Lanai's Gala + Auction FAQs
1. When and where is the Gala?
February 28, 2026 @ 6:30pm at The Skirball Cultural Center - 2702 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90049
2. Why should I purchase tickets to this event?
Because you'll be part of one of the most fun nights of the year - and it's all for a great cause. Every dollar raised at the Lanai Gala + Auction directly supports our students, funding the enrichment programs and opportunities that make Lanai so special. Your participation truly makes a difference. Visit the Tickets section on the GiveSmart homepage to purchase your Gala tickets today!
3. Do I need to purchase drink tickets separately?
YES! You will need a drink ticket to purchase all alcoholic drinks at the bar. Go to the Ticket section on the Givesmart homepage to purchase your drink tickets ahead of time and avoid long lines at the Gala! No cash will be accepted at the Gala.
4. Do I have to arrive at the start time?
The Gala starts at 6:30pm. We strongly encourage you to arrive on time so that you don't miss out on our full schedule of events planned, including some fun surprises!
5. What is the schedule for the evening?
6:30-7:30pm: Hors d'oeuvres, drinks & opportunity to view silent auction items in person
7:30-8:30pm: Seated dinner
8:30 -10pm: Live auction
10pm-midnight: Dance the night away
6. What are Pick-A-Tickets?
Pick-a-tickets allow you to enter our raffle for a variety of kid-themed baskets. A table will be set up outside of school the week prior to the Gala for your kids to choose which baskets they want to try to win. Go to the Ticket section on our homepage to purchase pick-a-tickets ahead of time!
7. What should I wear?
This year's Gala theme is Lanai Copacabana, blending vibrant beachside energy with festive tropical fun. For attire, think bold colors, lush island prints, flowy dresses, and statement accessories - or linen shirts, straw fedoras, relaxed-luxury, and resort-evening style.
8. How do I get my Gala tickets and any drink tickets that I ordered?
There will be a check-in table at the entrance to the Gala. If you purchased a VIP-level ticket package, please use the priority check-in. Once at check-in, you will receive all tickets you purchased ahead of time.
9. Will there be assigned seating in General Admission?
No, assigned seating is one of the VIP perks. There will be open seating at tables for GA ticket holders.
10. How will VIP table settings be assigned?
If you requested to be seated with one or more other VIP ticket holders during your ticket purchase process, we can guarantee that you will be seated with at least one other VIP ticket holder family that you named in your request, and we will use our best efforts to accommodate your entire request based on the floor plan. There are 10 people seated at each table.
11. Where can I park?
There will be self-parking available, free of charge, in Skirball's parking lot.
12. Will the event be indoors or outdoors?
Both. Weather permitting, cocktail hour will be outdoors, and bars will remain open outdoors all evening. All other scheduled activities will take place indoors.
13. When does the Silent Auction open and close?
The Silent Auction opens on the GiveSmart platform on Wednesday, February 25th at 9am and closes on Sunday, March 1st at 2pm.
Have more questions? Email Events@Lanairoad.net to get answers!