Announcing Christy Johnson as Our 2026 Green Gala Honoree!

This May, we are excited to honor an individual who has been integral in supporting Willow’s growth, Christy Johnson. A mother of four Willow alumni, entrepreneur, wellness coach, formidable athlete, volunteer, philanthropist, and connector of people, Christy has supported Willow in countless ways. Since the beginning, Christy has made the health and well-being of our students a focus. From leading the effort to build and fund the turf field, to serving as the Gala Chair multiple times, her influence is felt and seen throughout the school.

Her presence and involvement on campus to this day, despite having her youngest graduate in 2017, bespeaks her loyalty. Balancing her business obligations as Co-founder and Director of Health and Wellness for the Haven Collection, and a robust athletic training schedule, she continues to steward The Willow School and is a frequent visitor to campus. In addition to participating in and supporting existing Willow traditions, such as Harvest Soup, the Green Gala, and Golf Classic, Christy has also introduced new experiences for the Willow community that support our physical and mental well-being. Recently, she has organized several special events centered around movement and mood for students, parents, and the broader community. Needless to say, we are delighted for the long overdue celebration of her loyalty and generosity this May! Please save the dates of May 16th and 18th to join us!

Read more about the events below:

Annual Green Gala: Woodland Wonder | Saturday, May 16, 2026, 5:00 pm-11:00 pm at The Willow School
Held on Willow’s campus, the Green Gala celebration features cocktails, dinner, dancing, as well as live and silent auctions. The auctions offer a wide range of items, from $20 gift certificates to $15,000 vacations, making it possible for everyone to enjoy themselves as they find a way to support Willow. Guests 21+ are welcome, and we love having alumni join us! We cannot wait for you to see the transformation for this year’s theme: Woodland Wonder! Click here to learn more & buy tickets for the Green Gala.

Annual Golf Classic | Monday, May 18, 2026, 8:00 am-2:30 pm at Hamilton Farm Golf Club
Willow’s Annual Golf Classic was launched to honor Mark Biedron, co-founder of The Willow School and former president of the New Jersey State Board of Education. Our sponsorships and foursomes provide a unique opportunity for golf enthusiasts to enjoy the Highlands Course at the historic Hamilton Farm Golf Club, a private club not typically open to the public. Alternatively, anyone who is new to golf or short on time can still join us for a friendly golf clinic and/or lunch. All net proceeds benefit The Willow Fund. Click here to learn more & buy tickets for the Golf Classic.

Christy Johnson, our Gala Honoree (center), with her children, Willow alumni: Joe ’14, Sarah ’16, Gigi ’17, and Rowan ’13 (from left to right)

Want to join the Willow community? Start a conversation with our Director of Enrollment Management, Lisa VanderVeen, to see how your child will thrive at Willow.