FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the 20 in 2020 Gala?

An elegant evening of socializing, dining, and entertainment with Silent and Live Auctions, games, raffles, and dancing in celebration of Canyon Heights Academy’s 20th year! This year's Gala will also incorporate fundraising for the Cardinal Auditorium with special opportunities and items throughout the evening.

Why do we have a Gala & Auction?

1. Fundraising. Money raised from the Gala & Auction (spring) and Annual Appeal (fall) support the operational expenses and CHA’s school tuition assistance program. Fundraising covers the gap between tuition and the full cost of education and formation, allowing more who want a CHA education to be able to attend.

2. Fun. All members of our community (parents, teachers, staff, alumni, and religious), from Early Montessori through 8th Grade and beyond, celebrate together as a school family. The collaboration of volunteers working toward a common goal in advance of April 4th generates fun and friendships for the entire campus.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Your reservation includes the following: hors d'oeuvres, wine at your table, gourmet dinner, and entertainment.

I see lots of options for ticket purchases. Please explain.

First Option:  Table Sponsorship
Entire tables are available for purchase for a premium. Your group will receive perks depending on the purchase level: The Big Spender ($10,000) or The Gangster ($5,000) or The Bootlegger ($3,000). Table sponsorships can be purchased by a single person (10 tickets included) or shared (2 tickets as part of a group of 10).

Second Option: Individual Ticket
A guest can purchase as many individual tickets as they wish. If there is a group of 10 individuals who all want to sit together, please submit as "Single Ticket in a Group of 10" when finalizing your  Tickets/Purchases.

Third and Fourth Options: Alumni Tickets     
Alumni tickets are tiered based on age: under 21 and over 21. Alumni under 21 years of age must attend with a responsible adult.     

Once I’m at the event, what costs are there?

None, unless you choose to bid on and win items in the Silent or Live Auctions or choose to purchase raffle tickets. If you arrive early -- which is encouraged -- the lounge bar is open for cash purchases until 6pm when our event officially begins, and you can take a look at Silent Auction items before bidding opens!

What do I wear?

The 2020 Gala is naturally inclined to a 1920's theme. Whether you dress to impress in 20's style or a style all your own, the choice is yours! Most women wear evening or cocktail dresses, and most men wear suits.

Where do I sit?

The ballroom doors do not open until dinner service begins. All seating will be assigned. You are invited to gather parents or friends to create a table of 10, or you can purchase your ticket(s), and let us seat you! You will receive a table number along with your other registration materials when you arrive so that you can focus on Silent Auction bidding and relax and enjoy the evening with others!

Does my dinner have wine with it?

Wine and drinks are available at the bar. Each dinner table will also be set with wine, and more is available as needed.

What if I cannot attend on April 4th?

Online bidding will be offered this year. Anyone not able to attend will be able to bid on the Silent Auction items (absentee-bidding contract required). 

What about everything else?

Sign-up parties, Heads or Tails, Live Auction, and Last Man Standing will be administered at the event. If you are not attending the Gala & Auction and wish to register for Sign-up parties, bid on the Live Auction or make a gift to Last Man Standing, an absentee bid contract will be required.

How does online bidding work?

Our Silent Auction this year will be online, meaning that you can bid from your electronic device as long as you are registered and have a bidder number. The process is integrated with your registration. Please note that Sign-Up Parties, Heads or Tails, Live Auction, and Last Man Standing are not available to online bidders. Should you wish to participate in those, please submit an absentee bid contract before the deadline. Please refer to How Online Bidding Works for more details.

How can I get involved?

The auction committee needs and appreciates all kinds of help from the CHA community. No matter how much or how little help you can give, all is appreciated! Please click the “Volunteer” link on the home page.

What is Heads or Tails?

To participate in this simple party game, purchase Mardi-Gras style necklaces during the cocktail hour. When the game is announced, you will join other participants on the dance floor with the auctioneer, who will explain the rules. Before the auctioneer flips a coin, choose your call by putting your hands on your head or hands on your “tail.” If your call matches the tossed coin, continue playing. If not, off comes one necklace. The game continues until only ONE winner is left.

What is Last Man Standing?

Stand tall for Canyon Heights Academy and remain standing as long as you are able! Every dollar donated will support CHA families who need tuition assistance to attend our wonderful school. Your generosity will enable us to share the benefit of a Canyon Heights education with many families. This year, every dollar donated by your family above what was given last year will go towards supporting the Cardinal Auditorium.

Will I get a receipt for my purchases?

CHA is a non-profit institution. All guests of the event will receive an invoice itemizing the items purchased along with fair-market value. Night-of invoices do not include Last Man Standing gifts because of the time constraints involved in generating an invoice. If you donated to the event, you will receive a complete donation acknowledgment letter for the value of your donation, including Last Man Standing, after the event. Please refer questions regarding tax implications to your tax professional.

I've attended the CHA Gala before. Is there anything different about this year's event?

The 2020 Gala is "the same but different" from previous years in many ways. For a quick look at some of the changes to this year's event, please checkout this page, which was distributed at our 2020 Launch Party in January.