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Overview
ILADEf logo over a green abstract background. Text reads: “ILADEF GALA: Fiesta Fundraiser. October 11, 2025 | Grand Hyatt San Antonio Riverwalk.”.

Overview

Purchase Tickets

International Lyme and Associated Diseases Educational Foundation (ILADEF), the fundraising affiliate for ILADS, will host a special Reception in San Antonio, Texas in conjunction with ILADS 26th Annual Scientific Conference.

ILADEF, together with its partner, ILADS, promotes understanding of Lyme and its associated diseases through research and education and strongly supports physicians and other healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing the standard of care for Lyme and its associated diseases.

Join us on Saturday evening, October 11th from 6:30-9:30 p.m. as we celebrate, reconnect, and raise funds for clinician education and research in tick-borne illness. The evening will include several cannot miss activities:

✰ An exciting Silent and Live Auction led by our cowboy Auctioneers will get attendees on their feet!

✰ Pioneer Awardee: honor the lifetime achievements of Samuel Shor, MD with the 2025 ILADEF Pioneer Award.

Dr. Sam Shor
Samuel M. Shor, MD, FACP, FILAD

Dr. Shor is an Associate Clinical Professor at George Washington University in Washington, DC. He received his MD from Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, and subsequently cultivated an interest in managing chronic fatigue syndrome and associated conditions, which ultimately led to his expertise in Lyme disease. Dr. Shor has presented to Congress on Lyme disease, appeared on NPR’s nationally syndicated Diane Rehm Show twice, and in 2010, was invited to serve on the Virginia Governor's Task Force on Lyme disease. Dr. Shor serves as Chair of the Loudoun County Lyme Commission, while actively pursuing clinical activity in the management of complex patients, and overseeing research and contributing to publishing in peer-reviewed literature.

Program

6:30 PM – Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction
7:30 PM – Dinner, Program and Live Auction MC'd by Richard Johnannesen (Tick Boot Camp) and Janice Niederhofer
9:00 PM – Entertainment with Brandon Alan Music

Tickets purchased in advance are $250 each until October 8. The onsite ticket price is $300. Proceeds benefit the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Educational Foundation (ILADEF).

The fundraising event is open to all and we encourage you and your guest(s) to attend this charity event to support our education and research mission.

Tickets

Tickets

Tickets purchased in advance are $250 each until October 8. The onsite ticket price is $300. Proceeds benefit the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Educational Foundation (ILADEF).

If you are a medical professional and are interested in joining the us at the 2025 Annual Scientific Conference October 9-12, you may register for both events by clicking below.

If you are interested in registering for just the Gala, you may do so by clicking below. The Gala is open to everyone!

Conference plus Gala
Gala Only (open to all)

For questions, please email us at conference@ilads.org.

Sponsors

Sponsors

GALA Participation Form

If you are interested in purchasing a Sponsorship, please complete the Gala Participation Form. Thank you.

ILADEF Gala: Fiesta Fundraiser Sponsorship Levels

Visionary Circle – $50,000
Exclusive – Only One Available
Symbolizes elite leadership in transforming tick-borne disease research and advocacy. All benefits are fully customizable.
Premium table for 8 guests with priority placement (center front)
- Verbal recognition during event program
- Featured logo on event signage, screens, and website homepage
- Additional 10 minutes at Silent Auction close to review items
- Full-page ad in printed/digital gala program
- Opportunity to provide brief remarks from the stage
- Featured article/interview in ILADS newsletter and social media spotlight
- Dedicated liaison and VIP check-in experience

Innovation Sponsor – $25,000
- Premier logo placement on all event materials, signage, and website
- Opportunity to speak during the Gala program
- VIP table for 8 guests in premier location
- Full-page ad in event program
- Recognition in press releases and social media
- Branded gift opportunity for attendees
- 12-month sponsorship recognition on ILADEF website

Platinum Sponsor – $15,000
- Featured logo on event signage, website, and program
- Preferred seating for 8 guests
- Half-page ad in event program
- Social media spotlight pre- and post-event
- On-stage recognition during the event
- 6-month sponsorship recognition on ILADEF website

Gold Sponsor – $10,000
- Logo featured on event signage and website
- Reserved table for 8 guests
- Quarter-page ad in event program
- Verbal recognition during event
- Recognition on ILADEF social media platforms

Silver Sponsor – $5,000
- Logo on website and shared event signage
- Seating for 4 guests
- Name listing in event program
- Recognition in event slideshow

Bronze Sponsor – $2,500
- Name listing on website and program
- Seating for 2 guests
- Recognition in event slideshow

Friend of ILADEF – $1,000
- Name recognition in event program and website
- Seating for 2 guests

If you have questions or need assistant, please reach out to conference@ilads.org

Auction

Silent and Live Auction

Get Ready to Bid for a Cause! 

Join the excitement of our Silent Auction, where every bid brings us closer to transforming Lyme disease education and care worldwide. From unique experiences and exclusive items to one-of-a-kind treasures, there’s something for everyone—and every winning bid directly supports the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Education Foundation’s mission to equip medical professionals with the knowledge and tools to better diagnose and treat tick-borne diseases.

6:30 PM – Welcome Reception and Silent Auction
7:30 PM – Dinner and Live Auction

Your generosity fuels vital programs like our Provider Search—accessed 25,000 times a year—free educational resources for patients and the public, and training for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers across the globe.

Bid high, bid often, and know that your support helps improve care and expand hope for those living with Lyme disease and their loved ones. Together, we can make a lasting impact—one bid at a time!

2024 Gala Photos

2024 Gala Thank You!

Thank you to all Gala participants and Supporters!

ILADEF, the fundraising affiliate of ILADS, held an exclusive fundraising gala in San Antonio, Texas on Friday, November 8, 2024, in conjunction with the 2024 ILADS Annual Scientific Conference.

All funds raised support ILADEF's education and research to further clinical care to patients with tick-borne illness.

During the Gala, ILADEF presented the Pioneer in Lyme Award, honoring a member of ILADS who has helped to pave the way for future generations of Lyme doctors. Congratulations to the 2024 honoree: Barbara Buchman, ILADS Founding Executive Director.

A man in a cowboy hat speaks on stage at a podium labeled “IL ADEF” during a Fiesta Fundraiser event, with green lighting and raised hands visible in the foreground.
A woman stands at a podium with a microphone, speaking at an event. The podium displays the ILADEF logo. The background features a gradient of green and yellow lighting.
Two smiling women stand at a conference table holding drinks and papers. One wears a red top and name badge, the other wears a floral blouse. People and display booths are visible in the background of the event space.
Two people stand at a podium with the ILADEF logo, speaking at an event with green lighting. The woman holds a microphone while the man listens. The partial word "Fundrai..." is visible on a screen behind them.
People are gathered around a registration table at an indoor event, with laptops, papers, and a water bottle on the table. Some are seated and assisting others who are standing and holding papers. Other groups are in the background.
A group of people in business attire mingle and network at an indoor conference or expo, with posters and booths displayed in the background under bright ceiling lights.
A group of people sit around a round table at a formal event, dressed in semi-formal attire. The room is filled with other attendees at similar tables, with green lighting creating an elegant atmosphere.
A group of people dressed in formal attire sit around a round table at a gala or banquet event, smiling at the camera. The room is filled with other attendees, and the lighting is dim with a green tint.
Seven people pose together indoors at an event; four men and three women, some in dress clothes and cowboy hats, all smiling in front of a light-colored wall with green accent lighting.
A man and a woman stand on stage with microphones, smiling. The woman has her arms raised enthusiastically. The background is green, and a screen with the ILADS logo is visible in the foreground.
A person speaks at a podium on a stage with green lighting. Behind them, a screen displays "ILADEF Fiesta Fundraiser" with a colorful feather logo above the text. Silhouetted audience members are visible in the foreground.
Four people stand on stage with green lighting; one woman speaks at a podium labeled "ILADEF," while three others, two men and one woman, stand nearby. A projected sign is partly visible in the background.
A woman in a red dress speaks at a podium on a dimly lit stage with three men standing behind her. The audience is seated in the dark, and the room is illuminated with green lighting.
Four people stand on stage at an event, three are on the left and one woman is speaking at a podium with the ILADEF logo, under green lighting. The scene appears to be an award or recognition ceremony.
A woman in a red dress speaks at a podium on stage to an audience seated at tables in a dimly lit room with green lighting. A microphone and several monitors are visible on the stage.
A man and a woman stand on stage behind a podium with the ILADEF logo. The man speaks into a microphone while the woman stands beside him. A screen behind them displays the word "Fundraiser.
Three people stand smiling in a conference hall. The man in the middle wears a suit and ID badge, while the women on either side wear dresses. They appear to be at a professional or formal event.
A man and a woman stand on stage under green lighting, speaking at a podium with an "ILADEFI" sign. Behind them, a screen displays "ILADEFI Fiesta Fundraiser" with a colorful graphic above the text.
Three people pose together at an indoor event. The man on the left wears a cowboy hat, suit, and event badges. The man in the center wears a dark suit, and the woman on the right wears a white dress. All are smiling for the photo.
A man in a suit and striped tie stands smiling next to an older woman in a coral dress with a gold brooch. Both wear name badges at a scientific conference and are posing indoors in front of wooden doors.
Three people wearing conference badges stand together smiling in a hallway with patterned carpet and warm lighting. The two women, in green and red dresses, stand beside a man in a black suit who is making a peace sign.