Frequently Asked Questions
Where and when is the First Pres 100th Anniversary Dinner and Auction being held?
The celebration will be held at Arrowhead Golf Club on Saturday, April 18th from 6pm to 9pm. Arrowhead is located at 26W151 Butterfield Rd, Wheaton.
To celebrate with us in-person you will need to purchase an event ticket. Tickets are $75 each.
What to Expect?
The evening kicks off at 6pm with a cocktail hour (cash bar) and passed hors d'oeuvres, fun games, and an opportunity to bid on the silent auction! Then head to your seat at 7pm to enjoy a fabulous dinner and be entertained by our co-emcees Michael Polizzi and Rob Merrell. The live auction starts at 8pm led by renowned auctioneer, Bart Darfler! The festivities come to a close at 9pm.
Will I receive a ticket to the event?
Physical tickets will not be issued. By purchasing tickets, your name and the names of your guests will be added to our attendees list - simply check in when you arrive at the event!
Are children invited to the dinner and auction?
While families are always important to us, this celebration dinner and auction is intended as an adult evening.
What is the attire for the event?
Women - Semi-formal, long or short dresses or skirts. Nice pants are okay as well.
Men - Semi-formal, suits or sport coats.
Can I select a group of people to sit with at the dinner?
Yes you can! Most tables will comfortably sit eight diners, however, a max of ten diners can be accommodated.
How do I participate if I am not attending the Church Auction in person?
Those who are not attending in person are invited to participate in our online auction and/or donate in support of the event. Our online auction will open on April 18, the evening of the dinner/auction.
You can view each auction package and bid as often and as much as you'd like on the silent auction items.
Do I have to use a phone to bid, or can I participate using my computer?
You can participate in the auction from a computer, tablet or phone, it's up to you! After you sign in to your GiveSmart account, click "items" to view the auction and start bidding. You can filter these by type of item by clicking the 'categories' button.
Click the item you'd like to bid on, then enter your bid in the open text field (make sure it is higher than the current minimum amount) and click "Bid". If you have opted in to receive text messages, you will receive a text if you are outbid.
I'm not very tech-savvy, will I have a hard time participating?
We don't think so! The bidding platform is very user-friendly and will walk you through the entire process. If you need help, though, there will be hosts at the auction that will assist you with your bids. If you don't have a smartphone, our hosts can help you place bids and process your bid to your paddle number.
Can I view items before deciding if I want to bid?
Yes! Starting on Monday, February 23, you will be able to click "items" at the top of this page and preview our terrific auction items. Other auction items will be added after that date, so be sure to check out our site periodically before the auction!
Can I donate Auction items?
We rely on in-kind item donations to help make our event a success. We can use your help! Please reach out by March 31 if you would like to share a fabulous cabin or summer home, a unique experience, sports tickets or paraphernalia, restaurant gift cards, or other valued items. Please call the church office at 630-469-2007. Or, click here to complete an online form.
Will you need my credit card information?
Yes, a credit card number will be required to bid. Go to MY INFO to add a card on file.
If I win, how will I get my items?
Most auction items will be available for pickup at the checkout table on Saturday, April 18th, during the event. Some items may be emailed or mailed to your home, and others will be stored in the church offfice and require you to schedule a pickup time.
If I'm in need of financial assistance, can I obtain a discounted ticket to the Dinner and Auction?
Members of First Pres Glen Ellyn can obtain a discounted ticket by selecting the Discount Ticket selection in the Buy Tickets area. Please contact the church office at 630-469-2007 for the discount code.
What are the proceeds from the auction going to be used for?
As we celebrate our church's 100th anniversary, we recognize that many areas of our church campus need improvements and updates. In some of the older areas of our property, improvements in HVAC equipment, gutter replacement, drainage upgrades, interior lighting and so on, need to be attended to. This year's auction proceeds will be used to rejuvenate the more senior parts of our facilities. The church Session will determine what areas need attention first.