Giving Events

It’s our biggest party of the year where the entire community comes together to celebrate all things LCS while supporting the school’s philanthropic goals. It’s a raucous evening full of excellent company, food, and drink with all general proceeds benefiting the LCS Annual Fund. The event is free to attend and there are many ways to support LCS throughout the evening.

Our next Gathering will be Saturday, October 24 at 6:00 PM. It will take place in the LCS Gymnasium, which will be transformed into a 70s throwback spectacular with food, drinks, and activities.

Yes! While the event is free to attend, your RSVP will also be your one-stop shop to preview Great Gatherings, make an outright donation, and update credit card information before the event. So even though RSVPing will ask for payment information, the "tickets" you are "purchasing" are free.

The best way is to simply show up! The Great Great Gathering is open to all current and former families (sans kids), LCS Faculty & Staff, and alumni (21+). All attendees are encouraged to contribute to the event by participating in the Paddle Raise, playing the many games that night, or hosting Great Gatherings.

Additionally, check back here closer to the event if you are interested in volunteering before, during, or after the festivities!

The Great Great Gathering is one big event hosted by LCS that the entire community can attend.

Great Gatherings are experiences hosted by members of the community. Each event has a set donation “price” to fundraise for the school. Events range from adult-only to whole-family outings, from simple walks or games to elaborate dinners to opportunities to learn new skills. They’re an excellent way to meet new families, try something outside of your comfort zone, or just fill an afternoon. Great Gatherings are a beloved and quirky LCS tradition that we hope you embrace with enthusiasm. You’ll have the opportunity to sign up for the gatherings live at The Great Great Gathering.

If you are interested in hosting a Great Gathering but need some ideas, check out the Great Gatherings that have been on offer in previous years.

If you would like to host a Great Gathering this year, please check back here for the donation form closer to the event. 

Over 200 attendees joined us for the 2025 edition of the Great Great Gathering. The event raised $178k for the LCS Annual Fund, supporting school operations, enhanced programming, tuition assistance, faculty & staff professional development, campus maintenance, and more.

The evening featured old favorites, including 60+ amazing Great Gatherings hosted by LCS community members, a dramatic game of Heads or Tails, and wines and spirits in the Bottle Pull.

This week-long fundraising drive provides a chance to make an outright donation and features a silent auction with items and experiences donated by members of our community.

We invite all community members to support LCS Gives Week by volunteering time, lending skills, and supporting the LCS Annual Fund through financial gifts or donations to our Silent Auction. We strive for full participation from our community.

LCS Gives Week hosts a variety of events throughout the week, including activities for students at school and a Happy Hour for families. A detailed schedule of the week will be provided closer to the celebration. 

The 2025 LCS Gives Week was held in the midst of Operation Metro Surge. As a result, LCS made the choice to use the week as an opportunity to fundraise for local organizations helping our neighborhood community. A total of $15,000 was raised.

We source organically grown Land School vegetables, herbs, and flowers planted from seed and cared for by the Land School staff and LCS students throughout the growing cycle. We also offer a variety of plants and flowers native to Minnesota, annuals, perennials, and hanging baskets grown organically by Glacial Ridge.

All plants are delivered to and sold from the Lake Country School parking lot.

The best way to ensure yourself the widest selection of plants is to place a pre-order through the Plant Sale Marketplace. Pre-orders will take place from early March through the first week of May and will be available for pick-up on the Thursday and Friday of the sale. After all pre-orders are complete, the remaining plants will be available for purchase in person. 

Everyone! In early March, we send a postcard to all current parents, alumni, neighbors, and friends of LCS announcing the sale. We encourage you to spread the word about our Plant Sale to anyone you think might be interested.

Volunteer opportunities, from filling pre-orders to unloading plants and organizing the parking lot, are available throughout the week of the sale. Mark your calendars for spring 2027; it’s a fantastic opportunity to do big work with other LCS families.

The 2026 Plant Sale sold 10,127 plants across 843 orders, thanks to the amazing work of 78 volunteers!