Raise Your Glass 2026 Marks Expansion of LightHouse into LightWorks Collective

HOLYOKE — On Thursday, March 26, LightHouse Holyoke will host Raise Your Glass 2026, its annual community celebration and fundraiser. This year’s event marks a significant milestone: the organization’s evolution into LightWorks Collective, expanding from a single alternative school into a broader ecosystem of education, performing arts, and creative workforce development in downtown Holyoke.

The event is free to attend, and guests will be invited to make a meaningful gift during the program. All event costs are underwritten by sponsors — including PeoplesBank, Bueno y Sano, Greenfield Northampton Cooperative Bank, and CoFab Design — ensuring that every dollar raised directly supports youth programming.

Founded to change what school can be, LightHouse Holyoke is a collaborative, competency-based learning environment where students build skills through meaningful, real-world work — preparing meals, designing projects, and developing professional expertise. In a city where many families face economic barriers, community support ensures that the majority of students receive financial assistance, keeping this innovative model accessible to a broad cross-section of young people.

As LightWorks Collective, the organization has evolved into a cultural and workforce hub serving the wider community. Beyond daytime education, the campus now functions as shared civic infrastructure, supporting nonprofit partnerships, creative enterprise, and regional collaboration. The work remains rooted in access and opportunity, but the audience has grown to include the entire community.

This expansion includes the reopening of the former Gateway City Arts as De la Luz Soundstage, a revitalized performance and gathering space bringing national and international touring artists to downtown Holyoke. The venue functions as a professional stage, training ground, and community resource, strengthening the city’s cultural landscape while creating hands-on opportunities for young people.

“We’re not building this alone,” said Catherine Gobron, executive director of LightWorks Collective. “Downtown Holyoke is gaining momentum, and we’re working alongside artists, businesses, and community leaders to expand what’s possible here. De la Luz is more than a venue — it’s shared infrastructure. It creates space for professional artistry, community gathering, and real workforce pathways for young people. When education, culture, and enterprise operate together, opportunity expands.”

The evening will also introduce the inaugural Raise Your Glass Awards, honoring leaders whose

commitment strengthens youth and community in Western Massachusetts. This year’s Champion of Youth Award will go to Bob Bolduc and Roberta Bolduc, the Creative Catalyst Award will go to Aaron Vega and Debra Vega, and the Cornerstone Award will be presented to Lance Humphrey and Shaina Humphrey.

Raise Your Glass 2026 will feature live music by the José Gonzalez Trio, plentiful food, and a cash bar. Community members are invited to attend and learn more about the organization’s growing impact in Holyoke and beyond. Learn more about the event at lighthouseholyoke.org/ryg.