2020 Spring Gala Q & A
What Is the Avalon~Brookewood Spring Gala: A Black Tie Knight?
The Spring Gala is an annual event that brings the Avalon and Brookewood communities together for our most exciting fundraiser of the year. This year, the Gala will again be held at The Avalon School campus. This black-tie affair will be celebrated on Saturday, April 4.
The highlight of the evening, of course, is the musical revue by the students and faculties of both schools.
The festivities begin at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, at the Claridge Room, The Avalon School, 11811 Claridge Road (off of Veirs Mill Road, on the St. Catherine Laboure Campus) in Wheaton.
What is included in the cost of the evening?
Free self-parking, a cocktail hour, an open bar, a seated dinner featuring a duet entrée, a selection of red or white wine, and a small Silent Auction of Faculty Fetes & Fancies and small Live Auction.
What is the evening’s attire?
The Gala is a festive, black-tie affair, although a dark suit is acceptable for the gentlemen. The ladies of Avalon and Brookewood will be dressed in an array of cocktail and formal attire, from short to floor length gowns to evening pajamas and pant suits.
Who attends the Gala? May I bring my children?
More than 330 people attend the Gala each year, including parents, grandparents, a host of other relatives, alumnae and alumni, former Avalon and Brookewood families, and friends of the schools. We hope for an even larger gathering this year on Avalon’s new campus.
Please note, the dinner is for adults and Avalon and Brookewood alums (with the exception of babes-in-arms or other special circumstances). Please contact the Advancement Office at 301-963-8022 if you have any questions or concerns.
I’d like to sit with specific people. How do I make this request?
I don’t know many people at Avalon and Brookewood. Who will I sit with?
You may indicate your seating preference on the back of the reservation card or when registering online with Greater Giving.
For those new to our schools, or those who have not had an opportunity to meet other parents, or those who come alone, we will be delighted to seat you with other parents from your son or daughter’s grade. On the back of the reservation card is a space to indicate your child’s grade and if there is anyone you would like to sit with at dinner.
Special request? Contact the Advancement Office at 301-963-8022. Please don’t be shy…the Gala is a wonderful way to meet other parents and enjoy this special evening.
Do I receive a ticket when I make my reservation?
You will receive your invitation by mail and on-line early in March. There is no formal ticket. When you register online with Greater Giving, your payment will be processed, you will receive a confirmation receipt, and your table and bid number will be assigned.
If you prefer to use the reservation card included with your paper invitation, just return your completed RSVP and payment to The Avalon School or Brookewood School. You may pay by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card or American Express. Checks may be made out to either The Avalon School or Brookewood School.
You will receive your table assignment and bid number when you arrive at the Gala.
How much does it cost to attend the Gala?
The cost has remained constant for 17 years! $150 per person, $300 per couple. Avalon and Brookewood Alums $75 per person. Although our costs have risen over the years, we keep the ticket price the same so that as many of our parents and friends can attend as possible.
Remember, the ticket covers parking, cocktails, an open bar, a seated dinner with entrée duet, red or white wine with dinner, coffee, tea, and dessert, AND our student/faculty musical revue which includes stage and equipment rental and labor costs.
But once you attend a Gala, we are confident that you will find the cost of a ticket more than worth the expenditure in support of our schools!
Is parking included in the cost of the evening?
Yes, self-parking is included.
How do I receive a bid number?
When you check in at the reservation desk upon arrival at the Spring Gala you will receive a program and bidding paddle. Your Table Number is on the back of the paddle.
Is the cost of my auction purchase tax deductible?
When applicable, you will receive a statement from the school for each winning bid that exceeds the estimated value of the item.
How do I pay for my auction items?
To ensure a speedy check out, be sure to pre-register & save your credit card on our secure Greater Giving server.
You also may pay by cash, check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express). At the end of the evening just check-in with the cashiers. We ask that our winners be sure to pay and take their auction item(s) home at the end of the evening.
Arrangements may be made for payment the following week at check-out.
I cannot attend but would like to support our school! Are there ways to do so?
Yes! Please consider participating as an :
- Auction Angel - Special Friend
- Wrangler - Volunteer
An Auction Angel makes a monetary donation to specifically offset the cost of the Gala.
A Special Friend sponsors one or more faculty members or their spouses through a donation of $75.00 for each teacher or spouse.
Please indicate your Angel or Special Friend donation on our Greater Giving site or on the RSVP card included with your invitation.
In addition, volunteers are needed on Friday, April 3, the morning of April 4, and at the Gala, and we also are seeking “wranglers’; parents who will help chaperone the more than 200 students participating in the show the night of the Gala. Please text or call Please contact ASPA Pres. Maria Calvetti or BSPA Pres. Jeanne Mendelson.
The Show
My child is participating in the Gala revue. Must I purchase a Gala ticket to see the show?
Yes, if you would like to see your child perform you must purchase a reservation to attend the Gala. However, if you are a volunteer for the evening, every effort will be made so that you may see your child’s performance.
If I have any questions regarding the show, whom shall I contact?
Please contact the Advancement Office at 301-963-8022.
What should my child wear in the show?
Avalon & Brookewood families will receive a letter outlining the costume needs and rehearsal schedule, shortly.
What can students bring for entertainment the night of the Gala?
Students may bring portable electronic devices, board games, cards, etc., clearly labeled. Each student is responsible for their personal items during the evening and must be sure to take them home at the end of the night. We must leave the classroom ready for Sunday school the next morning.
Will the students be served dinner?
Please plan on your child having a full and satisfying meal before arriving at the Gala. The Gala’s later start hour (7:15 p.m.) should facilitate dining before the children arrive. A snack and drink will be available.
Volunteering
I’d like to volunteer to help with the Gala.
Wonderful! Just text Maria Calvetti at 301-910-5775 or Jeanne Mendelson at
703-862-6244.
Be sure to watch for updates through Jupiter Grade messages, Room Parent emails, and the Avalon and Brookewood Facebook pages.
See you at the Gala!