Gala & Auction FAQ
What is the Gala and Auction?
The gala is both the school’s biggest fundraiser of the year and a really fun party.
What happens at the gala?
There is a cocktail hour, cash bar and hors d’oeuvres, and then dinner.
During the cocktail hour there are games, raffle ticket sales, a mystery wine/whiskey grab, and a selfie station. There is a silent auction with exciting items, open through the cocktail hour and closing after dinner.
During dinner, there’s a live auction featuring beautiful student-made projects, and a special Fund the Future appeal to finish building our playground.
After dinner, there will be dancing with music from a DJ.
What should I wear?
Cocktail party attire.
Are children welcome at the event?
No, this is an adults-only event. HMS alums 15+ are welcome to attend.
What is the online auction?
The online auction is the week before the gala. It’s open to everyone, so please forward the information to friends and family.
The online auction will only be open for 3 days!
Opens 6 am, Sunday April 6
Closes 10 pm, Tuesday April 8
What is the money used for?
The event raises funds for two purposes. The proceeds of the auction items are part of our annual fundraising— helping support the mission and programs of Hollis Montessori. During the live auction, there is a special appeal to fund a specific project.
How much are you hoping to raise?
Between the general funds and Fund the Future, the goal is $85,000.
What time should I arrive?
The cocktail hour starts at 5:30, come visit with friends and make new ones. Dinner starts at 7:00.
Can I register beforehand?
Yes! Please do. If you register online with your credit card information, then when you arrive at the event, all you have to do is pick up your bidding paddle. More information will be available when this year’s gala website is up.
What time does it end?
The event wraps up by 10:00.
Can I bring friends from outside the HMS community?
Yes! Please do. Bringing friends and family from outside the HMS community spreads the word about how great our school is and it broadens our donor base. There’s a 5% discount on Gala tickets when you buy a table of 8.
How do I pay for my items?
After the event, you will receive an emailed invoice detailing the items you won and bought. You can pay the invoice using the credit card you registered with, or by bringing a check to the school.
How do I pick up items won in the online auction?
For a couple of days at the beginning of the week after the gala, you will have the chance to pick up items at the school at pick-up. Item delivery to folks outside the HMS community can be arranged with the gala committee.
What are community partners?
Community Partners help us provide a high quality Montessori education in a beautiful environment while keeping tuition low enough to attract a wide variety of families. They underwrite the costs of the gala so the school keeps more of the money we raise. Partners benefit from their tax-deductible contribution in a number of ways depending upon their partnership level.
Have a question this didn’t answer?
Send an email to gala@hollismontessori.org.
Thank you so much to our 2024
Community Partners!
Hollis Montessori School is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. Contributions are tax-deductible for income tax purposes to the extent allowed by the law. The HMS Tax ID Number is 26-3041656.