FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
24th Annual Gala & Auction
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Hilton McLean Tysons Corner
Cocktails at 6:00 p.m. - Dinner at 8:00 p.m.
Black Tie Optional
1. What is all the fuss about?
The Gala & Auction is a spectacular celebration of the O'Connell community and is the flagship fundraising and social event of the year. Parents, alumni and friends of DJO gather each February to support of the school in a festive and elegant environment. All proceeds benefit the programs that differentiate an O'Connell education.
2. What does a ticket include?
Your ticket to the event on February 1, 2025 is an all inclusive experience including a two hour opening reception, seated dinner with wine service, dancing, entertainment, prizes, raffles, silent and live auctions plus open bar all evening.
Your ticket also includes complimentary attendance at the "100 Days Away" kickoff celebration and entry into one of two complimentary preview events to be held on O'Connell's campus December 8 and January 12.
3. What is the attire?
"Black tie optional" is the name of the game.
For the men, a tux or dark suit works great, for the ladies, cocktail attire or a long dress is perfect.
4. How do I make sure I'm seated with my friends?
When you purchase your ticket, on the check out screen there will be a required field for you to enter the names of those with whom you'd like to sit. The committee will make every effort to accommodate mutual requests.
If your group of friends has formed a table, give your table a nickname and have everyone use the same nickname during checkout for ease of matching.
5. I don't have table mates yet - how does that work?
No problem! We'd be happy to match you up with other parents who have students in your student's grade year, on the same sports teams or clubs, or even with other parents from your parish.
6. How do I indicate I have a dietary restriction?
At checkout, there is a required drop down menu for each guest. Please select the dietary restriction that applies to you (if you don't have any dietary restrictions, select "none") and our staff will reach out to you directly to ensure that your allergies and sensitivities are handled ahead of time.
7. What does the money go toward?
Money raised at the annual Gala & Auction supports programs at the school, including co-curricular classes, clubs and activities, professional development, facilities upkeep, and tuition assistance.
After dinner, our auctioneer hosts a paddle raise to fund a particular project.
Your Gala dollars go to work immediately to benefit all students. Past paddle raises have funded the purchase of a new Activities bus, an endowed scholarship for students receiving expanded services, an elevator in the Armor Family Atrium, and educational technology that enhances learning and engagement in the classroom. Your support at the Gala makes an incredible difference to your children's student experience.
Your contributions count and make a huge difference for your DJO Knights.
8. Is this tax deductible?
O'Connell is an IRS 501 (c)(3) and our Federal Tax ID is 54-0629316. Purchases and contributions above the fair market value (FMV) of an item may be tax deductible. Consult your financial advisor. Raffle tickets are not tax deductible.
9. I bought tickets but now cannot attend. Can I get a refund?
We regret that event tickets are not refundable. You may transfer your ticket to another guest by January 20, 2025 by notifying the Gala Committee in writing (gala@bishopoconnell.org).
Alternatively, you may also donate your tickets back to the school to cover the cost of a faculty member or coach to attend the event (this option would be fully tax deductible as you are receiving no goods or services for your contribution).
10. What is the O'Connell All-Stars?
In it's fourth year, the All-Stars program honors the contributions and dedication of our parent volunteers from the Athletics Boosters, the Fine Arts Boosters and the PTO.
One honoree from each umbrella group each year is selected by their fellow volunteers/peers to attend the gala and receive a plaque recognizing their individual contributions.
Faculty are also honored during the All-Stars program. Faculty and staff members who have 30 years of service in the Arlington Diocese are honored.
11. Can my student attend?
This is an adults only event. Students are not permitted to attend the Gala & Auction as ticketed guests. Students who are selected to perform or volunteer at the Gala during the opening reception are dismissed no later than 8:30 p.m. and must head directly home. While on property, student volunteers are under the direction of an adult Student Volunteer Coordinator and must remain in the designated areas.
12. Can my student volunteer to get service hours?
Most years we are able to provide a limited number of volunteer opportunities for O'Connell students before, during and after the event. Some of those volunteer opportunities include service hours. Starting in January, keep an eye on the weekly Knight Line for available student volunteer opportunities.
In all instances, students are required to register in advance and must attend a required training session. All volunteer opportunities are accommodated on a first come, first served basis. All students will be required to have written parent permission to be on property and must provide their own transportation.
Have a question that isn't answered here? Never fear - contact a member of the committee: gala@bishopoconnell.org