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The Annual Gala represents much more than a formal social gathering; it is a strategic, high-impact initiative designed to secure the vital philanthropic support necessary to advance our mission beyond the scope of smaller fundraising efforts. Furthermore, the Gala serves as a premier community-building event, providing a unique opportunity for our adult community to connect and engage in exclusive support of the school.

Through the generosity of our Gala supporters, we continue to fund the Thatcher Swanson Grant for Diversity and Inclusion, which has successfully provided full-tuition scholarships for seven students. The impact of the Gala extends throughout our campus; past paddle raises have been instrumental in modernizing our cafeteria and expanding opportunities within our athletic and performing arts programs.

The Catherine Cook Gala has many different ways to fundraise for the school. 

• Gala Gatherings - Family and adult-only events that are sponsored and hosted by Catherine Cook families. These Gala Gatherings help to create excitement for the Gala as well as help to bolster the fundraising element. Gala Gatherings are held both in the months leading up to and immediately following the Gala. 
• Live and Silent Auctions - Our Live Auction runs at the event and you must be present (or have a designated bidder on site) to bid for you. Silent Auction items can be bid on by anyone with a GiveSmart account. Silent Auction also encompasses Teacher Time and Stellar Cellar. 
• Teacher Time - Teacher Times are donations of experiences with Catherine Cook teachers. The teachers donate their time, outside of school hours, creating an event for the student/family winners. These are broken up into biddable (only one winner) and ticketed (a limited amount of tickets, but several winners) events with Catherine Cook Teachers. Bidders do not need to be present at the Gala to bid on these experiences.

• Buy Tickets/Sponsorships – Ticket and sponsorship information will be included in the invitations (mailed mid-January) and will be available online. Tickets are on sale through April 5, 2025.
• Connect us with Corporate Sponsorships – Corporate Sponsorships allow your business to support Catherine Cook, as well as attend the event and advertise to our community.
• Donate to the Auctions – We are always looking for great tickets, unique experiences, vacation homes, and airline points/gift certificates. 
• Bid at the Auctions -  You'll have the opportunity to bid on exclusive and one-of-a-kind local experiences, gourmet dining, and so much more. 

Black tie optional is encouraged. Some folks are very on theme, and some folks opt for a gorgeous black dress or tuxedo - whatever floats your boat! But it is a semi-formal occasion.

• You can sit with anyone you like. Many of our parents/guardians will request fellow members of their child’s class to sit with. If the other P/Gs request the same, then that will make the table
• Tables are decided by Lindsay and the Co-Chairs. If all names align, that is usually the easiest way to make a table. 
• You are also welcome to reach out to Lindsay ahead of time and outline your table of 10.

When you purchase your ticket, there will be a section where you can enter your food allergy/specification. On the night of the Gala, we will have a place card in front of your seat which will indicate your meal choice and any dietary restrictions so the servers are aware

All Catherine Cook parents and guardians are invited and we hope you will attend! Catherine Cook faculty and staff, our generous Corporate sponsors, and other friends also attend. 

Yes! If a non-Cook friend purchases a ticket, please make sure they list who they want to sit with though so we can make sure all friends who are not known to the community are comfortable!

No - though in order to be seated with who you want, please ensure you purchase your ticket prior to March 13