What happens at the Gala – The event consists of an online silent auction (Nov. 12 - 15) and an in-person event (on Nov. 15th) including a cocktail/appetizer social, music and dancing, dinner, live auction, and announcement of opportunity drawing winners. Packages in our online silent auction will be available for in-person viewing.
What is this year’s Gala theme - The theme changes from year to year. This year our theme is “La Dolce Vita” an Italian phrase meaning “The Sweet Life.” Everyone can use a little piece of the sweat life, right!
What should I wear – This year we hope to see you in cocktail attire with an Italian flair! (Encouraged but not required.) Dress up, dress down, just be there!
Where is the Gala held – The Gala & Auction is held at St. Vincent de Paul Parish & School in Holladay, Utah. We use this location because of the accommodations, ample parking, and central location. The pastor and principal of St. Vincent’s generously donate the accommodations for our use.
How do I purchase tickets – You can purchase event admissions online beginning MONDAY, September 8th at www.lourdesschool.org/gala25tickets. Admission options include:
- Lancer Patron Table – $750/table. Purchase this for you, your family, and friends to have a reserved table for 8 guests. Your table will be one of the first for dinner and includes a complimentary bottle of wine. Each guest at your table receives an unlimited drink wristband and a patron thank you gift.
- General Admission - $75/person or $130/couple; includes all food plus 2 drink tickets per guest.
- All tickets must be purchased by November 1st for catering planning purposes; no tickets sold at the door.
Will you send Invitations - We will be sending invitations to parents, grandparents, past parents, alumni, and parishioners.
Do you accept cash – The night of the event will be cashless; we will only be accepting payment in the form of credit/debit cards. Please plan accordingly.
Where do I to sit at dinner – If you purchase a Lancer Patron Table, you and your guests will sit at your reserved table. If you do not purchase a table, seating is open at all other tables for you to sit with friends and make new ones!
What are drink tickets/unlimited drink wristbands – Drink tickets/unlimited drink wristbands are the ONLY way to purchase wine, beer, or cocktails at the event. Non-alcoholic drinks are complimentary. Additional drink tickets/unlimited drink wristbands are sold at the event. $8/ticket or $40/wristband. Lancer Patron Tables include unlimited drink wristbands for each guest. Single admission includes 2 drink tickets and couple admission includes 4 drink tickets.
How do I/my business become a sponsor or donate items –There are many ways to support the Gala & Auction.
- Our sponsorship levels offer incredible benefits event tickets, social media exposure, and the chance to showcase your business while supporting OLOL. Sponsorships help underwrite event costs and make our evening a success! Click here to learn about Sponsorship Opportunities.
- We're looking for amazing items to make our Silent and Live Auctions unforgettable. Think vacation stays, one-of-a-kind experiences, sports or concert tickets, and more. Your donation helps create a memorable night and supports our students in a big way! Make your donation commitment online HERE or contact Bernie Jo Marlowe at bmarlowe@lourdesschool.org to discuss and make donation arrangements. All donations are tax-deductible.
How do I volunteer – There are many great ways to get involved and volunteer for the Gala either prior to the event or the night of. Watch for volunteer opportunities in the Gala weekly email, Track It Forward and on our school website.
What is the Silent Auction – The Silent Auction will be online through our mobile bidding platform beginning Wednesday, November 12th. The silent auction includes the class baskets plus amazing packages donated by local businesses and Lourdes supporters. Packages include restaurant and retail gift cards, admissions to local attractions, local getaways, and more! We have auction packages at every price point!
Do I need to purchase a ticket to bid in the Online Silent Auction – No, but you will need to register. All current OLOL families and supporters will be sent a public URL to register. This will require a credit card, a valid email address, and a mobile number. We will also have all the information on our website and social media pages. And we encourage you to share the link with those you know so they can bid and support our school!
Will I be able to preview the auction packages before bidding begins – Yes, we hope to have Live Auction ready for preview mid-October and the Silent Auction ready for preview on November 8th. All auction packages will have photos and detailed descriptions.
Is there a Buy It Now feature for the Silent Auction? – Yes, if you really want a silent auction package, you can select the Buy It Now option and it will be sold to you at the listed price.
How do I know if I won something – You will be able to see in your online account you set up what you have won. There are also many features to help assist you with bidding such as notifications if you’ve been outbid, setting a max bid on a package, and creating a favorites/watch list.
What is the Live Auction – The Live Auction is the highlight on the night of the Gala and typically includes the class projects and other exciting packages to bid on, such as vacations, unique experiences and more!
What is “Raise the Paddle” – "Raise the Paddle" is done during the Live Auction and will support our teachers. The auctioneer will call out different donation amounts (highest to lowest), and guests can “raise their paddle” to commit to that donation amount. It is a way for everyone to contribute, even if you aren’t purchasing items in the auction itself. You can also donate online to our "Raise the Paddle". If you are interested in matching the funds raised (all or part), please contact Cheri Wright at cwright@lourdesschool.org to discuss and make arrangements.
What is the Gala Opportunity Drawing – We will once again be partnering with Snap! Raise, an online fundraising platform, for our Opportunity Drawing. Students/parents will share their (child’s) personal fundraising page with family and friends (completely secure) to support their student and our school. Supporters who donate will be entered into the Opportunity Drawing to win one of two $500 cash prizes. Winners will be announced at the event on November 15th. Students will have the opportunity to earn free dress passes, prizes, class parties, and school-wide rewards for varying levels of participation and goals met. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.
What is the Wheelbarrow of Booze – It is literally a wheelbarrow filled with booze (wine and spirits) that you can win! A $10 purchase is required to be entered into the drawing. This purchase can only be made if you attend the event; winner must be present to win. FREE DRESS PASS INCENTIVE…. Bring your donation for the wheelbarrow of booze to parent teacher conference on September 24th or 25th in exchange for a free dress pass for your child (one per student). A flyer will come home with your student the week of Sep. 15th with more details. We kindly ask that you donate/purchase something that YOU would drink yourself.
What are Class Baskets – Class baskets are organized by our PTO classroom representatives with donated items/funds contributed by class parents. They vary in theme and are sold in our Online Silent Auction. You should begin receiving information on how to support your child’s class basket by next week. Earn one parent volunteer hour for every $20 you donate towards your child’s class basket.
What are Class Projects – Class projects are a collaborative project which each student takes part in creating. They can be a piece of artwork, furniture, etc. The class projects are typically sold in our Live Auction and often have bidding wars!
What is the Dessert Dash – In the Dessert Dash, guests bid as a table for the change to be among the first to choose from an array of delicious desserts. A bid card is placed on every guest table with the corresponding table number. Each table or group place bids to claim one of the tempting treats on display. The table with the highest combined bid will have the first chance to dash to the dessert table and select the tantalizing treat of their choice. However, they must run quickly because the next highest bidding table will be dashing right behind them and so on until all the tables have had a chance at the dessert table.
How do I get my purchases – If you attend the in-person event, you will be able to pick up any packages you won at event check-out on Nov. 15th. If you do not attend the gala, you will be able to pick up your packages beginning on Tuesday, November 18th at 9AM through November 25th. If you live out of the area, we can ship your items to you. Purchasers will be responsible for the cost of shipping which will be added to your account. Please note, any packages containing alcohol cannot be shipped and must be picked up in person.
Will I receive a receipt – Yes, all bidders with purchases will be emailed a thank you receipt by the end of November.
Who do I contact to get involved or for questions– Please contact Becca Thompson at rthompson@lourdesschool.org, Bernie Jo Marlowe at bmarlowe@lourdesschool.org, or Cheri Wright at cwright@lourdesschool.org.
You won’t want to miss this fabulous event! Thank you for your support and see you there!
