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Gala Q & A
What is the Avalon~Brookewood Spring Gala, A Black Tie Knight?
The Spring Gala brings the Avalon and Brookewood School communities together for the premier fundraiser of the year. This black-tie affair features cocktails, a silent auction, a hosted bar throughout the evening, a seated dinner, and a live auction. The highlight of the evening is a musical revue by the students and faculties of both schools.
The festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Bethesda North Marriott Conference Center.
What is the dress?
The Gala is a festive, black-tie affair, although a dark suite is acceptable. The ladies of Avalon and Brookewood will be dressed in a sparkling array of cocktail and formal attire, from short to floor length gowns to evening pajamas and palazzo pants.
How many people attend each year?
Last year more than 360 people attend the Gala. We anticipate an even larger gathering this year, and encourage everyone to make his or her reservation early. Current and past parents, grandparents and friends of Avalon and Brookewood are welcome.
Do I receive a ticket when I make my reservation?
No, there is no formal "ticket". Just return your completed reservation card (an addressed return envelope is included with the invitation) and payment to The Avalon School. You may pay by check, Visa, MasterCard or Discover.
Is parking included in the cost of the evening?
Yes, self-parking is included, an $8.00 value.
How is dinner seating decided?
A reservation card is enclosed with each invitation. On the back of the card is space to indicate whom you would like to sit with at dinner. Tables are comprised of ten people. Unsure? Just fill in your son's grade and we'll make every effort to seat you with other parents from that class.
How do I know where to sit?
Your Table Number, along with your name and Bid Number is on the Gala program cover you will receive when you arrive at the receiving desk located at the top of the escalator.
I want to stay at the Marriott after the Gala. How do I arrange reservations?
It has been our experience that the best rate is through Internet travel sites; the cost of a double room generally ranges from $120.00 to $170.00 on those sites
What time is the silent auction?
The Silent Auction begins at 6:00 p.m. and concludes at 7:30 p.m. This year the silent auction will have progressive closings. An announcement will be made prior to the closing of each section.
How do I get a bid number?
When you arrive at the Gala you will receive a program at the receiving desk located at the top of the escalator. In the upper corner of the front cover will be your name, Bid Number, and Table Number.
When is the Live Auction held?
The Live Auction is held during dessert, and features The Headmaster and Mistress for a Day, The Gentlemen Adventurers' Dinner, and other exciting items. Stay tuned for more information!
Can someone else bid for me? Can I bid on-line?
If you are unable to attend the Gala, someone may place a proxy bid for you, or even better use CMarket.com. CMarket.com is an innovative online auction company that will allow The Avalon School and Brookewood School the website capability of Internet bidding. Descriptions of the items donated to the schools are listed online, and two weeks before the Gala the bidding frenzy begins. Anyone can bid, and the online auction closes a day before the Gala. The night of the Gala, the starting bid for each item will be the last bid online. (Vacation homes or specific family donations will be open to the friends and families of The Avalon Education Group, Inc. only)
Is there a minimum bid increase for the Silent Auction?
The minimum bid increase for each item is indicated at the top of the bid sheet. The rules governing the Silent and Live Auctions are in the Gala Program.
How will I know if I "won" an item?
You may check the "final bid" sheet at the item's location. The winning bid number will be marked in red. You may also ask at the checkout station located at the top of the escalator. Please be sure to take your item with you after you checkout.
How do I pay for my auction items?
You may pay by check, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) or use the Express Pay option listed on your reservation card. For those using Express Pay there will be a separate checkout station. All that is required is your signature.
Is the cost of my auction purchase tax deductible?
You will receive a statement from the school for each winning bid, indicating the deductible amount, when applicable.
I cannot attend but would like to support the Gala. Are there other ways to do so?
Yes, please consider being an Auction Angel or a Special Friend. An Angel makes a monetary donation to specifically offset the cost of the Gala. A Special Friend sponsors a faculty member through a donation of $75.00.
Another way to support the Gala is to purchase business or personal advertising space in the program. For example, you might like to say, "break a leg" to a member of the cast. Contact Heidi Grolig at heidi@kevingrolig.com or 301-938-4777.
We also are in need of parent volunteers to help backstage throughout the night of the Gala. These very special people make the show possible. Contact Teresa Danley at 301-972-9249.
The Show
My child is participating in the Gala revue. Do I have to buy a ticket to see the show?
Yes, if you would like to attend the Gala and see your child perform you must purchase a ticket.
If I have any questions regarding the show, whom should I contact?
Mr. Dan Corey is the show director and may be contacted at dcorey@avalonschools.org
What should my child wear?
Mr. Corey will advise parents or dress requirement by letter. Briefly, each boy will wear black pants, white dress shirt, black bowtie, black, socks and black dress shoes. Please provide your son with a large tee shirt to wear over their dress clothes the night of the performance.
The girls will wear the black dress that is provided by the school. (Each family is expected to purchase one dress. Following the Gala, the dresses are dry cleaned and kept for the following year. This way every girl can wear a dress from the common "store", but only need purchase one dress during her time at Brookewood. Black stockings and black low-heeled dress shoes complete the costume. Hair should be worn away from the face and jewelry kept simple. No dangle earrings, please.
Students should arrive in costume. The girls’ hair and (light) make-up should be done prior to arriving at the Marriott.
On the night of the Gala what time do our children need to arrive?
Mr. Corey will notify you regarding the schedule the night of the Gala. The evening usually concludes about 11:30 p.m. following the show.
What can the students bring with them Gala night?
Students may bring portable electronic devices such as Nintendo hand held game systems, Ipods, and MP3 players, etc. A deck of cards also is a good idea. Each student is responsible for his or her personal items.
Will the students have dinner at the Marriott?
The students will have a light dinner.
May the students bring a snack?
In accordance with our catering contract, food may not be brought in from any source other than Marriott. Please be assured that the students will be fed sufficiently, and no additional food is necessary.
Volunteering & Miscellaneous
I'd like to volunteer to help with the Gala. Is it too late?
It's never too late to volunteer. Just contact volunteer coordinator Mary Jane Reese at reesemaryjane@comcast.net or 301-869-1829.
How do I add a name to the mailing list?
If you would like a Gala invitation sent to a friend or to add them to our permanent mailing list, please contact Loretta Menzen or Ellen Clifford at 301-320-0668.
Additional Questions?
Contact Gala Coordinator Loretta Menzen at 301-320-0668 or lmenzen@avalonschools.org or Ellen Clifford at 301-320-0668 or eclifford@avalonschools.org.