ST. RAPHAEL GALA 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS GALA?
Gala is one of the most anticipated nights of the year! This adults-only fundraising event features a cocktail reception, silent & live auction, dinner, Grand Raffle, DJ & dancing, an open bar, and plenty of fun! Tickets are $140 per person and may be purchased through the official Midnight in the Mountains Gala website, MountainsGala.Givesmart.com. Ticket prices will increase to $150 during the final week of sales, so be sure to purchase early!
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?
The Midnight in the Mountains 2027 Gala will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027, at 6:00 p.m. at the Chicago Marriott Naperville. Discounted hotel rooms are available through January 18, 2027. Details and booking link can be found on the Gala website. Mark your calendars!
WHAT IS THE GRAND RAFFLE?
The Grand Raffle is one of Gala's most exciting traditions, giving families the chance to win cash prizes while supporting St. Raphael Catholic School. All school families are required to purchase or sell two tickets (Preschool and Pre-K families, one ticket). Tickets are $100 each, only 500 are sold. Prizes are $10,000, $2,500, $1,000, and $500. Winners are drawn the night of Gala but do not need to be present to win. Families are also encouraged to participate in "Split the Ticket," where multiple families share the cost of a ticket and any winnings. Grand Raffle tickets will count towards your family's fundraising requirement.
WHAT ARE THEME PARTIES?
Theme parties are fun, social events that help build community and fellowship. Hosted and funded by school families, these parties are donated entirely by the hosts, with all proceeds from ticket sales benefiting the school. Any school family can host a party - individually or with other families - and all school families are invited to purchase tickets and attend. Theme parties are a wonderful opportunity to connect with other parents and families while supporting St. Raphael.
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. These parties frequently sell out, so be sure to purchase/bid when they are made available. Registered users will be reminded with a text and email. Tickets to theme parties and class parties will go on sale Sunday, January 31, 2027.
WHAT ARE CLASS ART PROJECTS?
Each year, select grades (2nd and 8th) participate in creating special projects that showcase their creativity, celebrate
the Catholic faith, and support our school. These projects include one-of-a-kind class art pieces featured in the Gala live or silent auction, as well as student-created keepsakes available for purchase through the Gala website.
WHAT IS THE AFTER PARTY?
The After Party will be held immediately after the Gala in the Ballroom. The After Party will include an extra hour of DJ, dancing, bar service and late night snacks. Tickets are sold separately and can be purchased through the Gala website.
HOW DOES TABLE SEATING WORK?
We want everyone to feel welcome at Gala! When purchasing your tickets, you will have the option to purchase a full table (10 per table), request seating with families from your child(ren)'s grade level, or choose open seating and let the Gala Committee do the rest. Whether you're attending with lifelong friends, still making connections at St. Raphael, or flying solo to the event, we want YOU to join us! The more, the merrier! Need help? Just ask. We're happy to assist!
WHAT DO I WEAR?
Formal attire; black-tie optional.
HOW DO I PURCHASE TICKETS, BID ON ITEMS, AND BUY RAFFLE TICKETS?
Please register on the Gala website (MountainsGala.Givesmart.com) to purchase event tickets, as well as make instant purchases and place bids on silent auction items. 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. Gala event tickets and purchases made above fair market value will count toward your family's fundraising requirement.
HOW DO I DONATE AN AUCTION OR RAFFLE ITEM?
We gratefully accept donations of auction and raffle items from families, businesses, and community partners. To donate, simply email the Gala Chairs at STRgala2027@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you, and every donation helps make Gala a success!
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 parties, 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 for our 501 (c)(3) school! Visit the Gala website to view all the different ways to contribute. Or, use the contact information below to request more information.
All Gala information can be found on the Gala website MountainsGala.Givesmart.com. For additonal questions, please contact this year's gala chairs at the email address provided below.
Thank you for your support, and we hope to see you there!
Megan O'Donovan
Gala Chair
Jenna Vavrik
Gala Co-Chair