How to Gala An introduction to the Tremont School Gala and why it’s important!

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What is the Gala? •

The Gala is a fun-filled party designed to build both community spirit and financial support for the Tremont School.

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It’s an opportunity to introduce family members and friends to Tremont’s unique mission, and to provide Tremont with critical financial support at every level of giving.

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It’s a chance for donors to mix and mingle with Tremont’s best ambassadors: its dedicated parents and its vibrant, visionary faculty and staff.

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It’s an opportunity for philanthropists who are passionate about transformative, innovative education to support our young, trailblazing school.

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What is the Gala? (cont.) The Gala is Tremont’s most important fundraising event of the year! •

Tuition dollars never cover the full operating costs of an independent school. Tremont relies on fundraising events to bridge the gap, to help launch new initiatives, and to grow our school.

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Supporting the Gala helps keep tuition affordable for as many families as possible, and helps us maintain our low student: teacher ratio.

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Gala FAQs What should I wear? It’s not a black tie event. Cocktail attire is appropriate.

Can I bring the kids? No. The Gala is a kid-free event.

Will tickets be available at the door? There may be some tickets still available the day of the event, but it’s best to call ahead to find out.

What happens when I arrive? Upon arrival, check in at the reception table and, if necessary, pay for your ticket. You’ll be given a program of the evening’s events, your table assignment, and a numbered bid card, which is yours to use for all of the evening’s auction events.

Is it important that I arrive when the event begins? It’s best to arrive toward the beginning of the event because there’s a scheduled program.

Is it open bar? Yes. Cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks will be available.

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More Gala FAQs How do the tables work? If you’ve purchased an entire 10-seat table, your table will be assigned. If you’ve bought single tickets, your seating will be assigned. A lot of thought goes into our seating plans, but let us know if you have a seating request. Guests are encouraged to get up and mingle before the formal program begins.

What kind of food is served? This year features heavy hors d’oeuvres, which are delicious and substantial but make it easy to mix and mingle. They’ll be served at stations and passed. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available.

Is there live music? Yes! Natick’s own “Suburban Child” perform their inspiring renditions of classic hits.

Where do I park? There is ample free parking. Set your GPS to 1844 Commonwealth Ave, Auburndale (Newton), and you’ll be guided directly to the parking lot.

Is the venue handicap accessible? Yes. There is a ramp and an elevator. Let us know if you or a guest need any other special accommodations.

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The Formal Program • During the first part of the evening, eat, drink, mix, mingle, peruse the silent auction table, and write down your bids. Bid high and bid often!

• Before the formal program begins, the silent auction will close, section by section. Silent auction winners will be posted. • The formal sit-down part of the program kicks off with a welcome, an address from the Head of School, and a short video presentation.

• The live auction and “Fund the Future” begin.

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The Silent Auction How it works: • • • •

All auction items are displayed on tables. Next to each item is a bid sheet. When you see an auction item you want to bid on, write down your bid number and your bid price on the sheet. Keep checking back to see if someone has outbid you, and if so, place a new, higher bid. When the silent auction closes, the highest bidder wins the item and pays the bid price. Examples of silent auction items are original works of art, gift certificates from area restaurants, sports tickets, and special outings with Tremont faculty!

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The Live Auction How it works: • •

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An auctioneer presents fast-paced live bidding on higher ticket items. When she asks for bids on something you want, raise your bid card! The auctioneer will ask for bids at increasingly higher dollar levels.

The highest bidder wins the item. Past live auction items have included top-notch sports packages, stays at vacation homes in Ireland and New England, and other exclusive opportunities.

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The “Fund The Future” Event How it Works: • •

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During the program, the auctioneer will ask guests to make a donation to Tremont. When the donation amount is right for you, raise your bid card. The auctioneer may start at the $2,000 donation level, at which point a few guests raise their bid cards. She will continue through decreasing levels of giving, allowing more and more guests to raise their cards. In the emotional $50 level finale, nearly everyone in the room raises a card. “Fund The Future” lets you give for the sake of giving!

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When do I pick up my items and pay for my donations? •

Spotters keep track of everyone who raises a bid card during the program. They’ll have your items ready go.

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After the formal portion of the evening, check out at your leisure. You can pay by cash, check, or credit card.

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Aren’t Galas only for very wealthy people? •

Absolutely not!

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Tremont’s Gala is a joyous event where we celebrate Tremont’s mission and success!

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We do expect attendees to be generous – in whatever way they can. For some that means inviting friends. Others volunteer their time and effort, and some raise their bid cards often to win great prizes and donate to the school.

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Please join us at the next Gala on Saturday, April 2, 2016! To reserve your place, call 781.235.4805 or email [email protected]

Thank you!

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