When is the Gala and Auction and what is the start/end time? The Gala and Auction will be on Saturday, May 21 at Saint James Catholic School. Doors will open at 5:30pm in Heller Hall for cocktails and silent auction and dinner and live auction will begin at 7:15 pm in the gym. While the fun could go all night, we will wrap up by 11:00pm.
What is the Saint James Gala and Auction? It is a great night for the Saint James community to come out, have fun and support the school. The night starts with a Cocktail hour and Silent Auction in Heller Hall, followed by the Gala in the school gym. The Gala includes a plated dinner, drinks, live auction, fund-a-cause donation, and dancing. There is an option to keep the party going by joining the Cigar and Bourbon tent with an additional ticket.
Who benefits from the Auction? 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. Last year, the PTO purchased the active boards used in the classrooms with the funds raised from the Gala.
Who can attend? We encourage everyone to attend. The more the merrier- that means all school and parish members as well as neighbors, friends and family, community partners or those just looking for a fun night out. However the auction is considered an adult event so while we love our students, guests should be over 21.
What do I wear? Cocktail Attire. Most women wear dresses and most men wear ties. Wear what you feel comfortable in with the understanding that this is meant to be a semi-formal event. Outfits reflecting the theme of the year are always fun and welcomed however never a requirement.
This year's theme is especially fun to work into your outfit! The Roaring 20's is known for the flapper dress but that's not all - think anything with beading, sequins, metallic thread, velvet, ruffled skirts, tiered layers, crochet, and even lace. There will be a "Dress to Impress" station during the cocktail hour for you to "upgrade" your attire with 1920's inspired accessories and more!
Is the silent auction online? Yes, the silent auction will be online through the Greater Giving app. A link will be sent for you to access ahead of the event.
What does "early access" to the silent auction mean? Early access means you will be able to bid on and/or purchase silent auction items 24 hours before regular ticket holders. A link will be sent to those who purchase this ticket add-on.
What are some examples of auction items? Auction items include many items that are donated from local businesses and families. There are teacher and staff experience items, class baskets, gift certificates to local stores and restaurants, tickets to sporting and entertainment events, vacation getaways, and much more. Dress down passes will also be available for purchase in the online silent auction.
Why should I participate? The Gala and Auction is THE event of the season. When was the last time you were able to get dressed up and have a fun night out in support of a good cause? The Gala and Auction is a way for you to have a lot of laughs, reconnect with old friends, make some new ones, and take home some FABULOUS prizes, all while supporting a cause we all care deeply about - the success of the children at the Saint James Catholic School. But the auction cannot succeed without YOUR participation. Every year volunteers spend countless hours planning a fun, successful night for all to share. Our goal each year is to fill the room with attendees who will contribute to the success and viability of our school, and leave having had a great time. But we can’t do it without YOU. So please join our school and parish families, as well as many businesses in our communities in supporting our children at this unforgettable evening.
What is the Gala Raffle? This is a chance to win a $500 tuition credit or a $150 Flynn O’Hara gift card. Chances are available prior on the Greater Giving site for $5 per ticket or 6 for $25. Buy a chance to be a lucky winner. Winners will be drawn during the Gala and do not need to be present at the Gala to take home a prize!
What is the Wine Wall? One hundred bottles of wine will be collected from the Saint James community in advance of the Gala. Each bottle will be assigned a random number. During the Silent Auction, attendees purchase a numbered cork for $20 each and later in the evening, you will receive a bottle of wine that corresponds to the purchased cork. The Wine Wall is only available to those who attend the Gala and Auction in-person.
You can help the Wine Wall! Donate a bottle (or more) of wine with a retail minimum value of $20 or more. You can also donate cash and bottles of wine will be purchased with the donations. Bottles and cash donations will be collected at drop-off and pick-up at starting May 10.
What is the Signature drink? Wine, beer and soft drinks are included in your ticket during the Silent Auction. Each year we have a special signature cocktail drink that you can buy for $5. This year the specialty drink is a Gin Rickey. Ticket(s) for the signature drink may be purchased during the cocktail hour on Greater Giving.
What is the Prize Wheel? This is an exciting new addition to the cocktail hour this year. Tickets will be available for purchase at the event. You can spin and test your luck on a variety of prizes, including dress down passes, gift cards and more!
What is the Heads & Tails Game? A fun and engaging game that kicks-off the dinner and live auction portion of the night. Tickets are purchased during the cocktail hour.
What is the Cigar and Bourbon Tent? The Cigar and Bourbon tent is a long standing tradition of the Saint James Gala. Just outside the gym, in B Lot, a large tent is transformed into a lounge complete with cocktail tastings and cigars. Tickets for the tent can be purchased on Greater Giving If you don't want to indulge in the drinks and cigars, but don’t want to miss out on the fun, an observer ticket will still give you entry into the lounge.
I want to sit with my 17 closest friends. How many people can fit at a table and how do I request to sit with other parties? The tables are for 8 or 10 people. Please indicate the other individuals you would like to be seated with when you purchase your ticket.
I’d like to Sponsor this event. Where can I find out more information? Please contact Bethany Scully at Bethany.Scully@gmail.com or 703-725-9068.
I’d love to donate something to the auction. Whom should I contact? If you have a special skill, a great gift, or amazing service that you’d like to donate, please contact Jenn Nichols JenniferLeeROQUE@gmail.com.
I bid on so many amazing items and won a few! How/when/where do I get them? All items purchased may be picked up on Sunday, May 22nd, in Heller Hall from 10-12.
I won a prize and need to arrange time/date/pick up/etc with the donor. How do I do that? All of the information will be on the gift certificate and paperwork that you will receive. If you have any questions, contact Jenn Nichols at JenniferLeeROQUE@gmail.com
This event was so much fun. What other events are you planning? Check out The Rocket Classic.
