Upcoming Events at Barber National Institute

Interested in learning more about our major event sponsorships?

Check out our 2025 Sponsorship Packet!

 

Introducing Barber Beats Unlimited!

Barber National Institute created a six-week community drumming circle giving adult campers with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to connect with the community through rhythm and song.  

This program is an invitation to the community to create rhythm, fun and connection with adults with intellectual disabilities. Everyone is welcome to bring their own drum to create music with campers or come stop by and cheer on the circle. 

The circle is led by Marquis Wallace and Jason Nowacincki of Opportunities Unlimited of Erie; who have developed a program to enhance the capabilities of each individual attending. They offer a wide variety of percussion instruments to prompt them with independence. Our campers are also showered with a variety of learning opportunities, teaching them about teamwork, rhythm, and music history. 

Upcoming Barber Beat's performances:

  • July 24 - Barber National Institute | Gymnasium | Talent Show | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
  • July 31 - UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center | Ribbon Cutting

The ECAT community room is located in the Erie Center for Arts & Technology building at 650 East Ave. Enter the building off of East 7th street and the community room is on the first floor.

As the program develops, financial support will be essential.

If this sounds of interest to you, and you want to support the foundation of this new program, contact Andrea Krivak, 814-874-5640. Stay tuned for updates on our evolving art initiatives!

Sponsored by:

Make a Donation  

 

Barber Beast on the Bay

September 6, 2025 | Presque Isle State Park 

The 2025 Barber Beast on the Bay will be the final Beast event. For more information, check out The Final Obstacle.

Barber Beast on the Bay is an obstacle course challenge at Presque Isle State Park (USA Today’s ‘Best Pennsylvania Attraction’) in Erie, PA.  The event covers 10 miles of sand, water, and trails – it’s the nature of the Beast! 

Participants run, jump, climb and crawl across more than 30 natural and manmade obstacles on the shores of Lake Erie at the biggest obstacle course race in Erie, PA.  While they are tackling their own challenges during the Beast, they are also helping children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral health challenges at the  Barber National Institute who take on their own obstacles every day, as the event supports the non-profit and the more than 6,300 individuals it serves annually.

one-mile adapted course is also offered for those ages 12+ with physical or intellectual disabilities at Waldameer, a theme park in Erie, PA next to Presque Isle State Park. The 10-Mile Course and Adapted Course come together for the final obstacles and all participants cross the finish line together!

Includes team of 10:
Participant Shirt Sponsor - $12,000 - TAKEN
Participant Medal Sponsor - $10,000  - TAKEN
10-Mile Course Map Sponsor - $10,000 - TAKEN

Includes team of 7:
Adapted Course - $7,500  - TAKEN
Beast Crew Sponsor - $7,500 (2 AVAILABLE)
Cheer Zone Sponsor - $7,500

Includes team of 5:
Power Up Electrolyte Sponsor - $5,000
Photo Booth Sponsor - $5,000  - TAKEN
‘The Beast’ Sponsor - $5,000 - TAKEN
Beast Builder Sponsor - $5,000 - TAKEN

General Sponsorship:
Supporting Sponsor - $2,500 (UNLIMITED AVAILABLE)
Water Station Sponsor - $2,000 (4 AVAILABLE)
Friends of the Beast- $1,000 (UNLIMITED AVAILABLE)


These must be committed by August 1st.

Sponsorship Opportunities Learn More

 

Ladies Only Luncheon

November 22, 2025 | The Kahkwa Club

The Ladies Only Luncheon is held annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving to support educational and therapeutic services for children at the Barber National Institute.

Guests are treated to a scrumptious lunch, time for socializing, and opportunities to win bountiful gift baskets as well as the Premier and Diva Prizes.

Diamond Sponsor - $5,000 and up

Emerald Sponsor - $3,000 - $4,999

Garnet Sponsor - $1,000 - $2,999

These sponsorships receive:

  • Guest admissions (Diamond 5, Emerald 3, Garnet 2)
  • Recognition and logo on invitation, program and all printed materials
  • Your logo and sponsorship published on our webpage and social media with a link to your website
  • A photo opportunity following the luncheon
  • Signage with logo at the event
  • Framed student artwork for display in your business

Business Donations - $250 - $999

  • One guest admission ($75 value)
  • Acknowledgment in the program book
  • Your name listed on our webpage

Learn MoreBecome a PatronBecome a Sponsor

To be included on the invitaion, Sponsors and Patrons need to be registered by 9/5.

 

Barber Christmas Ball

December 13, 2025 |  Bayfront Convention Center

Ring in the holiday season with family and friends at the annual Barber Christmas Ball. Join us for a night that glitters with the spirit of the season as we come together to make this holiday season truly shine!

The event features live music, delicious food, and spectacular decorations in a beautiful setting on Erie’s bayfront.  Plan now to celebrate with friends, family, and neighbors to ring in the holiday season for a great cause.

The Barber Christmas Ball is a community event open to all!  You do not need a formal invitation to attend, but if you would like to receive one, please send your name and address to events@barberni.org

Reservations include an array of heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, two cocktails, and complimentary valet parking.

Many sponsorship opportunities are available for this longstanding Erie event tradition.

Presenting Sponsor- $15,000 
VIP experience for a table of ten at the event with signage, website & social media promotion, and premier recognition on slideshow at the event.  VIP package includes a private photoshoot with R. Frank Photography before the doors open, your choice of premier table placement near the dance floor or near the bar, and two bottles of champagne at your table.   

Diamond Sponsor - $10,000

A table of ten at the event with signage, website & social media promotion, recognition on the slideshow at the event, and a featured sponsorship (band, centerpieces, food, dessert table) with logo projection on wall. 

Gold Sponsor -$5,000 

A table of ten at the event with signage, website & social media promotion, and recognition on the slideshow at the event.  

Emerald Sponsor -$2,500 

Includes four reservations with signage, website & social media promotion, and recognition on the slideshow at the event.  

Garnet Sponsor -$1,000 

Includes two reservations with signage, website & social media promotion, and recognition on the slideshow at the event.  

 

2024 Ball Photobooth Gallery

 

Shillelagh Golf Tournament

Registration is now closed!

June 12, 2025 | Whispering Woods Golf Course

The Shillelagh Golf Tournament has been an Erie tradition for more than 25 years and provides an enjoyable day on the links in support of a good cause. The event includes lunch, dinner and a round of golf on one of the area's most versatile and scenic courses.   

Whether you're an expert or novice golfer, you can support the Barber National Institute through the Shillelagh Golf Tournament at Whispering Woods Golf Course by bringing your foursome or becoming a sponsor.

Sponsorships that include a foursome:
Dinner Sponsor - $6,000 - TAKEN
Lunch Sponsor - $3,000 - TAKEN
Dinner Raffle Sponsor - $2,500 - TAKEN
Super Raffle Sponsor - $2,500 - TAKEN
Coffee Kick-Off Sponsor - $2,000 - TAKEN
Snack Sponsor - $2,000 - TAKEN
Cart Sponsor - $2,000 - TAKEN

Golf Gift Sponsor - ($1,500-$2,000) - TAKEN
Driving Range Sponsor -
$1,500 - TAKEN
Putting Green Sponsor -
$1,500 - TAKEN
Par 3 Challenge Sponsor -
$1,500 - TAKEN
Team Sponsor -
$850 (UNLIMITED)


Sponsorships that do not include a foursome:
Shillelagh Sponsor - $500 - 3’ x 2’ course sign
Hole Sponsor - $300 - 2’ x 1.5’ course sign

Learn More