
Join Us at the Annual SMS Gala!
Quick Info
SMS Annual Gala 2020
Live Auction
Half the fun is watching the bids go up to see who gets each item! Perennial favorites will return – will the Gym or Library bear your name next year? Will you get VIP service at the 2020 Breakfast with Santa? Maybe you’ll be crowned best parent of the year when you win Principal for a Day – the only way to find out is to buy your gala ticket and come play!
Casino Games
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete novice, there is fun to be had at our professionally-staffed table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker. If you’re new to a game, the dealer will show you the ropes! Each gala ticket comes with a voucher for SMS casino chips, and more will be available for purchase throughout the evening ($20 for $100 in SMS casino chips) – every dollar spent on chips goes directly to SMS!
Exciting Prizes
At the end of the night, you’ll turn your SMS casino chips into entries for door prizes – the more you win at the tables, the more chances you’ll have to take home awesome items for yourself and your family! Prizes range in value and stretch from toys for kids, to tickets and lessons, to wine tastings, and more. If table games aren’t your thing, you can purchase entries for prizes at the gala, and spend more time on the dance floor!
Dinner & Dancing
Enjoy delicious food prepared by excellent chefs and get ready to tear up the dance floor. The DJ will be spinning current hits, oldies-but-goodies, international favorites and more – don’t forget your dancing shoes! Meal selections will be finalized when you purchase your tickets. Please contact us to have food allergies accommodated.
Wine Pull
An old favorite is returning this year with a secret agent twist: Bottles of wine will have their labels concealed, and the card you pick will hold the secret code that determines whether you win a nice bottle, a great bottle, or an extraordinary one!
50/50 Drawing
Who will be the big winner this year? The past few years, winners have gone home with $1,000+ -- maybe this year will be your turn! As in the past, the class that sells the most wins a pizza party. You can buy (and sell to relatives & friends!) now, and can purchase more tries at the gala. The more tickets sold, the bigger the pot and the greater benefit to the school! Tickets are 1 for $5 or 5 for $20. Before the gala, buy them through Kiddie Mail, at the International Potluck Dinner and keep an eye out for afternoon carpool sales!
Dessert Dash
This game was such a hit, we just had to bring it back! At the beginning of the night, work with your table mates to stuff your envelope with cash – the table with the most donations gets first pick at the desserts, the second most gets second pick and so on! Bring cash for this event or buy vouchers at check in!
Cocktail Hour
The gala will open at 6pm sharp. Cocktails, including Bond’s famous martinis, beer and wine will be available at a cash bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served. We’ll also have an upgraded photo booth this year – prints will be available onsite in a variety of sizes. The photo booth will be open all night – get ready to say “Cheese!” During cocktail hour, you can also try your luck in the Wine Pull, get more 50/50 tickets, and browse both the dessert dash offerings and the casino prizes while you mingle with old and new friends.
Childcare
Babysitting is available during the gala. It will be provided by VIRTUS cleared SMS volunteers in the Holiday Inn. Some ticket levels include the babysitting fee. You may also pay for it separately. At $20 for the whole night, it’s a steal! Kids will be served dinner, enjoy activities and games, and will have a fun night with their friends! Register for babysitting when you buy your ticket – we need to ensure we have the right number of volunteers for the kids attending!
The SMS Annual Gala is THE social event of the year! Don’t miss this year’s Casino Royale event, where you’ll enjoy dinner, dancing, the live auction, casino games and more!
Annual Favorites will return this year, alongside exciting new entertainment! Get all the details here:
What Sort of Secret Agent Will You Be?
Choose your ticket level to match your mission – each level grants access to the party and gets you started with chips to play table games. Step up the levels for more VIP perks, more chips, and more fun!
Ticket Levels
Volunteer Opportunities – We Need Your Help!
Still need volunteer hours? The Gala provides many opportunities to help!
Until March 7, the committee meets every Wednesday at 7pm in the 8th grade classroom – all are welcome! A handful of prep tasks can be done from home!
Volunteers are needed for
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Event prep
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Running the prize wheel at school lunches before the gala
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During the gala itself
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And more!
Signup using our signup genius link – all opportunities are available in shifts, so you can still enjoy all the gala has to offer! Many roles do not require VIRTUS clearance!
How do you win prizes at the casino?
At the end of the night, you’ll turn your SMS casino chips into entries for door prizes – the more you win at the tables, the more chances you’ll have to take home awesome items for yourself and your family!
Which ticket is right for me?
Ticket tiers are designed to customize the night based on your budget. You can come as a Civilian or upgrade your night to Agent, Bond or a VIP table: Double OO status! You can also get many amenities such as baby-sitting, extra chips, song requests, etc. a la carte so that you can customize your own package. Feel free to reach out to Emily Molloy with any questions and she can help you find the tier that is right for you!
Can I invite non-school families?
Yes! Anyone over 21 is welcome to attend: friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, parishioners, families from other schools, anyone who wants to support SMS and have a great time is welcome!
How will seating work?
Guests will receive a name card at check in that they can use to reserve their seats. Seating will be first come, first serve. The only tables that will be pre reserved are Bond & Double OO status tables who will be guaranteed a spot closest to the Dessert Dash! Guests can choose to sit with whomever they like regardless of which tier ticket they purchased with the exception of Double OO status tables.
Can I purchase tickets for my favorite teacher/clergy/staff?
Yes! Just submit the RSVP cards with the Staff Member’s name filled in on the RSVP card or purchase via Eventbrite. Email Emily Molloy to reserve your favorite teacher, buy a block of staff tickets or to specify who you purchased a Staff ticket for on Eventbrite. stmartinschoolauction@gmail.com
Will you serve alcohol?
Yes! There will be a cash bar at the event
What meal choices will I have?
Guests can select either a Filet & Grouper combo plate or a vegetarian Portobello tower. If you have a special dietary need please either designate that on Eventbrite, write it on the back of your RSVP card or contact Emily Molloy directly at stmartinschoolauction@gmail.com.
Can I purchase chips, vouchers, Dessert Dash, Buy Now items, Wine Pull, Photo booth pictures etc. a with credit card?
Yes! You will be able to purchase all of the above at the event with a credit card. Cash does make Dessert Dash donations easier but we will be providing vouchers to record donations made via credit card.
Is this a real casino?
Yes, these are actual casino tables with professional dealers who will teach you how to play, NO experience necessary. 100% of the proceeds will go to the school.
Do I have to be present to bid on Live Auction items/win prizes in the casino?
If I purchase a Bond ticket and my significant other has an Civilian or Agent can we sit together?
Yes! Although Bond will have the choice of tables close to the dessert dash they can still sit with their date regardless of which tier their date purchased. At least 1 person in the group of 2-3 must have purchased a Bond ticket to choose one of the Bond level tables.
If I am volunteering at the event do I need to buy a ticket?
If I am volunteering in the Baby-sitting room can I bring my child? Do I need to pay for my child to attend the Baby-sitting room?
You can absolutely bring your child, please let us know so we can have accurate head counts/adult to children ratios. As long as your child will not be left unattended by you and only stays during the time you are volunteering you do not need to pay for your child to attend the Baby-sitting room. If you plan on attending even part of the event/are volunteering in another area of the event and plan to leave your child in the Baby-sitting room you would need to pay for them to attend or purchase a ticket tier for yourself that includes baby-sitting.
I purchased Civilian but have now decided I want to upgrade, can I do that?
Yes! Just email Emily Molloy at stmartinschoolauction@gmail.com and/or send in a note explaining what level you previously purchased and what you would like to change it to along with payment for the difference in price.

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