Frequently asked questions about the Gala Celebration

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Q: When and where is the Gala taking place?
A: Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM PDT at Kohl Mansion, 2750 Adeline Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010 on the Mercy High School Burlingame Campus. 

 

Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes, free parking is available on-site at Kohl Mansion. You may arrive at the parking lot as early as 3:45 pm. Arrive early for best access as some parking lot space is further away.  

If Parking lot is full (~100 spaces up top) there is overflow parking below. You may drop off guests and driver may park in overflow parking. 

Please carpool wherever possible. 

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Q: What is the attire?
A: Attire is festive or cocktail. Come in whatever makes you feel authentically you, authentically fabulous! Express yourself!

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Q. What is the Schedule? 

• 3:45 pm: Early bird parking. Doors open at 4pm

• 4:00–6:00 pm: Registration Begins - Happy Hour, check in early to bid, play, and purchase beads.

• 5:30 pm: Dining rooms open for seating. Read about seating below.

• 6:00 pm: Dinner & program with MC Patrick Landeza.

• 8:00 pm: Raffle winner announced.

• 9:00 pm: Close

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Q: What types of tickets are available?
A:

• Individual Ticket: $100 – includes dinner, program, and access to auctions and games.

• VIP Seat: $150 – includes preferred seating, signature cocktails, and all individual ticket benefits.

• Table of 10: $950 – includes reserved seating for a group of 10 in the Green Ballroom with the streamed program.  

• Table of 10: $1350 - Includes all VIP seat benefits for a group of 10 in the Great Hall with the live program. 

 

Q: I heard there is an auction — what kind of auction is there?
A: Yes! We have both a Silent Auction and a Live Experience Auction at the Gala Celebration Honoring 50 Years of Caritas Creek.

The Silent Auction runs from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM during Happy Hour and features three themed collections: Art, Baskets, and Desserts. We’ve curated each one to be beautiful, meaningful, and fun to bid on — all while supporting the best cause: sending kids to camp!

 

The Live Experience Auction takes place during the dinner program and features seven exclusive experiences and getaways — each one an unforgettable stay or adventure for you and your loved ones.
 

Bid high, have fun, and make an impact for Caritas Creek campers!

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Q: Can I preview the auction items before the Gala?
A: Yes! You can preview our auction catalog here: [Insert Google PDF Link].
We’ll continue to update items throughout the week, so check back often. You can also see everything displayed live on-site at the event.

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Q: Can I bid on auction items if I’m not attending the Gala?
A: Not this year — but we’re exploring ways to make remote bidding possible in the future. For now, you can still purchase an Instant Wine Raffle ticket or make a direct donation to support camperships if you can’t attend. Every contribution helps send kids to camp!

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Q: What is the Green Ballroom?
A: The Green Ballroom is a beautiful addition to this year's Gala Celebration at a reasonable price. Guests in the Green Ballroom receive all individual ticket benefits and can experience the Gala Celebration program, speeches, and auction through live streaming.

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Q: What is the Great Hall?

A: The Great Hall is the main dining room seating 18 tables and will host the program and auction live. This program will be repeated by projector into the Green Ballroom so no one misses a beat. Everyone can participate in the Live Auction in the Great Hall. Grab a paddle and head to the open seats or standing room only spaces when the time comes to bid. Auctioneer/ MC and live music performed by Patrick Landeza and his band!

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Q: Can I participate in the Live Auction and Games if I am in the Green Ballroom?
A: YES! If you wish to participate in the Live Auction or the Heads and Tails bead game during the program, you can join us in the standing room-only Alcoves around the Great Hall. Grab an auction paddle and buy some beads so you can participate when our Host and MC gives you the cue!

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Q: Can I upgrade my ticket to the Great Hall? 

A: Tickets may be upgraded while seats remain available. The Great Hall will likely sell out. If you wish to upgrade, email info@caritascreek.org. 

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Q: How can I pay for tickets or items once I arrive at the Gala?
A: You can pay using cash, credit/debit cards, or checks. Drink tickets can also be purchased with Apple Pay or Google Pay. Payment for all auctions will be received immediately upon winner designation. 

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Q: What is the Instant Wine Raffle and how does it work?
A: The raffle is called the Instant Wine Cellar Raffle as you have a chance to win 120 bottles of a variety of wines. Tickets can be purchased online before the event or on-site. Each Ticket is an entry into the raffle. Purchase one for $50 or you 3 for $100. Winners do not need to be present to claim prize.  The winner will be announced at 8pm October 11 Pacific Time. Delivery of the prize can be arranged for limited locations in the North Bay, San Francisco, or the Peninsula. 

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Q: Can I participate if I cannot attend in person?
A: Absolutely! You can:

• Donate: Make a tax-deductible contribution to support camperships and programs. Monthly donations are available via PayPal at caritascreek.org/donate.
   

• Purchase raffle tickets: Enter the Instant Wine Cellar Raffle online.  Learn More about the Raffle
   

• Submit auction items: Contribute items or experiences to our silent or dessert auctions online.
   

• Sponsor: Support the Gala through one of our sponsorship levels and receive recognition even if you cannot attend.

 

Q: How do I become a sponsor?
A: Sponsorships start at $500 and are fully tax-deductible. Sponsors receive recognition at the Gala and online. Contact info@caritascreek.org for more information or submit your sponsorship for the Gala Celebration at caritascreek.org/gala-celebration and select “Tickets.” 

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Q: What is the Caritas Creek Partner School Sponsorship?

A: NEW for 2025! Caritas Creek schools can become an official Partner School Sponsor by selecting the Partner School Sponsorship ticket type for the Gala. Schools will be honored and Highlighted at the Gala for their contributions that will go directly to ensuring the Gala operation expenses are covered and all proceeds on the night of the Gala will go directly to serving our students and families in need. 

 

Q: Who should I contact with questions?
A: Please email the CYO Camp and Caritas Creek Alumni Foundation team at info@caritascreek.org for any additional information.

 

Q: I have my ticket, now what? 

 A: Get ready to come festive and fabulous! This is going to be a huge reunion for us all and a moment to honor a very meaningful milestone for Caritas Creek. 50 Years and going strong!

 

Let your community know you are coming to the Gala Celebration to Honor 50 years of Caritas Creek and send kids to camp! Let’s make this the biggest Gala yet!