USO Dessert and Dance
7-9 p.m. April 30, 2026 | Gainesville Civic Center Ballroom
Gainesville Swings into Action: USO Dance and Desserts to Support Tours of Duty Youth
Ambassador & Local History
Dust off your Lindy dresses & Victory Suits and polish your saddle shoes! On Thursday, April 30th, 2026, the Gainesville Civic Center will transform into a 1940s-era canteen for USO Dance and Desserts. This nostalgic evening serves as a dual fundraiser for our community: The Northeast Georgia History Center and Gainesville’s own 14-year-old Caleb Schneider, the first ever Youth Ambassador for Tours of Duty.
Caleb is raising money to take his next step in his mission to preserve the stories, music, and memory of the Greatest Generation. After interviewing and working with many WW II veterans, Caleb hopes to travel with and participate in Tours of Duty’s WWII forensic archeology. Caleb’s commitment to honoring veterans and preserving their legacy continues to grow in his volunteer work with Currahee Museum and his online radio station, GI Jive Radio. The Northeast Georgia History Center’s dedication to preserving and sharing the diverse history of our region inspired the recently opened permanent exhibit Threads of Sacrifice: Stories from Northeast Georgia which honors the men and women of Northeast Georgia who served in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. The American Freedom Garden is also an important part of the History Center’s work in honoring the heroism, sacrifice, loyalty of our veterans.
Attendees will enjoy a selection of delicious desserts and a cash bar will be provided by Tap It. Guests can participate in the "War Bond" 50/50 Raffle, with proceeds directly benefiting both Caleb Schneider and NEGAHC as they work to preserve our histories and provide enriching educational opportunities in our community.
The evening promises to transport guests back to the Greatest Generation. Rosie the Riveter will be in attendance. Headlining the event is the Southern Journey Big Band, who are guaranteed to keep the dance floor swinging as guests await news from the front from our very own Glen Kyle.
Event Details:
- When: Thursday, April 30th, 2026
- Where: Gainesville Civic Center at 830 Green St NE, Gainesville, GA
- Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., Event runs from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Tickets: $60 per person
- Music: Live performance by the Southern Journey Big Band.
- Attire: Period dress (1940s/WWII era) is highly encouraged but not required
- Giving Back: All proceeds support Caleb Schneider’s work with Tours of Duty: https://toursofduty.org/, his work with WWII veterans, and the work of the Northeast Georgia History Center: https://www.negahc.org/
- Admission Tickets are available now!
- 50/50 Raffle Tickets available soon Online and at the door!