It’s time for our biggest fundraiser of the year, the much-anticipated Benefit and Auction! We’ve made several changes to this year’s 2021 Benefit so whether you’re a seasoned pro or a new-to-Hillcrest parent, here’s the 101 on what to expect:
- The Benefit is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and is responsible for a lot of really important stuff for our kids. The money we raise pays for the Hillcrest library and our wonderful librarian Mr. Pabst. It pays for Toolbox and the fantastic Ms. Alia. It pays for Spanish and the amazing Ms. Rueda, Mr Rodriguez and our IT classes, our Art Program, Reading Specialist, and many more programs and facilities upgrades!
- It’s also a hugely fun event and a great opportunity to get to know the wonderful parent community that makes Hillcrest such a special place!This year’s In-person Benefit will be held at the Claremont Hotel & Spa Saturday, November 6th (so save the date!), and will be preceded by an online auction Nov 1st-5th.
- Auction items will be broken into three categories:
- Online Auction November 1st-5th: Many items will be available via online auction only, including gift certificates to local businesses, tickets to museums, sporting events, jewelry, vouchers for kids’ summer camps, wine, and more!
- In-Person Benefit November 6th: The silent auction will be held outside and consist of adult parties and the Golden Paddle raffle. (*limited spots at parties will also be available to online-only auction participants).
- Live Auction: And finally, we’ll offer our most amazing packages -- from getaways, VIP experiences, large class projects, and the instant wine cellar.
- Do people wear costumes? YES! Most parents wear costumes to the Benefit. There is even a costume contest. This year’s theme is “London Calling” so come dressed as your favorite Icon from across the pond.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Tickets to the in-person auction event at the Claremont are now on sale here, and will be limited to a COVID-safe capacity -- so they will sell out! There will also be limited Bidder-Only tickets available (can attend the entire night 5:30 to 10pm but does not include dinner), as well as online bidding if you can’t make it to the event in person. See further below for more information about our COVID-safety protocols (including proof of vaccination and testing requirement)!
- We need your donations... The incredible packages we auction off at the Benefit are all donated by Hillcrest parents and local community members. Have a favorite local restaurant you could ask for a gift certificate? Have access to a vacation home or tickets to a sporting event, local museum, or upcoming performance? (Aren’t sure if something you have to donate could work? Contact the auction committee to discuss!) Donate here.
- Parties! One of the biggest money-makers at the Hillcrest benefit are the parties! This is also one of the reasons Hillcrest is the tight knit community it is. Hosting a party is a fun and great way to get to know fellow Hillcrest parents and raise money for our school. There are many fun themed ideas for parties but we ask that you stick to “adults only” or “family” events this year. Register a party here.
- Donate wine! An easy way to contribute is by donating bottles of wine for inclusion in our Instant Wine Cellar package. You can leave your wine donations on the porch at 233 Mandalay Road (Nova and Dave’s house)-- right across from school-- or with volunteers at drop-off Tuesdays/Fridays starting 10/5/21! To receive credit for your donation, please be sure to fill out this form.
- Looking for ways to volunteer? Email Leann Cawley at benefit@hillcrestpta.org for volunteer opportunities. We need help soliciting donations from local businesses, camps, etc, and will need help on the day of the event.
COVID-19 Testing Procedures & Requirements:
- Is vaccination required to attend the Hillcrest Benefit & Auction? Vaccination against COVID-19 and a negative COVID-19 test are required for entry to the Benefit.
- Do I need to take a PCR test before the Hillcrest Benefit & Auction? For efficiency and to make your entrance into the Benefit as smooth as possible, we ask that you please obtain a COVID-19 PCR test prior to the Benefit. The sample should be collected within 72 hours of the Benefit, and results can later be uploaded via a form which will be emailed to you at a later date, or can be presented upon entry at the Claremont.
- What if I don’t get tested before the event? For those who are unable to meet this request prior to the date of the event, we will have a LIMITED supply of rapid antigen tests on hand (Abbott BinaxNOW) for a fee of $50 per person (billed to your Auction invoice).
- We recommend you make an appointment in advance. Here are some testing site options:
- Test The People
- Renegade
- Curative
- CityHealth
We're excited about another amazing Benefit this year, and hope to see you there! If you have any questions or ideas, please contact Leann Cawley or Meghan Langston at benefit@hillcrestpta.org.
