What is Gala? Gala is one of the best nights of the year! Gala is an adult-only fundraising evening consisting of a cocktail reception, silent auction, served dinner, Grand Raffle, live auction, DJ & dancing, an open bar, and tremendous fun! Attendee tickets are $125/person and can be purchased at the Ciao Bella Gala Website. Ticket prices will be increased to $135 if
purchased during the last available week tickets are for sale.
Where do the proceeds go? Gala is the single largest fundraiser for St. Raphael Catholic School. All proceeds directly benefit the school and students through upgraded and enhanced curriculum, technology, and facilities.
When and where is Gala? Save the date for Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 6 pm at the Chicago Marriott Naperville (Diehl & Naper). Room reservations the night of Gala start at $115/night. The reservation link is on the website.
What do I wear? Dress is cocktail attire. No need to purchase something new - anything in your closet will do. Don't forget to try Rent the Runway or Nordstrom Rack for dress deals!
What is the Grand Raffle? All school families are responsible for purchasing or selling a minimum of two Grand Raffle tickets but are welcome and encouraged to try to sell more. Only 500 tickets are sold! The prize breakdown is: Grand Prize $10,000, 1st Prize $2,500, 2nd Prize $1,000, and 3rd Prize $500. Each class/grade is also encouraged to participate in "Split
the Ticket" purchases, where multiple families split the cost of one or more tickets and then evenly split the winnings if they are the lucky ticket chosen.
What is the After Party? The After Party will be held in a separate location at the Marriott and is a separately ticketed event. Traveling to another location or home when the Gala ends is no longer necessary! Late-night snacks and wine, beer, and soft
drinks are included for $25 per person.
What is the Pre-Party? Yes, you read that right! This year's Gala will feature both a Pre-Party and an After Party for those who want to get the fun started earlier and for those night owls! Snacks and drinks will be included for $25 per person. Watch for more details to come.
What is the Tuition Raffle? The winner receives one student full tuition credit plus 2025 - 2026 school year fees. Tuition Raffle tickets sell for: 1 for $10, 6 for $50, 13 for $100, or 20 for $150. Tuition Raffle tickets are sold at school functions, online, and on the evening of Gala.
What are Theme Parties? These are fun parties that build community and fellowship. Theme Parties are donated by the hosts (they do not receive funds to host the party), and all funds raised from the ticket sales are directly donated to the school. Any school family or families can go in together to host a party, and any school family can purchase a ticket to
attend the parties. These parties are great opportunities to meet other families and parents!
What are Class Parties? Teachers generously donate their time and money to host class parties. These events typically take place at school either during, before, or after school hours. Tickets are sold online and are available to a limited number of students. These parties frequently sell out, so be sure to purchase/bid when they are made available. Registered users
will reminded with a text and email. *Tickets to Theme Parties and Class Parties will go on sale Sunday, January 26th*
What are Class Art Projects? Select grades (Pre-K, 2nd, and 8th) have created a one-of-a-kind project that will be sold to the highest bidder in either the live or silent auctions. Class Art Projects will be available for viewing in the school entrance display case the month before Gala. We can't wait for you to see what the students have created!
How do I purchase tickets, bid on items, and buy raffle tickets? Please register on the Gala website (Ciao Bella Gala Website) to purchase event tickets as well as make instant purchases and place bids on silent auction items (registration is free). Most items will be made visible on the site the week before Gala for your viewing pleasure, so have your account set and be ready with fast fingers to place those bids! Live auction items can only be bid on/purchased by attending Gala.
We can't attend Gala. How can we still show our support? We are sorry you cannot attend, and you will be missed! You can still register to bid on silent auction items, purchase raffle tickets and theme & class party tickets or make a donation. You can also sponsor a faculty member's Gala ticket, donate a live or silent auction item, underwrite portions of Gala, or purchase advertising for your business. There are many tax-deductible ways that you can make a difference to our 501(c)(3) school! Visit the Gala website to view all the different ways to contribute. Or use the contact info below to ask for help!
Please share our website and invite your family and friends! All Gala information can be found on the website or by sending an email to the Gala email account or directly to Gala Co-Chairs Kate Helm and Jennifer Paulsen.
Gala Email Account: Ciaobellagala2025@gmail.com
Kate Helm: Kathleen.helm@ejgallo.com
Jennifer Paulsen: Paulsen.jennifer@yahoo.com
Ciao Bella Gala Website or text ciaobella to 76278
Every school family should register on the site, even if you don't
plan on attending. You can still participate in the silent auction
and purchase tickets for Theme and Class parties.
GRAZIE MILLE
for all your support!