The Gala raised more than $108,000 for Audubon Elementary School! Read more...

FAQ

About the Audubon Spring Gala:

Audubon Spring Gala Info:

On-Line Auction:

Audubon Spring Gala Night:

How You Can Help:

What is the Spring Gala?

The Audubon Spring Gala is Friends of Audubon’s (FoA) signature fundraiser each year. This is the 4th year for the Gala, and your participation is greatly appreciated. Proceeds from the Gala enable achievement of the school’s vision: that every student will have a clear understanding of their own strengths and passions for learning, allowing each child to identify and pursue his or her individual goals.

Why is the Spring Gala so important?

The Gala fundraiser makes achievement of the school vision possible with your financial assistance through event sponsorship, in-kind donations, admission fees, silent and live auction proceeds, and raffle ticket sales. Money from the event helps pay to reduce class sizes, increases the use of technology, provide for additional staff development, and enhance curricular materials. Your generosity is how we sustain these vital needs.

When and where is the Spring Gala?

The 2010 Audubon Spring Gala will be held on Saturday, April 24th at Pazzo’s Restaurant,
311 South Wacker Drive, Chicago.

What is the theme?

“Feathers and Fedoras” is the theme. Get into a roaring twenties state of mind and step back in time to the glamour and glitz of the 1920’s. We’ll celebrate our fundraising efforts and toast the jazz age!

What is the dress?

Want to go all out? Dress in the style of the era, zoot suits, feather boas, flapper dresses and fedoras will be on display, or simply just dress up!

How do I attend the Spring Gala?

Invitations to the Spring Gala will be sent out in February. Advance ticket price is $100 before March 26th. Your ticket price includes drinks, buffet dinner and dessert. Parking is also included. Payment can be made by cash or check (made payable to Friends of Audubon) and dropped off or mailed to the school office (don’t forgot to stamp the envelope).

Alternatively, you can register on-line at: www.friendsofaudubonschool.org/events/gala/registration.

Please contact Sarah Levens if you have not received an invitation.

Who can attend?

Invite a guest or several to join us for this irresistible evening out. Just indicate the number of guests you would like to bring on the invitation response card. The Gala is a fantastic opportunity to create a new family tradition by inviting grandparents, siblings and other family members, as well as neighbors and friends to an event that demonstrates what makes our school community so unique!

What is the Giving Tree?

A unique giving opportunity! The Giving Tree allows you to contribute financially to specific areas of need at Audubon. You may indicate your desire to contribute on the gala invitation response card or donate in person the night of the Gala.

What is Class Art for Auction?

Unique pieces of decorative art created by students of each Audubon class and after school “clubs” with the help of teachers, parents and community helpers. Artwork is available for silent auction bidding. These works are always popular and created a spirited bidding competition between families!

What is Mark Brown Photography?

Photographs of preschool students will be available for purchase at the Gala. These stunning professional images are brought to you by community member, Mark Brown Photography. Locate your child’s portrait from the display, purchase at check-out and leave with a precious memento of your little one.

What is Wine-O-Rama?

Dynamic and adventurous fun for anyone who enjoys wine! Purchase a $20 ticket for each spin of the Wine-O-Rama wheel and receive a bottle of wine with a description or anecdote about the wine provided by the individual who donated it. Tickets for Wine-O-Rama will be available at the Gala.

What and when is on the online auction?

Every item offered at the Spring Gala silent auction can be viewed in advance online. This is possible via our partnership with BiddingForGood. This is an on-demand, online auction platform solely for organizations engaged in fundraising for nonprofit causes. The BiddingForGood network brings together participating charity auctions in one place, making it possible for people all over the country to view, bid on and purchase items from our silent auction. Last year, one of the premier silent auction items offered was won and purchased by a bidder from out of state! Our participation in
BiddingForGood increases visibility and profitability for Audubon.

On Friday, February 26th, the Audubon Spring Gala online auction will be open for bidding! Some items can only be bid on online; some are only available to view and be bid on at the Gala.

If you wish to bid on the online bidding only you MUST go to Friends of Audubon on Bidding for Good and register. Some of these, like the “tickets” to various parties, must be purchased outright at the price listed (there is no “outbidding”). The rest of the items that are available for online bidding will show a “value” on the first line under the picture of the item followed by an “opening bid” if no one has bid on it yet, or a “leading bid” if someone has already bid on it.

Plan your bidding strategies by knowing exactly what is out there. And check back often as the website will be updated weekly with new items until the eve of the Gala. The online auction closes on Friday, 30th April at 10:59 CDT.

These items that are “view only” will be available for bidding the evening of the “Feathers and Fedoras” Spring Gala on Saturday, April 24. You will not be able to bid on these items before the auction, but you can read about them and prepare maximum bids for the night of the Gala.

What is the web address for the online auction?

Visit Friends of Audubon on Bidding for Good at
http://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=99844453

How does the auction work?

When you arrive at Pazzo’s, register at the check-in desk and you will be given your bid number and other important information. There are two different auctions: silent and live. For both, you will use your assigned bid number.
Enjoy drinks and a buffet dinner as you bid on items in the silent auction. Watch the signage and event agenda to see when the items you are interested in are closing. If you are interested in winning a particular item, you should try to be there when the bidding closes to make sure you have the highest bid. The silent auction has something for everybody, no matter what your budget and where your interests lie. The live auction is always full of excitement. The highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer will be the purchaser.

Stop by check-out at the conclusion of the evening to settle your account by cash, check or credit card and pick up your items.

How do I bid in the silent auction?

The silent auction is the heart of the Gala event. The silent auction consists of a variety of wonderful items beautifully displayed throughout the venue that are available for purchase via a “silent” bidding process. Every silent auction item will be accompanied by a description, and “bid sheet”. The bid sheet will outline the minimum beginning bid as well as minimum raise amounts. Interested parties will also bid so if you want to “win” the bidding, check the sheet often and raise your bid as necessary. At the end of the evening if you “won” the bidding for an item, you will pay for it at the check-out desk then take the item home with you!

What is the live auction?

The most exciting portion of the evening’s events and directed by a spirited auctioneer, you’ll be tempted to out-bid other Gala attendees for incredible one of a kind opportunities and deluxe must have items live and in person! If you want to bid on an item, hold up your hand and make sure the auctioneer notices you! The auctioneer will determine bid increments and winning bids.

Other general information:

Silent auction tables will close accordingly to the schedule listed in the program and as posted. The winning bid is the highest bid at close.

  • In the case of auction items which are services to be performed or items to be ordered or parties to be coordinated, it is the responsibility of the buyer to make arrangements directly with the donor as indicated on the certificate.
  • Please note any and all restrictions for auction items shown on the bid sheets displays and certificates.
  • Please pay for and take home all items purchased on Gala night.
  • We are not responsible for any items that are left behind.
  • Auction items are sold “as is” and cannot be exchanged unless specified by the donor. All sales are final.

How can I get involved?

The Gala committee needs and appreciates all kinds of help from the Audubon community. No matter how much or how little help you can give, all is appreciated. Here are some of the ways you can help:

  • Volunteer! Contact Sarah Levens to find out how you can help, or attend our Volunteer Open House and Coffee on Tuesday, March 9th from 8-10:30 am at the Audubon Field House to learn more about becoming a Spring Gala volunteer.
  • Donate an item or service to be auctioned.
  • Ask friends, family members, or businesses to make donations.
  • Underwrite certain expenses related to the evening.
  • Make a Giving Tree donation.
  • Come to the Audubon Spring Gala, “Feathers and Fedoras” and have a great time!

How can I make a donation?

It’s simple. Just contact our Auction Co-Chairs Alison Beitzel or Noreen Hardgrove and give them a description and dollar value of your good or service. They will finalize all arrangements with you. We will need brochures and pictures for the display of your item if available.

What are some good ideas for donations?

Host a party or teach someone a valuable skill. Donate theatre tickets or professional sporting events tickets. Tickets for /or an appearance on a TV show. Create a themed package or contribute a unique single item. A piece of art work or sports memorabilia, vacation rental, airline tickets, hotel rewards, restaurant certificates, spa certificates are items that can be auctioned to raise money at the Spring Gala.

Or, give us a lead and we’ll track it down!

Is our donation tax-deductible?

Yes, as the law allows. You will receive a receipt acknowledging your donation. Audubon’s tax number is EIN 74-3197869. To be sure, consult with your tax advisor.

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