Gala 101

We’ve listed some frequently asked questions below. If you have other questions or ideas please contact the Gala Committee Chairperson at gala@mcdsberks.org.


What is the MCDS Gala?

The Annual Gala and Auction is our largest fundraiser of the year…but it is also so much more!

100% of the proceeds from this adults-only event will be contributed to our capital campaign, providing classroom supplies, staff training, and building maintenance and improvements to our 60 year old schoolhouse.

Each year a unique theme drives the evening’s schedule, decor, attire, and menu. While fundraising is our focus, food and fun are a big part of this much-anticipated annual tradition at Montessori Country Day School. The evening will feature exciting live and silent auctions, including classroom art projects created by our children. Each year we include additional theme-specific events such as gaming tables, 50/50 ticket sales, themed raffles, photo booth, and more.


What should I wear?

Anything goes, although many attendees choose to dress according to the annual theme.

Our 2020 Gala theme is a Clue-inspired Mystery Dinner. Don’t be surprised to see Mrs. Peacock or Colonel Mustard among the crowd! Formal to casual cocktail attire is common, but please come in what you’re most comfortable wearing.


Where will I sit?

Your RSVP card will include space to list a few friends you would like to be seated with. We also try to place families together based on shared classrooms. Most of the evening is spent on your feet browsing auction items, conversing with guests, trying your hand at a game of poker or blackjack, or grooving on the dance floor.

Our Gala is not just for parents! Friends, family and business associates are all welcome to attend (adults-only).

The event provides an opportunity to mingle with the entire MCDS community, including faculty, fellow parents, alumni and more.


How much money should I plan to spend?

100% of the event proceeds support our mission to encourage a lifelong love of learning!

Auction items range from small to large values. Additional evening fundraising events allow for donations of any amount. Our community of teachers, faculty and students greatly appreciate your support!

Payment will be accepted in Cash, Personal Check or most major Credit Cards.


What are the items available for bid at the Gala?

Auction items vary annually, so you can be sure to find an eclectic and broad variety of items up for auction.

The silent auction typically features donated items, such as gift baskets, restaurant and business gift certificates and accessories for the whole family.

The live auction often includes sports or music event tickets, vacation stays, fine-dining packages, and more. But, the most interesting and contended auction items are the Classroom Art Projects — with one art piece created by each classroom.


What happens at the Gala?

Our evening typically features a welcome hour with cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. During this time, guests can browse silent auction tables, mingle with other quests, and participate in any theme-specific specialty events.

The seated dinner and live auction event follows, kicked off by a moving slideshow curated annually to feature our school’s children at work in the classroom. Our auctioneer then begins the exciting live auction event.

We always wrap up the live auction with time renaming for dancing, gaming, and browsing the silent auction tables.


How can I help?

There are many ways to contribute to the annual Gala, including:

  • Tax-deductible Sponsorship or Donation
  • Attendance by yourself or invited guests
  • Advertise your business or place a personal ad in the event brochure
  • Donate items for the live or silent auction

Sponsorship and donation forms will be mailed directly to our school community.

We also welcome you to join the Gala planning committee. Please email gala@mcdsberks.org for more information.


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