The DCCF Heroes Gala
By Connor Tien, DougCo Social · Updated July 2026
Once a year the Douglas County Community Foundation throws the county's biggest philanthropy night — a black-tie-optional gala honoring the first responders, service members, healthcare workers, teachers, and volunteers who hold this community together. The 2026 Heroes Gala is Saturday, September 12, at Signature Aviation. Here's what it is, who it honors, and how to get a seat.
The essentials
What the Heroes Gala actually is
The Heroes Gala is the Douglas County Community Foundation's signature event of the year — part awards ceremony, part fundraiser, part community celebration. It honors the people who serve others through public safety, military service, healthcare, education, nonprofit leadership, and everyday acts of kindness. As DCCF puts it, these are people who don't seek recognition, but whose impact deserves to be celebrated.
Because it's held in an aviation hangar, the gala has room to do things a ballroom can't. Past years have featured interactive first-responder and military displays, fire and rescue demonstrations, live entertainment (country artist Tate Stevens performed in 2024), community cocktails and mocktails, and an awards presentation that's the emotional center of the night.
Every ticket, table, and sponsorship supports DCCF's mission — stewarding philanthropic resources, strengthening local nonprofits, inspiring local giving, and feeding the Community Emergency Relief Fund that helps Douglas County residents in a crisis.
2026: The Human Effect in the Age of AI
Each gala carries a theme, and the 2026 theme is “The Human Effect in the Age of AI.” It looks at how today's heroes are using new technology to serve the community better — while holding onto the compassion, judgment, and human connection that technology can't replace.
DCCF says the evening will feature interactive exhibits, cutting-edge technology, and displays that bring the theme to life — a look at how innovation and humanity work together to shape the future of Douglas County.
A short history
- 2023 — the inaugural gala. DCCF launched the Heroes Gala at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms in September 2023.
- 2024 — moves to the hangar. The gala relocated to Signature Aviation at Centennial Airport, adding the first-responder and military vehicle displays the venue makes possible.
- 2025 — sold out. The third annual gala sold out.
- 2026 — the fourth annual. Saturday, September 12, at Signature Aviation, themed “The Human Effect in the Age of AI.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 DCCF Heroes Gala?+
Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Signature Aviation at Centennial Airport. It is the signature annual fundraiser of the Douglas County Community Foundation.
What is the Heroes Gala?+
It is the Douglas County Community Foundation's biggest event of the year — a black-tie-optional evening that honors the people who serve Douglas County through public safety, military service, healthcare, education, volunteerism, and everyday acts of kindness. Past galas have featured first-responder and military displays, interactive demonstrations, live entertainment, and an awards ceremony. Proceeds support DCCF's work funding local nonprofits and its Community Emergency Relief Fund.
What is the 2026 theme?+
“The Human Effect in the Age of AI.” The 2026 gala explores how today's heroes use new technology to serve the community while preserving the compassion, judgment, and human connection that technology cannot replace. Expect interactive exhibits and technology displays built around that theme.
Who gets honored?+
DCCF recognizes heroes across public safety (police, fire, search and rescue), the military and veterans, healthcare, education, nonprofit leadership, and volunteerism. Recent honorees have included Douglas County Search and Rescue, the county Community Response Team, individual officers and clinicians, and members of the armed forces.
How much are tickets, and how do I get one?+
Individual tickets, tables, and sponsorships are available through the Douglas County Community Foundation at dccf.org. The gala is a high-ticket fundraiser and has sold out in past years — the 2025 gala sold out — so it is worth reserving early. For tables or sponsorship, you can reach DCCF Executive Director Kirsten Swanson at [email protected].
Where is Signature Aviation?+
Signature Aviation is a private-aviation hangar at Centennial Airport in Englewood, just north of the Douglas County line. DCCF has held the Heroes Gala there since 2024 — the hangar setting is what makes room for the military and first-responder vehicle displays.
How long has the Heroes Gala been running?+
The Douglas County Community Foundation launched the Heroes Gala in 2023 with an inaugural event at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms. It moved to Signature Aviation at Centennial Airport in 2024 and has run every year since. The 2026 event is the fourth annual gala.
What is the Douglas County Community Foundation?+
DCCF is the community foundation for Douglas County, based in Parker. It stewards philanthropic funds, strengthens local nonprofits, and runs giving campaigns like Douglas County Gives. Beyond the Heroes Gala, its calendar includes the DCCF Symposium in the spring and the Drive FORE DCCF charity golf tournament in the summer.
Sources: 2026 date, venue, and theme from the Douglas County Community Foundation's event announcement and dccf.org. History and honoree details from DCCF and past coverage in the Douglas County News-Press and Colorado Politics. Ticket and table availability is set by DCCF — confirm current pricing and availability at dccf.org.
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