FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I expect at the event?
Doors open promptly at 6:00 pm—don’t miss a minute! Upon arrival, guests will check-in, receive a swag bag and personalized bidding number, be offered a complimentary glass of champagne and have the opportunity for a professional photographer to capture a red-carpet moment in front of our stunning decor wall.
Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served during cocktail hour (6:00 - 7:00 pm) followed by buffet-style food stations. There will not be a formal seated dinner at the Gala—you may eat when you'd like. If you prefer reserved seating, we have a limited number of sponsor tables available.
The silent auction items will be on display and open for bidding during cocktail hour. There will be a live auction and paddle raise for our fund-a-cause followed by music and dancing.
For entertainment, we have casino games ($25 buy-in required), a photo booth and accessories station, and a professional DJ and dance floor.
The event concludes at 11:00 pm.
What is included with the price of admission?
Food, drinks, musical entertainment, dancing, a professional photographer, and a photo booth. Basically, a regular event ticket includes everything except casino game buy-ins, silent & live auction item purchases, and paddle raise donations.
NOTE: While ticket purchases help offset some event expenses, they do not cover the full cost of the evening. This event is designed to raise funds for our school, and we invite guests to join in the fun by participating in the silent auction, games, and live auction.
What is the attire?
We are blending rustic charm with red-carpet dazzle for both men and women. Cowboy boots and hats are strongly encouraged!
Gentlemen: Think tailored shirts, bolos, polished boots and a bold belt buckle.
Ladies: Consider a sequined or fringe dress paired with cowboy boots and a statement necklace.
Please note that the venue does not normally permit blue jeans; however, since our theme is Boots & Bling, we have received special dispensation for our event! Guests are welcome to incorporate denim or jeans into their attire in keeping with the theme. We kindly ask that denim be clean and in good condition, with no holes or excessive distressing, and that all other standards for appropriate and respectful attire remain in place.
And, if Boots & Bling just isn't your thing, you can't go wrong in cocktail attire!
What does the money go toward?
All proceeds from the Annual Gala & Auction go back to the school and are used toward education and enrichment resources for the students and teachers. Your generosity also helps support technology improvements, equipment, and instructional materials to enhance the religious and academic curriculum.
After dinner, our auctioneer hosts a live auction and fund-a-cause paddle raise. The paddle raise funds a particular project.
Your Gala dollars go to work immediately to benefit all students. Past paddle raises have funded classroom technology upgrades, the major renovation of Rocket Field, the Outdoor Classroom, the makeover of the Rosemary Burns Library at Saint James School, and a revamp of our Robotics Lab.
2026 Fund-a-Cause info coming soon!
Where is the event? And what is the parking situation?
Washington Golf & Country Club is located at 3017 N. Glebe Road in Arlington. Complimentary valet parking is at the front door and the lot across the street (by the tennis courts) for your convenience. Or better yet … plan for Uber, Lyft or taxi! We want ALL to be safe on the roads.
Do I have to pay extra for drinks?
No, a full bar will be available and is included in your price of admission. Please note the bars will be closed during the live auction (another reason to be there right at 6:00) and will re-open after the live auction until last call at 10:45 pm.
How does the silent auction work?
This year, due to the later Gala date, we are excited to add an additional silent auction running from March 4 through March 18. This auction will feature items such as class baskets, high school baskets, teacher experiences, and summer camps. We will send a link to access bidding via the Gala Gram and post to social media. The silent auctions are open to everyone; you do not need to attend Fine Arts Night or the Gala to bid on silent auction items. Auction items may be bid on from your phone/tablet/computer at any time before or during the event and the week leading up to it. A complete listing will be online and on your phone as soon as you register your cell phone or sign in with your existing account. Check your calendars ahead of time for vacation dates and plan your winning bidding strategy for all of your "don't miss" items!
How does mobile bidding work?
All silent auction bidding will take place on your mobile phone! You’ll receive a text message to check in. For the first silent auction, you can enter bids from your phone, tablet or laptop starting March 4. The first silent auction will conclude on March 18.
For the second silent auction, you can enter bids from your phone, tablet or laptop the week leading up to the event. You can set starting and max bids. You’ll have even more time to enjoy the music, gaming and food while still supporting Saint James School when you bid ahead of time.
What happens if I win an item?
All purchases, including auction items and donations, will be paid for using your bidder number, which is linked to your credit card.
First silent auction winners will be contacted the next day to arrange for item pickup or delivery (within 5 miles of SJS).
All second silent auction item winners must collect their items the night of the Gala.
How do I play casino games at the event?
There will be Blackjack, Roulette and Texas Hold 'Em tables to play from Dealers Choice Casinos from 6:30 - 8:30 pm and open again after the live auction concludes. You can purchase buy-in credits for the casino games in advance on the website or in-person on the night of the event using your name and bid number. Buy-in credits are purchased in multiples of $25. For each $25 buy-in purchased, you will receive $600 in casino chips. You are also allowed to re-buy credits at the event by giving your name and bid number. You may "cash out" your casino chips for bucket drop tickets ($200 in casino chips = 1 raffle ticket) to win prizes such as $1000 SJS tuition credit, $500 Dominion Jewelers gift certificate, and more.
PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with applicable laws, no real money is won as a result of gaming. Players become eligible to win prizes by exchanging their casino chips for raffle tickets.
