Gala Terminology 101


GiveSmart
What It Is: Online platform for silent auction bidding, cash donations and to preorder gala drink tickets for those attending the live gala event
How: More information on how to create a GiveSmart account to come. You will be able to view all silent auction items, bid on items, or set up auto bidding. 

Live Auction
What It Is: Live bidding option with an auctioneer and traditional paddle raise to bid on bigger-ticket items, events and packages

Examples: Concert tickets, HSA parking spot, vacation getaways

How: Bid live at the gala only

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Parent-Hosted Events
​See the "All About Parent-Hosted Events" section below


Silent Auction
What It Is: Online bidding option to browse and bid on local services, gift cards or experiences. Runs the week of the gala and closes at the end of the weekend.
Examples: Gift certificates or donations from restaurants, hair/nail salons, gyms, kid activity locations, etc, as well as parent-hosted events
How: Online only via the GiveSmart platform


Teacher-Hosted Events
What It Is: Fun outside-of-school events planned and hosted by HSA teachers for students; parents can bid for a student spot!
Past Examples: K Popsicle Playdate, 3rd Grade Sluggers Outing, 7th Grade Klondikes and Kickball
How: Signup available live at the gala only


​Wine Pull
What It Is: A fun addition to the live gala event. Gala guests pull a numbered cork for $25. The number listed matches a numbered wine bottle that's theirs to win! Wine ranges in price from $25+, so participants have a chance to head home with a bottle priced higher than what they paid.

All About the Gala​​​


WHAT IS THE GALA?

The Gala is Hawthorne’s annual spring fundraiser. This is a fun, adults only night for the Hawthorne community to get together and raise funds for extra support staff, the Arts Partnership, technology equipment, and more. It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year!


WHEN/WHERE IS THE GALA?

The Gala will take place at Artifact Events (4325 N Ravenswood Ave) the evening of Friday, March 10th starting at 6:30pm.


WHAT WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE GALA?

The evening will feature light appetizers, drinks, a DJ and our auctions! The live auction gives attendees a chance to bid on items such as events with the principals, sporting events, vacations, and more, all donated by our HSA community and local businesses. Guests will also be able to bid on fun teacher-sponsored events for the kids, enter the HSA Basket Raffle and more! 


All of this complements the online Gala silent auction, where parents and friends can bid on fabulous experiences, gift cards, prizes, etc as well as our popular parent-hosted events.

Events for Kids


  • Ice Cream Playdate
  • Kindergarten Princess Party
  • Magic Show (K-5th Grade)
  • Ice Skating Event for Kindergarten-2nd Grade
  • 1st Grade Boys Kickball & Sundaes
  • 1st Grade Girls Movie Night
  • 2nd & 3rd Grade Cookie Decorating Party
  • Afternoon of Science
  • Bowling Party
  • Video Game Truck
  • Madden Football X-Box Tournament

HAWTHORNE'S 2023 GALA FUNDRAISER

​Friday, March 10, 2023
​Artifact Events, 4325 N Ravenswood Avenue​

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Thank you for supporting this year's spring fundraiser! ​

ALL ABOUT PARENT-HOSTED EVENTS


What Is a Parent-Hosted (Signature) Event? Parent-hosted events and parties are a vital part of our fundraising Gala. Always a huge hit, these fun events are organized and sponsored by parents and then offered as auction items to help raise money for Hawthorne. Tickets to the events are sold online through GiveSmart during gala week. 


What Kind of Event Can I Host? Parties can be as large or small as you want, geared toward students, parents, or families, and have been held in homes, at restaurants, clubs, etc. One or more parents comes up with an event theme, picks a date/time/location and submits details using the form below. The possibilities are endless! Past ideas have included:​

HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER TO HELP?

​The Gala is sponsored entirely by the HSA PTA and our community. We are always looking for help to ensure the night is a success- we’d love for you to get involved now! Reach out to Kristy Patterson or Erica Ashlock with questions or ideas.


We also rely on parents for day of support from set up to clean up and everything in between. An online signup will be available closer to event day, so stay tuned.


WHAT/HOW CAN I DONATE?​

​We need help to secure both silent auction items and live auction items. We are open to your ideas: Anything you think the community would love! Think vacation homes, airline miles, restaurant gift certificates, spa experiences, wine, sports tickets, concert tickets, cooking parties, in home chef dinners, etc.​


​IS THERE A FORM WE SHOULD USE WHEN ASKING FOR BUSINESS DONATIONS?  

​Yes! If you know or own a local business willing to donate, see below:


  • Silent Auction Donation Form: Businesses make a tax-deductible donation of a product or service (examples include: gift cards to restaurants, stores, and other services; tickets to sporting events or shows; in-kind items) to include in our silent auction.
    ​​DOWNLOAD THE SILENT AUCTION DONATION FORM HERE.
  • Business Sponsorship: Businesses make a tax-deductible cash donation at the Bronze or Silver level. DOWNLOAD THE BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS FORM HERE.
    ​

Unsure if someone from the gala team has already reached out to your company of choice? Contact Kristy Patterson with questions.



Questions?  Contact:
Erica Ashlock: estein13@gmail.com
Kristy Patterson: kristypatterson9982@gmail.com

What Details Do I Need to Know? It's important to note that all costs associated with the event are paid for by the host individual/families. Also, at least one sponsor for student events must be a Level 1 volunteer. 


How Do I Sign Up for an Event? Tickets to parent-hosted events are sold online during gala week as part of the silent auction. GiveSmart, our mobile bidding auction platform, allows folks to easily buy a party slot online. After the auction and as the date of the event approaches, the Host will be in touch with guests who signed up, with all of the details they need about the event.


Want more information or ready to host? Sign up electronically HERE or download the PARENT-HOSTED EVENTS FORM HERE.​

Events for Parents

  • Moms' Wine Tasting with Sommelier
  • Exercise Class: Boot Camp & Brunch
  • Cake Decorating
  • Cupcakes & Cocktails
  • Dads' Final Four Party
  • Greek Fest
  • Mexican Family Cooking Class
  • Mom's Mixology
  • Moms' Spa Night
  • Red & White: Dads' Blackhawks Viewing Wine Party