STARS Gala Auction
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the STARS Gala Auction?
A: The STARS Gala Auction is Eastside Catholic’s signature annual fundraising event. The funds raised support academic programming, campus operations, tuition assistance, scholarships and more, for the benefit of all our students. This event is an elegant event where our community comes together for a good cause while enjoying a fun night with parents, teachers and friends. The evening includes a silent and live auction, a “Making a Difference” paddle raise, raffles, games, a dessert dash and an after-party with a DJ and dancing.
Q: What does “STARS” in STARS Gala Auction stand for?
A: Students and Teachers Achieving Remarkable Success. The STARS Gala Auction has carried this name since at least 2002.
Q: When and where is the auction?
A: The 2024-25 auction will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue. The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m. in the foyer outside the Grand Ballroom on the Hyatt’s second floor. Guests will be seated for dinner and live auction at 7 p.m., with the after-party starting at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Q: What is the evening schedule?
A: 5:30 p.m. - General Admission
5:30 – 6:50 p.m. - Cocktail Reception
6:50 p.m. - Silent Auction closes
7 - 9:30 p.m. - Dinner and Live Auction
9 p.m. - Check-Out opens
9:30 - 11 p.m. - Post Dinner Dancing and Celebration
Q: How can I stay updated on event details and announcements?
A: Beginning in November, you can stay informed through email communications like EC This Week, EC This Month and via Eastside Catholic’s social media. Event details will be posted on the Auction webpage at eastsidecatholic.org/auction. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Events Coordinator Cindy Huse at chuse@eastsidecatholic.org or 425-295-3082.
Q: What does Eastside Catholic do with the funds that are raised at the auction?
A: Even with tuition, there is still a 12% gap between what it covers and the cost of operating the school. The STARS Gala Auction and Annual Fund bridge that gap, allowing us to maintain top-quality education, programs and facilities. Funds raised during the "Making a Difference" initiative go directly to that year's designated need, and the remaining funds help ensure we have the best teachers, extracurricular programs and provide tuition assistance and scholarships.
Q: How soon after the auction will we see the funds raised put to work?
A: The impact of the funds raised can be seen in projects like air conditioning installation, campus safety upgrades, hiring of top teachers and enhanced educational resources like guest speakers and student safety training. Some funds are utilized immediately, and other funds are used as project timelines, permits and materials are finalized.
Q: What happens during the Cocktail Reception?
A: The reception features a silent auction that includes wine, spirits, some art pieces and other items to bid on, only available for in person Gala guests. You will be able to enter raffles and play games, both of which offer wonderful items and allow every player to win. A photo booth will be available to capture fun moments with your friends. Cocktails, beverages and passed hors d’oeuvres will be available throughout the reception.
Q: What happens during the Live Auction?
A: The live auction and sit-down dinner happen simultaneously in the Grand Ballroom beginning at 7 p.m. Guests can bid on various packages by holding up their bid cards. Each guest or household is assigned a bid number and is given a bid packet that includes a bid card(s). You will find a copy of the auction catalog at your table in the ballroom. If you want to bid on a certain package, simply hold up your bid card and the auctioneer will call out your bid number. The last bid number called out is the winner of that package. The “Making a Difference” campaign, a student performance and the popular Dessert Dash are also part of the program. Items won can be picked up at Check Out.
Q: Is it possible to bid on Live Auction items if I can’t attend?
A: Yes! A couple days before the event, you will receive access to view the auction catalog online. If you see an item you’d like to bid on but cannot attend, you can bid by proxy. Please contact Events Coordinator Cindy Huse to make arrangements.
Q: Will there be entertainment?
A: Yes! Throughout the evening there will be games, raffles, music and a student performance from the Drama Department. In the ballroom, our auctioneer is a wonderful entertainer and halfway through the program we enjoy a performance by students in the EC Drama Department as they perform a number from the spring musical. Toward the end of the Live Auction, we hold a Dessert Dash which is always a fun and entertaining part of the program – and delicious! To end the evening, we host an After Party in the room adjacent to the ballroom with a DJ, dancing and late-night snacks!
Q: What is “Making a Difference?”
A: “Making a Difference,” also known as “Raise the Paddle” or “Fund a Need,” is an annual initiative where donations fund a specific school need. This year’s Making a Difference initiative will be announced prior to the Gala and there will be an opportunity to contribute to whether or not you plan to attend the Gala.
Past initiatives have focused on focused on mental health programming and support for students, safety enhancements for the schoolhouse, dynamic sound and lighting in our gymnasium for all-school use, tuition assistance, support for our grades 9-12 special education program, and funds for attracting, hiring, training and retaining top educators.
Q: What is the Dessert Dash?
A: The Dessert Dash is a fun and fast-paced event where tables bid for first dibs on an array of scrumptious desserts. The highest bidding table sends a "runner" to dash for their dessert first! Everyone at your table will have an opportunity to contribute any amount they wish. Designate a dessert runner and when your table number is called, your runner quickly dashes and grabs a decadent dessert!
Q: Does the Hyatt offer discounted rooms for overnight stay?
A: Yes! Make the STARS Gala a weekend staycation! The discounted rate for a standard room is $179 (plus tax), including complimentary self-parking. When registration opens there will be a link provided to register at the discounted rate. Early booking is recommended as only a limited number of rooms are available.
Q: What is the cost for general admission and when does registration open?
A: General admission is $200 per person. Registration opens January 15 and closes March 14. Ticket prices cover appetizers and dinner. While we are fortunate to have a generous family who has donated all the wine in the ballroom, we still incur a significant corkage fee for each bottle served. By charging a ticket price that covers the Hyatt’s meal service, we can ensure that the funds raised during the evening go directly to support EC, rather than to cover meal expenses. If you would like to request financial assistance to attend, please contact Events Coordinator Cindy Huse.
Q: How do I purchase tickets to the auction?
A: Tickets can be purchased online starting January 15 at eastsidecatholic.org/auction. A printed invitation will be mailed with a QR code, and you can also register via email invitation or through EC newsletters. When purchasing your ticket(s), you will be given the opportunity to select your meal preference, book a room at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue at a discounted rate, make seating requests and pre-register your credit card allowing you to bypass check in on auction night!
Q: Is there a deadline to purchase tickets?
A: Yes, tickets should be purchased by March 14 to ensure availability and ensure accommodation and seating requests.
Q: What types of items will be available in the auction?
A: The auction will feature exclusive packages, vacations, sports tickets wine tasting experiences, gourmet dining, concert tickets, wine, unique gifts and much more. Watch for weekly featured items as we get closer to auction night.
Q: How can I view the auction items before the event?
A: A preview of live and online auction items will be available on eastsidecatholic.org/auction prior to the event. Look for an email from Eastside Catholic in March with a link to the preview page.
Q: Do you request donations and what types of items would you suggest donating?
A: Yes! Donations are welcome starting in November. There will be a link on eastsidecatholic.org/auction with a list of suggested items to donate. We are grateful for donations of gift cards, bottles of wine or spirits, vacation getaways, sports and concert tickets, unique experiences, classes, hosted parties, boating excursions, rounds of golf, fine dining among other things.
Q: How do I donate to the auction?
A: To donate an item, please complete the Online Donation form available at eastsidecatholic.org/auction or complete a physical copy donation form to include with your donation. Other options include donating to the Making a Difference initiative or donating cash to underwrite the purchase of an item or towards auction-related expenses. All donations can be made at eastsidecatholic.org/auction.
Q: How can my business sponsor the event?
A: Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels and offer several great benefits, and we also offer several advertising opportunities. To view the Sponsorship Packet with details on sponsorship levels and advertising options, benefits and pricing, please visit eastsidecatholic.org/auction. For questions related to sponsorship or advertising opportunities, contact Vice President of Advancement Todd Thrasher at tthrasher@eastsidecatholic.org or 425-295-3028.
Q: How many people attend the auction?
A: We generally have about 400 guests join us each year. We encourage all parents and guardians, grandparents, alumni, past parents, supporters and friends (21 years of age and over) to attend!
Q: Am I required to donate money if I attend the auction?
A: There is no requirement to donate at the auction and there is no pressure to bid or donate. We offer ways to participate starting at $25 in hopes of providing opportunities to give that appeal to everyone.
Q: Should we attend the auction even though we can’t spend a lot?
A: Yes! We encourage everyone to attend this community-building event which is our largest social gathering of the year!
Q: Will there be a sit-down dinner?
A: Yes. The dinner includes a charcuterie board, salad, entrée and complimentary wine. Hors d’oeuvres are passed during the cocktail reception that takes place prior to dinner. Desserts can be purchased during the Live Auction’s entertaining Dessert Dash!
Q: What does the Online Silent Auction look like and how can I participate?
A: Thanks to our generous community, we are fortunate to offer an incredible array of items for silent auction bidding including the coveted 14 reserved parking spaces in the senior lot (be ready, these usually sell out within the first hour of the online auction opening!). The silent auction will open for bidding three days before the Gala, beginning at 12 noon, Wednesday, March 26 and will remain open until 5 p.m., Sunday, March 30. If you plan to attend the Gala, you will automatically be entered to participate in the online silent auction. The online silent auction is also a great way for friends, family and supporters to participate in the annual auction if they cannot attend the auction! Registration instructions will be shared via email and on our website closer to the auction date.
Q: How do I register for the Online Silent Auction?
A: If you are planning to attend the Gala, pre-registering your credit card when you purchase your ticket(s) will automatically register you to participate in the online auction. You can also register to participate by visiting eastsidecatholic.org/auction and follow the link to register for the online auction. The online auction will start at 12 noon on Wednesday, March 26, and will close on Sunday, March 30, at 5 p.m.
Q: Can I take my auction purchases home after the Gala?
A: Yes, we encourage our guests to take their purchases home before leaving the event. Your items will be ready to pick up from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Check Out located in the foyer as you exit the ballroom. All items and packages not picked up at the Gala will be returned to EC. Please contact the Events Coordinator Cindy Huse to pick up your items if you don’t pick them up at the end of the evening.
Q: How do I pay for my auction purchases? Do I need to bring cash?
A: When you register to attend the Gala, you will have the option to pre-register your credit card. Doing so will allow you to bypass check-in when you arrive at the Hyatt. If you do not pre-register your card, you will check in at the registration table where your card will be swiped. Once we have your card in the system, you will use your bid number to bid, play games, participate in the Dessert Dash or buy raffle tickets. Your card will only be charged if you win an item or package. You may use cash, debit or credit card to purchase cocktails at the bars located in the foyer.
Q: Is my donation tax deductible?
A: Eastside Catholic School (Tax ID # 91-1034894) is a nonprofit organization. Donated items, sponsorships and cash underwriting are potentially deductible as permitted by law. A comprehensive receipt detailing all auction donations and purchases will be mailed to you shortly after the auction. Always check with your tax advisor for more information.
Q: When will the menu options be made available?
A: When registration opens in January, the menu will be posted on the registration page. You will be able to choose from one of three entrees which typically consist of either a beef, fish or vegan option.
Q: Will there be options for me if I have food allergies or am vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes. When you register to attend, there will be a field to enter your food allergy information. Most entrees are gluten free, but the Hyatt does an excellent job of meeting all dietary requirements for attendees. Additionally, when we finalize the menu, we ensure there are options for everyone, regardless of dietary needs. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the evening and the food. They Hyatt does a very nice job of providing options that are delicious for everyone.
Q: Is there free parking?
A: Yes, complimentary parking is available in the Hyatt’s garage on the day and night of the event. Their garage is accessible from Bellevue Way, NE 8th Street or from NE 10th Street. They also offer valet service at their front entrance for an additional fee.
Q: Is there a way to ensure that I can sit with people that I know so I can feel more comfortable?
A: Yes, there are a couple ways to do this:
- When you register to attend, there is a space to list names of people you wish to be seated with. Request those people do the same when they register. Each table seats 10 people so if there are more than 10 people who want to sit together, note that as well and we can make sure the tables are adjacent to each other.
- An entire table of 10 can be purchased by an individual/couple and the purchaser can invite 8 or 9 people to join them. In this situation, once you register your table purchase, we will send you a link to send to your 8 or 9 guests to register themselves as your guests.
If you do not indicate a seating preference, the Auction Team will arrange for you to sit at a table with other parents in your student’s grade or activities. If you have questions about other parents in your student’s grade who may be attending, the CPR (Class Parent Representative) for your student’s grade may be a good resource for helping connect you with parents who may be attending.
Q: What is the attire for the event?
A: The STARS Gala Auction is an elegant evening and is cocktail attire. Ladies should feel comfortable wearing cocktail dresses, festive attire or a gown if you choose. For the gentlemen, suits and ties are the norm with optional black tie.
