No, only prepaid reservation holders will be admitted to the Gala. No event ticket purchases will be accommodated at the door.

Parking will be on Campus in the parking structure. Information along with the event map will be sent to you prior to the event via mail. Rideshares (i.e., Uber or Lyft) are encouraged. Sponsors and VIP ticket holders have valet parking and a parking pass will be sent to you directly. Cars using valet service must be picked up by 11:00 p.m. at the valet. If you cannot pick up your car by 11:00, please retrieve your keys from the valet by 10:45 pm. If you did not receive your parking pass, please contact pa-galagg@francisparker.org.

The Gala is an outdoor event on the Linda Vista Campus with a few optional activities indoors. 

A charged phone and a PLAN for how you want to support Parker by raising your paddle at a level of which you are proud. Thanks for giving this consideration in advance.

A Night Around the World is cocktail attire. We invite you to take inspiration from a favorite travel destination (making sure you are respectful of other cultures in your choices!). This is an outdoor event so please consider bringing a wrap or a jacket for the evening.

The event starts at 5:30 pm. Every guest must visit the check-in desk to confirm their arrival, get your table assignment and bidder number. Please be sure your phone is charged, as bidding will take place on your mobile phone.

Behind The Scenes Catering and Events has worked closely with the Gala committee to design a menu for this year’s Gala embracing the theme, A Night Around the World. Main course selection includes Beef/Shrimp, Chicken, or Vegetarian (GF).

Yes, a gluten-free option is available. Please select this when purchasing event tickets.

Parker is a COVID-19 vaccinated community. By attending this Parker-sponsored in-person event, you confirm that you are fully vaccinated. If you are purchasing tickets for guests, be sure to confirm that your guests are also fully vaccinated. Thank you.

The health and safety of our guests are a top priority. At the time of the gala, Parker will follow the guidelines for events as set by the County Health Department. Please bring a face mask with you to the event and be ready to follow any face covering guidelines as posted on signage around campus. If additional measures are needed, we will email guests prior to the event.

This year we are excited to offer many new items! Check the online Auction page frequently and bid often to increase your chances of winning great items.

You can view and bid on the auction at Gala2022.ggo.bid! So many great items. Something for everyone! Bid and bid often! Remember, all proceeds support student financial assistance.

Premium and Silent Auction items will be on display at the event this year.

Bid numbers are printed on individual cards and will be handed out at your table. To bid on live auction items, visibly wave your card. Continue to hold your card in view of the auctioneer until your bid number is called. If you are the highest bidder, the auctioneer will announce your bid number as the winner. An auction volunteer will record your bid number on a confirmation sheet. Fund-aScholarship bids may require a signature to verify the amount. The confirmation sheet will be delivered to check-out where it will be posted to your bill.

Once again, the entire gala will have a fully hosted bar. All guests receive a welcome cocktail upon arrival. All Sponsors and VIP guests will have premium wine during dinner and access to the VIP Lounge.

You can pay for your auction items at check-out. Auction items must be paid in full and can be picked-up at check-out. Parker accepts credit cards, cash, and checks.

Yes. We do accept proxy bids from non-attendees by filling out a form to let us set up a proxy bidder on your behalf.

For more information, contact Debbie Kempinski in Parker's Advancement Office at dkempinski@francisparker.org

Yes. Receipts detailing purchases will be generated from the Greater Giving auction software and e-mailed within one month following the A Night Around the World Gala. The Advancement Office will also mail an official gift receipt and acknowledgment letter for outright gifts in support of Fund-a-Scholarship and School auction items (i.e., parking space, promotion packages) in which the winning bid is $10,000 or more.

No, none of the event or opportunity drawing ticket costs are recognized as a gift to Parker. The event ticket cost tax-deduction is based off the FMV, which is the estimate of how much the evening would cost if someone were to purchase a similar experience at a commercial establishment. The FMV for both regular and advance ticket prices are $150 for Sponsors and VIP, and $110 for General. Please consult with your tax professional as to the deductibility of ticket(s).

All auction item descriptions are based on information provided by the donor. Francis Parker School (Parker) has made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information. Neither Parker nor its Parents Association (PA) are responsible for the accuracy of the information or for the quality of services or merchandise delivered. All contractual and legal agreements concerning items auctioned are entirely between the buyer and provider of the services or merchandise. Each item is sold “as is” without any warranty (expressed or implied) and without representation as to the actual value of the item by Parker. For charitable tax deductions, please consult with your tax professional as to the deductibility of auction items. Each item has a value and it is stated in the program or on the Greater Giving receipt supplied to each registered bidder. A few auction items are listed as priceless, as each auction full-package experience is hard to quantify. We have asked the donor to do his or her best to determine the Fair Market Value (FMV). The FMV is available online at https://Gala2022.ggo.bid.

If you have questions about auction items, please contact the volunteers at pa-galaauction@francisparker.org.

Neither Parker, nor any individual directly or indirectly involved in the planning or execution of A Night Around the World Gala, assumes any responsibility for the description, authenticity, or condition of any auction item. Further, no warranty or guarantee, express or implied, is made by Parker with respect to any auction item. By participating in the auction and placing a bid, all bidders expressly release and discharge Parker, its trustees, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions or rights of action, which are related to, arise out of, or are in any way connected with an auction item.

Please contact the Gala volunteers at pa-galachair@francisparker.org if you have any questions before the event.

For questions after the event, please contact the Advancement Office at 858 / 569-7900.