Theme Parties - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a theme party?
Theme parties are individual events hosted and paid for by school parents from a specific grade. The theme party hosts can decide on event type, cost, invitees, and date. Events can be for parents, students, or families of the respective grade. Registration for theme parties is part of the Gala Auction with 100% of proceeds going back to the school. In previous years, theme parties have raised over $13,000 for SMG.
Is there a limit to how many theme parties a grade can have or how many hosts can participate?
No, not at all. The goal of theme parties is to raise money for our school, but also to generate camaraderie, fun, and community-building for all participants. Generally, each theme party has 5-8 host families per party. Each theme party will need to identify one main point of contact with whom the Theme Party Chairs will communicate. This is typically the person who will be hosting the party at his/her home or who will be managing all of the party logistics.
I want to host, but don't have a good idea for a theme. Will you help me?
Absolutely! Some successful theme party ideas have been an outdoor movie night, a March Madness party, BBQs, pool parties, sports games, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, sleep unders, a moms movie night, a golf outing, and family game nights.
How much does it typically cost to host a theme party?
Theme parties can cost as little or as much as you'd like. Depending on the number of host families, the venue, and how elaborate the theme is, the approximate cost should be no more than $250 per host family.
How can I find out if my grade already has a theme party host?
Please reach out to the Theme Party Chairs, Hallie Nester (hallienester@gmail.com) and Nicole Hensel (littlemarie1903@gmail.com).
What are some theme party ideas that have been successful in previous years?
Some successful theme party ideas have been an outdoor movie night, a March Madness party, BBQs, pool parties, sports games, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, sleep unders, a moms movie night, a golf outing, and family game nights.
How should I price my party? Do hosts also have to pay to attend the party?
To figure out the cost per attendee, please take your total budget and divide it amongst the number of attendees you can accommodate. The goal is for theme parties to raise more money than it costs to host the party. Hosts can attend the party for no cost, but should counted into the final headcount.
How do we choose a date?
Plan to hold your party between the months of March and August 2022. Choose a date that works best for all host families, and then cross-reference the School Calendar and 2022 Theme Party Calendar (which will be shared shortly with theme party main contacts) to avoid conflicts.
How can I sign up to host a theme party?
Please complete the submission form linked here. One of our Theme Party Chairs will be in touch with more information and details on next steps.
Who can I contact with questions?
Please direct theme party questions to Theme Party Chairs, Hallie Nester (hallienester@gmail.com) and Nicole Hensel (littlemarie1903@gmail.com). Overall 2022 SMG Gala questions can be directed to gala@stmarygostyn.org.