Frequently Asked Questions
I have never been to a Great Hearts Lakeside Auction. What can I expect?
Saddle Up Soirée is an adults-only event supporting Great Hearts Lakeside. The night begins with a cocktail reception while guests view and bid on silent auction items and visit with fellow Great Hearts supporters. Then it's time for dinner, the Live Auction portion of the event, and the grand finale - 90 Proof! All ticket levels include complimentary parking and catered dinner. Drinks will be available for purchase at several bars throughout the venue. The bars are cashless, so please bring a credit card. Click here to see photos from last year's event.
Additionally, you can expect:
Silent Auction: Silent Auction bidding takes place online and is open to all supporters of GHL, even if an event ticket is not purchased. Silent Auction bidding opens April 22nd, at which time a link to the bidding, as well as instructions for bidding, will be emailed to all GHL families. Silent Auction bidding closes promptly at 9pm on Saturday, April 25th.
Party Book: The Party Book includes tickets to grade-level class parties (think skate parties, swim parties, etc.) and parent parties (think wine tastings, back-yard concerts). Parties are generously organized and funded by GHL families, with the ticket sale proceeds going back to Great Hearts. The Party Book is open to all GHL families, even if an event ticket is not purchased. Many parties will sell out, so grab those tickets fast!
Live Auction: Get those paddles ready. Our professional auctioneer will guide us through the Live Auction portion of the event. Get ready to bid on that special item you've been eyeing! Raise your paddles for the "Paddles Up" portion of the event to support special initiatives for GHL. We'll also play our Heads or Tails auction game - no experience required, just go have fun! We'll also announce our raffle winner.
When will tickets go on sale and how much do they cost? What types of tickets are available?
Individual tickets go on Sale January 1st. General Admission tickets are $75 and include access to the event including dinner, complimentary parking and entertainment. The VIP add-on is $100 and includes unlimited beverages (full bar including wine, beer, liquor and soft drinks) from 6-10pm, access to the VIP-only bar throughout the event, express check-in and check-out at the event, and early access to the party book. The VIP add-on must be purchased in conjunction with a General Admission ticket.
Why should I consider a sponsorship?
Table and Event Sponsorships include extra perks like best seating, VIP tickets (for most levels) and various levels of both print and online recognition. They will also guarantee seating at a table for your group. Sponsorships are crucial in underwriting the cost of our event so that the funds raised through the Live and Silent Auction can go straight to GHL!
What type of items will be auctioned?
A wide variety of items have been donated - there is something for everyone. For the Silent Auction, you'll be amazed what our GHL families put together for the Class Auction Baskets, and the Grade-Level Art projects are not to be missed! Many local businesses participate in the Silent Auction - expect to see spa services, restaurant gift cards and experiences for both adults and kids. For the Live Auction portion, expect to see items like private dinners, vacations and those one-of-a-kind experiences for kids like Headmaster for a Day!
How was last year's auction money used, and how will the money raised at Saddle Up Soirée be used by GHL?
We are thrilled to share how your generosity from last year’s gala has directly enriched our students’ experience. Thanks to your support, we were able to provide extra field trips and transportation for all six lower school grade levels and support for the 9th grade retreat and high school field trips and college tours. These purchases have already made a meaningful impact on our scholars, supporting their academic and extracurricular pursuits in ways that go beyond the classroom. Looking ahead, we hope to continue enhancing our students’ educational journey with funding for things like a dedicated chemistry lab room for Upper School, supplemental science curriculum and materials for Lower School, a drama budget, including sound equipment, costumes, and set material and new furniture for our garden space. Your continued support helps us cultivate a rich, well-rounded environment where our students can thrive. We are deeply grateful for our Great Hearts Lakeside community and look forward to another successful gala this year! For questions about fundraising or use of funds, please contact Kerry Hunsaker, Director of Academy Giving.
How does seating work?
Seats will be assigned by the Auction Co-chairs prior to the event. To guarantee a table for your party, please consider sponsoring a table. To submit a seating request, please send us an email. We will do our best to accommodate.
How do I donate an item for the auction?
We are seeking donations for both our live and silent auction. If you would like to donate an item please visit our donation page or send us an email. Great Hearts Lakeside will provide a receipt for the donation upon request. Thank you in advance for your support!
How does parking work?
All ticket levels include complimentary parking. Instructions on where to park and how to apply your parking code will be communicated to ticket-holders prior to the event.
I cannot attend the event. Can I still participate?
Yes! The silent auction and party book are available to all families even if a ticket is not purchased. The link will be shared with all families via an email from the school.
Do I need to bring cash?
No. This is a cashless event.
What type of food will be served?
Check back - menu coming soon!
Do I have to spend a lot of money if I come to the event?
This is a fundraising event, but it's also an opportunity to spend time with fellow GHL families and build community. A General Admission ticket is $75, which helps us cover the cost of your dinner and parking. Beyond the ticket cost, there is no obligation to buy anything. We do work to make sure there is something for everyone - whether it's playing Heads or Tails or sponsoring a teacher ticket, your purchase makes an impact. Thank you for supporting this event and GHL!
Where do I pick up the items I won?
Please visit the check-out table as you leave to pick up your items. If you forget something, or if you purchased an item from the Silent Auction but did not attend the event in-person, please contact Kerry Hunsaker to arrange pick-up at the school.
What should I wear?
Guests are encouraged to dress in Stockyards Chick! Head over to our What to Wear page for some inspiration. There is no costume required for this event, so come as you are - we just want you to have a great time!
I'm overwhelmed by everything I read above. What should I do?
Buy a ticket and come to the event! We'll help you with the rest by sending emails or texts with anything you need to know. Trust us, this will be fun! Feel free to send us a a note if we can help you with anything!
