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Alcuin Montessori 
2010 Annual Gala & Auction

What is the Annual Gala & Auction? 
A school tradition since 1981, the Annual Gala & Auction is the largest fundraising and school event for the year.  Powered by www.biddingforgood.com/alcuinauction, the Online Auction will run from April 8 – 21, 2010, with the Live Auction taking place on Friday, April 23, 2010.  We have set an aggressive fundraising goal for the event, and hope to raise $50,000 for the school. 100% of the net proceeds support the education that we are so proud to offer our children. 

Who coordinates and organizes the Annual Gala & Auction?
The event is organized by the Gala & Auction Committee, which is made up of parent volunteers.  The committee works directly with the school administration, the Board of Trustees, and faculty.  While the Auction Committee does much of the basic planning, it is the work of numerous individual parents and community members that is essential in making this massive undertaking a success. 

What is the Online Auction & how does it work? 
Powered by www.biddingforgood.com/alcuinauction, the online auction will run from April 8 – 21, 2010 and will feature items generously donated by local businesses and school community members. After reviewing feedback from last year’s event, the Gala & Auction Committee planning decided to replace the silent auction with an Online Auction. This change, now allows EVERY family to participate, even if they cannot attend the Gala & Auction on April 23rd. In addition, you can refer as many of your family and friends to go online and bid on items.  With this new tool, our Online Auction audience is endless.  
    • All bids must be secured by credit card (MasterCard, Visa, and Amex ONLY). 
    • Bids are not reversible. 
    • All items sold are “as is” and all sales are final. 
    • Winners will be notified via e-mail after the auction closes on April 21, 2010, stating the amount of your purchases(s). This e-mail confirmation will include the school’s tax ID number to be used for tax purposes. To calculate the exact amount or your itemized tax deduction, you will need to subtract the amount indicated as fair market value, from the full amount paid for the item purchased
    • Item pick up will be held the week of April 26th at Alcuin Montessori School.
    • Should you need your item shipped, you will be responsible for all shipping and insurance charges. For additional information please contact Jamie Kazay, Development Manager, Alcuin Montessori School at jkazay@alcuin.org. 
What is the Live Auction & how does it work? 
The Live Auction will take place on Friday, April 23, 2010, and will feature a limited number of "priceless" items that are only available to the Alcuin community. In keeping with tradition, each classroom is creating an original piece of art. Every year the quality of these pieces is exceptional, resulting in very competitive bidding among the student's parents. 
    • One week prior to the event, the auction catalog will be available on the Annual Gala & Auction Web site.   
    • We will accept cash, checks, and credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, and Amex ONLY). 
    • When you arrive at the event, you will need to check-in, and pick up your bid number and other important information.  To speed up the check-out process, we will ask you to pre-register your credit card into our secure system.  Of course, you can decline, but this will significantly slow down expediting your check-out process. 
    • Once the auction starts, things can become lively during the bidding. To enter a bid, signal either the auctioneer or one of the spotters by raising your bid number. The highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer will be the purchaser. In the event of a dispute, the auctioneer shall determine the successful bidder. The auctioneer reserves the right to reject any bid that, in his/her opinion, is not commensurate with the value of the item being offered.  A bid acknowledge by the auctioneer is a legal contract to buy.
    • Check-out begins at 9:45 pm. If you pre-registered a credit card at check-in, you may proceed to the express check-out line for a copy of your settlement statement. Check-out closes at 11:00 pm. All items must be paid for in full and taken home by the end of the evening.
    • All sales are final. No exchanges or refunds on auction items. Everything is sold "as is." 
When and where will the Annual Gala & Auction be held?
Friday, April 23, 2010 
7 pm – 11 pm 

Alcuin Montessori School 
Fellowship Hall 
324 N. Oak Park Ave. 
Oak Park, IL 60302 

What is the cost to attend?
Tickets are $100 per person and include 5 raffle tickets, $50 in gaming chips, hors d'oeuvres, and an open bar (beer, wine, soda). Additional gaming chips and raffle tickets will be available for purchase. 

When will invitations be mailed?  
Invitations will be mailed March 18, 2010 to all Alcuin families, alumni, and prospective families. 

How do I purchase tickets for the event?
Please purchase your tickets online at www.alcuin.org or mail the reply card included with your invitation to Alcuin Montessori by April 15, 2010. 

If I do not purchase my tickets in advance, can I still attend? 
Absolutely! Tickets will still be $100 per person at the door.  However, for planning purposes, we hope everyone will purchase their tickets in advance.   

What can you expect during the event?
We promise an adult only evening, full of socializing, casino-style gaming, live auctions, raffles, hors d'oeuvres, and open bar. 
 
What is the raffle & how does it work? 
We will raffle offer 3 prizes during the evening. You will receive 5 raffle tickets with your ticket. Additional raffle tickets can be purchased. You choose which raffle you wish to enter. 

Can I fund a ticket for a faculty member? 
Yes.  Donations can be made online when you purchase your ticket(s) or can be included with your reply card. Donations will be put into a general fund and distributed equally. 

What should I wear? 
Wear what you would wear on a typical Friday night out. Best advice -- wear very comfortable shoes. You will be busy socializing, gaming, and biding on the live auctions. There will be limited seating and tables. 

What is being served? 
Francesca's Fiore in Forest Park has generously donated the hors d'oeuvres for the event. House Red in Forest Park has generously donated the wine for the event. 

Can I still donate an item for the online or live auction? 
Yes. The Annual Gala & Auction depends on the generosity of our school community and beyond.  If you know someone, or have access to airline tickets, hotel rooms, tickets to live events, restaurant and merchandise gift certificates, vacation homes, fine wines, jewelry, electronics, sporting equipment, autographed memorabilia, ect., please contact Solicitation Co-Chairs Sarah Hampson at sarahhampson2001@yahoo.com or Amy Crilly at acrilly@sbcglobal.net.