Should I attend? Most definitely!

We want all our parents, teachers, trustees, friends, alumni and alum parents to come together for what is always a fun evening. This year's event will feature a cocktail reception, seated dinner, live auction, fund-a-need, and more! Mark your calendar, book your babysitter, and enjoy a grown-up night out for an important cause!

What's included with my ticket?

Tickets to Saklan's 70th Anniversary Gala & Auction include:

  *Open Bar & Tray-passed Hors d'oeuvres during Cocktail Reception

  *3-course Plated Dinner with choice of: Pan-Roasted Sea Bass, Filet Mignon, or Butternut Squash Ravioli

  *Wine with Dinner

  *Live Entertainment by Radio Gatsby

What should I wear?

Cocktail attire is appropriate for this event. 1920s cocktail attire is encouraged, but feel free to wear cocktail attire from the decade that best suits you!

Where is Saklan's 70th Anniversary Gala & Auction taking place?

This year's event will be held at the Lafayette Park Hotel, which has plenty of complimentary parking on site. Feel free to park in the garage or in the parking spaces along the side of the hotel.

What is the schedule for the evening?  

6:00 - Cocktail Reception & Live Music Begins

7:30 - Move to Ballroom for Plated Dinner

8:00 - Program Begins

9:00 - Dancing Begins

What is on the menu?

Guests will be able to choose from Pan-roasted Sea Bass, Filet Mignon, or Butternut Squash Ravioli.

What if I have dietary restrictions? Tell us right away!

The chef aims to please and wants you to enjoy the food to the fullest. Please email Emily right away with your food restrictions at ewilliamson@saklan.org.

Will there be entertainment during the Event? Yes!

We are excited to welcome Radio Gatsby to provide live music during our gala. Radio Gatsby is an established San Francisco-based, event & dance band that performs unique arrangements of 1920s & Speakeasy Jazz, Classic R&B, Disco, and Modern Pop!

What can I bid on?  Items small and items priceless!

From student artwork to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, there are choices in all price ranges. Silent auction items start at $20. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, just your time with friends. :-)

What are we raising money for?

This year's Fund-a-Need is new play structures for our playgrounds - but it's so much more than just playground equipment. We are investing in well-designed equipment that becomes a canvas for inventive play, changing its purpose to match the day's adventure. These new play spaces will support not just physical development but cognitive growth, social skills, and emotional resilience—all through the power of self-directed play. When we give our children thoughtfully designed spaces to explore, create and play, we give them the tools to become the innovative thinkers our world needs.

What if I can't attend?  Not to worry, you can still be involved!

Even if you can't join us in person at the Gala, you can still be involved in the auction. From donating wine for the wine ring toss to underwriting a teacher's ticket, there are many ways to show support for the event. This year's silent auction will again be online, so all community members can participate in the auction even if they can't be at the event!

Will there be an MC or Auctioneer? Yes!

Eric Johnson will again be conducting the live auction and Fund-a-Need this year. Eric has more than 20 years of experience on television and radio, and performing and presenting in front of groups ranging in size from 30-3,000. He has parlayed this experience into a career as one of Northern California’s most in-demand charity auctioneers, with more than $4 million raised for clients in the past three years alone. Eric holds dual degrees from Duke University and a Masters from USC. He is bonded in the state of California, and has a Benefit Auctioneer Specialist designation from the National Auctioneers Association.

Have questions?  Email Emily!

Feel free to reach out to Emily, Saklan's Director of Communications, with any questions you have.