Gala & Auction FAQs
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Lafayette Park Hotel
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 a cause worth celebrating!
What's included with my ticket?
Tickets to Saklan's Starlight Gala & Auction include:
- A Cocktail Reception featuring an Open Bar, Hors d'oeuvres, and Live Entertainment
- 3-course Plated Dinner
- Wine with Dinner
- Dance Party to End the Night
What should I wear?
Classic Cocktail and Evening Attire inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood (1920s - 1960s) is encouraged. However, please feel free to wear cocktail attire that best suits you!
Where should I park?
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
7:30 - Move to Ballroom for Plated Dinner
8:00 - Program Begins
9:00 - Dancing Begins
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. :-)
Will there be entertainment during the Event? Yes!
We are excited to welcome James Rokas, Saklan Class of 2012, who will be playing classic jazz standards during the cocktail reception. At the end of the evening, DJ Julien will be spinning all the dance favorites as guests take to the dance floor!
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 to 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 Master's from USC. He is bonded in the state of California and has a Benefit Auctioneer Specialist designation from the National Auctioneers Association.
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!
Have questions?
Feel free to reach out to Emily, Saklan's Director of Communications & Development, with any questions you have.
