, served with Potato Puree, French Beans, Mushroom Veloute (GF)
Filet Mignon - Pepper-Crusted certified Angus Filet of Beef, Parsnip Potato Puree, Caulini, Pearl Onion, Madeira Wine Sauce (GF)
House-made fettuccine - Seasonal Vegetables, Basil Pesto, and Aged Parmesan Cheese (V, GF upon request)
Dessert
Homemade Sorbet (GF, V)
Coffee Service
Dietary restrictions must be noted pre-event
2025 Fund-A-Need
Each year at the Excalibur, we present a Fund-A-Need—a critical initiative that enhances the student experience through essential improvements and new programs. Thanks to the generosity of our community, last year’s Fund-A-Need elevated our athletic facilities, upgrading the Carl Brothers Strength and Conditioning Center and covering athletic transportation. In 2023, our state-of-the-art E.R.A. Lab became a reality because of donors like you.
This year, we’re turning our focus to the heart of learning—our classrooms.
Our current desks and chairs are outdated and limit student collaboration, engagement, and comfort. With your help, we will replace them with modern, modular furniture that adapts to the way students learn best. These new setups will:
Encourage collaboration with flexible pod-style groupings
Increase comfort & movement by separating chairs from desks
Enhance focus & engagement with ergonomically designed workspaces
Your Support Makes a Direct Impact
This year’s Fund-A-Need follows a Good, Better, Best model:
GOOD – $150,000: Replaces all student desks, chairs, and high-top stools for science and art rooms
BETTER – $180,000: Adds a new teacher desk and chair to every classroom
BEST – $225,000: Fully modernizes classrooms with two power stations and a teacher podium
Every gift counts—here’s how you can help:
$250 – Provides a desk & chair for one student
$1,250 – Outfits a collaborative pod of five desks & chairs
$8,000 – Fully furnishes a classroom (includes naming rights)
By supporting Fund-A-Need, you’re not just upgrading furniture—you’re investing in the future of education at St. John’s Northwestern. Join us in creating classrooms that inspire innovation, teamwork, and academic excellence.
Let’s make this year’s Excalibur one to remember!
Mini Fund-A-Needs: Small Projects, Big Impact
In addition to our primary Fund-A-Need, each year we invite early Excalibur registrants to vote on smaller but meaningful projects that enhance student life. These needs range from $1,000–$15,000 and provide immediate improvements to our campus. This year’s selected projects are:
Cafeteria A/V Upgrades
Goal: $6,000
Our cafeteria is more than a dining space—it’s where our community gathers for announcements, celebrations, and special events. Upgrading the A/V system will ensure that every student can hear important messages clearly and that presentations, guest speakers, and school events are more engaging.
Fun & Games for Lounges & Outdoor Recreation
Goal: $2,500
Downtime is essential for student well-being. With additional recreational games for lounges and outdoor areas, we can create more opportunities for students to relax, socialize, and build friendships—whether indoors or outside in the fresh air.
Restoring Our Historic Clock Tower
Goal: $9,000
A symbol of St. John’s Northwestern, our historic clock tower has stood the test of time—but now it needs restoration to preserve its beauty and functionality. This project will ensure that this beloved landmark remains a proud part of our campus for generations to come.
Water Fountains
Goal: TBD
Access to clean, cold drinking water is essential for student health and hydration. By installing or upgrading water fountains across campus, we can provide a more convenient way for students to refill bottles and stay refreshed throughout the day.
Auction Items
The Advancement Team is currently seeking donations for this year’s event. Should you or someone you know be interested in providing an auction item, please reach out to Hannah Schwefel (hschwefel@sjnacademies.org or 262-646-7184). Additionally, we are seeking auction items that will interest our traveling attendees, which include experiences, travel, and gift certificates.
Bidding: This year we'll be using BetterWorld, an online auction software, allowing individuals to bid from anywhere! Feel free to browse our auction items now. Bidding begins on Thursday, April 24th at 4 p.m. and ends on April 26th at 8 p.m. Donors bidding remotely will need to schedule their pick up with Hannah Schwefel and have items picked up by May 28th.
2024 Recap: 40th Anniversary
Catch up on everything you missed from last year! The Excalibur celebrated it's 40th anniversary last year and it was a night to remember. View the full recap video and photo gallery below, or get in touch with Hannah Schwefel today at hschwefel@sjnacademies.org with any questions about the 2025 edition.