Gala FAQs | A Night to Shine
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the A Night to Shine Gala?
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about the gala, registration, auctions, and the evening’s festivities.
Click on any of the questions to see the answers.
Gala FAQs
Event Information
What is the “A Night to Shine” 65th Anniversary Fundraising Gala?
“A Night to Shine” is our school’s 65th Anniversary Fundraising Gala. An elegant evening of celebration, community, and giving in support of our students and school programs.
When is the event?
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Where is the event located?
Mountain Meadows Golf Course
1875 Fairplex Drive
Pomona, CA 91768
What time does the event begin and end?
Check-In & Cocktail Hour: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Dinner & Program: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Live Auction: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Event Conclusion: 10:00 PM
What is the dress code?
Attendees are encouraged to dress in cocktail attire.
Is there an age restriction?
This event is for adults 21 years old and over.
Fundraising Goal
What is our fundraising goal?
Our goal for this year’s 65th Anniversary Gala is to net $65,000 in support of our students and school programs.
What will the funds support?
Proceeds from the gala will directly benefit:
- Academic programs
- Technology enhancements
- Classroom improvements
- Campus upgrades
- Student enrichment opportunities
- Faith formation programs
Every dollar raised helps us continue our 65-year legacy of excellence and invest in the future of our children.
How does this goal impact our school community?
Reaching our fundraising goal allows us to:
- Minimize tuition increases
- Enhance the student experience
- Support teachers with updated resources
- Strengthen long-term campus improvements
Tickets Information
How much are individual tickets?
Each St. Dorothy Catholic School family receives one (1) Gala ticket included with the $100 Endowment Fee. Guests must register online to select their meal choice and confirm attendance.
Additional tickets may be purchased at the prices below:
- Early bird Ticket pricing (available from March 13 to April 15): $125 per person
- Standard Ticket pricing (starting April 16): $150 per person
Is there a deadline to purchase tickets?
Yes. Due to venue policy requirements and to ensure we can accurately submit final table and meal counts, the registration deadline to purchase tickets is April 30, 2026.
We kindly ask that all guests complete their registration by this date, as we will not be able to guarantee ticket availability or meal selections after the deadline.
What is included with my ticket?
-
Cocktail reception
- Dinner
- Live & silent auction access
- Entertainment
- Hosted bar during cocktail hour with a no-host bar available throughout the evening
Will there be assigned seating?
Yes. There will be assigned seating for the evening. Seating is assigned based on reservations and meal selections, so submitting names by April 30 ensures accurate group placement and meal distribution.
Is there a no-show fee?
If a guest commits to attending but does not show up, they will be charged a $25 fee. This is because the event incurs costs for every ticket, regardless of attendance.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we will of course take those into account as needed.
Registration Information
How do I register for the gala?
Can guests who are not school families also attend?
Yes. Friends, family members, alumni, and community supporters are welcome..
Table Reservation Information
How much are table reservations?
Tables can be reserved at the following prices:
- Early bird pricing (available from March 13 to April 15): $200 per table
- Standard pricing (starting April 16): $300 per table
Table reservation fees are non-refundable.
What’s the table capacity?
Each table accommodates 8 people.
How do I provide the names of the individuals seated at my reserved table?
Once a table is reserved, the individual who completed the reservation will receive a follow-up email requesting the names of each guest at the table. All guest names must be submitted no later than April 30.
Is there a deadline to submit the names of the individuals seated at my reserved table?
All guest names must be submitted no later than April 30. If guest names are not submitted by April 30, other guest attendees will be assigned to the table.
Meal Information
What meal choices are available?
Guests will be able to select from the following meal choices when registering for the event:
Can I provide a dietary restriction when registering?
Yes, when registering, guests will have the opportunity to enter dietary restrictions in the “Special Accommodations” text field. We will do our best to accommodate everyone.
St. Dorothy Catholic School Family Contribution Requirement
What is the $300 St. Dorothy Catholic School family contribution requirement?
Every St. Dorothy Catholic School family is required to contribute or raise a minimum of $300 in support of the gala fundraiser.
How can families meet the $300 requirement?
Each St. Dorothy Catholic School family was automatically charged $100 for this event through the Endowment Fee.
Families may fulfill the remaining $200 by:
- Purchasing event tickets
- Reserving a table
- Becoming a sponsor
- Donating auction items
- Purchasing Tuition Squares
- Purchasing tickets for the classroom basket auction (ticket purchase only)
- Participating in the Wine Pull Fundraiser
- Participating in Fund-A-Need
- Purchasing a song for the DJ playlist
- Bidding and purchasing online and live auction items
- Making a direct donation
Any combination totaling $300 or more qualifies.
What happens if a St. Dorothy Catholic School family does not meet the $300 requirement?
If the requirement is not met through participation or donations, the remaining balance will be billed to the family account and charged through FACTS after the event.
Site Information
Is the event indoors, outdoors, or a mix?
The event will take place indoors though there are areas outdoors where guests can gather.
Is parking complimentary or paid?
Parking is complimentary.
Will valet parking be offered?
No. Only self-parking is available.
Is there a designated smoking or outdoor area?
Yes, there is a designated smoking area just outside of the event room.
Are there hotels within driving distance?
Yes, below are hotels near the event location:
Tuition Squares Fundraiser
What is the Tuition Squares Fundraiser?
Our Tuition Squares Fundraiser offers families the exciting opportunity to win FREE tuition for one student for the 2026–2027 school year.
How much does each square cost?
Squares may be purchased
- Through January 31, 2026 at the special Early Bird price of $100 per square.
- Beginning February 1, 2026, squares will be available at the standard price of $200 per square.
When will the Tuition Square drawing take place?
The winning square will be drawn live the night of the Gala.
How do I select my square?
The buyer must select square locations in person in the school office.
Can this fulfill part/all of my $300 family contribution requirement?
Yes. This will contribute towards the $300 family contribution requirement.
Classroom Baskets Auction
What is the Classroom Basket auction?
Each classroom will participate in our special Classroom Basket Auction by contributing to a themed basket. Themes will be assigned in advance, and families are invited to help by donating items that fit their class theme.
How much does each raffle ticket cost?
Raffle tickets may be purchased for $5 each and placed toward the basket(s) you would most like to win. Guests may purchase as many tickets as they wish to increase their chances.
When will the drawing take place?
Winning tickets will be drawn the night of the Gala.
Can this fulfill part/all of my $300 family contribution requirement?
Yes. This will contribute towards the $300 family contribution requirement.
Wine Pull Fundraiser
What is the Wine Pull Fundraiser?
For a set donation amount, guests will have the opportunity to “pull” a mystery bottle of wine. Upon purchase, you will receive a cork with a randomly assigned number. Pull the associated wine bottle. The selection remains a surprise until the bottle is revealed. Bottles will be valued from $20 to over $100. Quantities are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis during the Gala.
How much does each Wine Pull chance cost?
Each Wine Pull chance costs $30.
Can this fulfill part/all of my $300 family contribution requirement?
Yes. This will contribute towards the $300 family contribution requirement.
DJ Song Request Purchase Fundraiser
What is the DJ Song Request purchase fundraiser?
Add your personal touch to the celebration by purchasing a song for the DJ playlist at the Gala. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase a song and dedicate it to friends, family, teachers, or even an entire class.
How much does each song request cost?
Songs can be requested as follows:
- General song request costs $25
- “Jump the Line” song request costs $50
- “Play It Next” song request cost $100
Is there a deadline to request the song?
Song requests must be made by Saturday, May 9.
Can this fulfill part/all of my $300 family contribution requirement?
Yes. This will contribute towards the $300 family contribution requirement.
Fund-A-Need Fundraiser
What is Fund-A-Need?
Fund-A-Need is a special giving opportunity where families may directly support a designated school initiative.
What will this year’s Fund-A-Need support?
This fundraiser will raise funds to purchase new desks for each classroom.
Will each class have a designated giving goal?
Yes. Each class will have a $6,000 fundraising goal to help us reach our overall target.
How do I contribute?
Can this fulfill part/all of my $300 family contribution requirement?
Yes. This will contribute towards the $300 family contribution requirement.
Sponsorship Opportunities
What sponsorship opportunities are available?
We offer multiple sponsorship levels for families and businesses who wish to provide additional support and receive recognition at the event.
What are the sponsorship levels?
There are seven sponsorships available:
- Presenting Sponsor | $15,000
- Exclusive recognition as Presenting Sponsor - event named “presented by [Sponsor Name]”
- Top logo/name placement on all event signage, materials, and website
- Prominent recognition in school-wide communications (newsletter, email, website)
- Verbal acknowledgment during the event
- Dedicated thank-you post on school social media channels
- 16 entry tickets (15 for school families)
- 2 VIP tables
- Recognition on St. Dorothy Catholic School website, social media, and banner
- Opportunity to address the audience
- Premier logo placement at event
- Platinum Sponsor | $10,000
- Exclusive sponsorship recognition during opening remarks
- 8 entry tickets (7 for school families)
- 1 VIP table
- Recognition on St. Dorothy Catholic School website, social media, and banner
- Opportunity to address the audience
- Premier logo placement at event
- Gold Sponsor | $5,000
- Recognition during opening remarks
- 8 entry tickets (7 for school families)
- 1 VIP table
- Recognition on St. Dorothy Catholic School website, social media, and banner
- Prominent logo placement at event
- Silver Sponsor | $2,500
- Verbal recognition during event
- 6 entry tickets (5 for school families)
- Recognition on St. Dorothy Catholic School website, social media, and banner
- Bronze Sponsor | $1,000
- Verbal recognition during event
- 4 entry tickets (3 for school families)
- Recognition on St. Dorothy Catholic School website, social media, and banner
- Friend of St. Dorothy Catholic School Sponsor | $500
- Recognition on St. Dorothy Catholic School website, social media, and banner
- Supporter Sponsor | $250
- Recognition on St. Dorothy Catholic School website and social media
Can sponsorships count toward the $300 family contribution requirement?
Yes. Sponsorships may be applied toward fulfilling your family’s $300 fundraising requirement.
Are sponsorships tax-deductible?
Sponsorships may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. If a sponsorship includes goods or services (e.g., tickets, meals, tables, advertising), the deductible amount is generally limited to the portion exceeding the fair market value of those benefits. Please consult your tax advisor.
How do I become a sponsor?
Is there a deadline to secure sponsorship?
Sponsorship must be secured by April 20.
Is there a logo submission deadline?
Logos must be submitted by April 24 for inclusion in printed and online materials.
