2024 Monte's Benefit Gala

Introducing the inaugural Monte’s Benefit Gala!

Join us for a night of nostalgia and community at the first annual Monte’s Benefit Gala. Formerly part of the annual WATSA event, this adult-only event will feature food, drinks, music, and a silent auction to raise funds for our school. All proceeds fund programs and resources for our kids like STEAM programs, librarian, and more.

Theme: Throwback to the 90s

Venue: Los Altos Community Center

Date: Friday, Nov 15; 7-10pm

How to Participate:

• Attend: Register to enjoy a night of fun, food, and fundraising. Bid on exciting Monte Parties and items donated by the community.

• Host a Monte Party: Become a host for a Monte Party, a popular gathering for parents throughout the year. Check out this party planning guide to spark ideas and then fill out this form.

• Donate items to auction: Fill out this form to donate items to auction. How about a weekend at a vacation rental – beach house, mountain cabin? Tickets to sporting events, concerts, plays, zoos and aquariums? Can you donate sports memorabilia, wine tasting experiences, or unique and adventurous experiences like hot air balloon rides, zip-lining, or a scenic helicopter tour?

• Sponsor: Support the event by becoming a sponsor.

Affordable childcare will be offered by Champions and Catalyst, even for those not currently enrolled in their programs. Contact the following for more information:

• Champions:
  • $40 per child
  • 6-10pm, includes dinner
  • Contact Marlen Meza at: CH002691@discoverchampions.com (min 10 signups)
• Catalyst:
  • $40/child paid in cash prior to Nov 1st to hold spot
  • 6-10pm, includes dinner
  • Children do not have to be registered with Catalyst but must be potty trained
  • Contact Janel at center50514@catalystkids.org to sign up (min 10, max 25 signups)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Monte’s Benefit Gala is a new fundraising event put on by the MPTO. Our goal is to raise $60,000 via tickets sales and auction bids to fund critical STEAM and literacy programs, extended library hours, and other auxiliary programming at Montclaire Elementary School that are not otherwise available to our students.

When is it? Friday, November 15, 2024 from 7-10 pm

Where is it? Los Altos Community Center located at 97 Hillview Avenue in Downtown Los Altos

What’s the dress code? The theme is “Throwback to the 90s” but there is no dress code. Feel free to come in costume (think neon colors and Saved by the Bell), casual, dressy, or whatever feels most comfortable to you!

What’s the cost? Tickets are $50 per person. There will be unlimited appetizers and drinks (wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options), a live band (thank you, Madhav!), access to auction bidding, and FUN. Tickets for teachers and staff are complimentary. All food and drinks have been generously donated or sponsored. 

Who can attend? This is an adults only event, open to current and former Montclaire parents, teachers and staff.

Does this replace WATSA? Based on feedback that the annual WATSA (Walk-A-Thon and Silent Auction) fundraiser was overwhelming to organize and attend, MPTO decided to split WATSA into two separate standalone events. The Silent Auction has been rebranded as “Monte’s Benefit Gala” and is where you can bid on donated items and Monte Parties (formerly known as “WATSA parties”). Monte Parties include kid, family, mom, and dad community-building events such as the very popular Casino Night, Mom’s Hike, Dad’s BBQ, etc. The Walk-A-Thon will still take place in early April. 

What items will be in the silent auction? In addition to the Monte Parties and Teacher/Principal Parties that are offered each year, there will also be items to bid on such as vacation rentals, sports memorabilia, sports tickets, fitness classes, fine dining, wine and spirits, and more! 

What’s this about a live auction?! Stay tuned for a few exciting items to encourage some friendly competition!

Will there still be a wine and spirits auction? The wine and spirits auction, formerly held the week before WATSA, will now be a part of Monte’s Benefit Gala. Rather than soliciting a large volume of donations, we will be curating a fine selection that we hope you will enjoy.

Do I need to attend the Gala to bid in the auction? Yes. Just like at previous years’ WATSAs, attendees will be provided a unique bid number and must attend the Gala in person to bid. 

Is childcare provided? MPTO has partnered with the childcare programs Catalyst and Champions to offer affordable childcare from 6-10pm on November 15th on Montclaire’s campus. Your child does not need to be currently enrolled in their programs to qualify. Contact Catalyst (center50514@catalystkids.org) or Champions (CH002691@discoverchampions.com) for more information on pricing and availability. 

How can I donate a party or item to the auction? Contact Jenna or Kolina at gala@montclaire.org or visit https://montclaire.schoolauction.net/2024gala/ for more information and to purchase tickets. Thank you to those who have already donated or plan to! Your generosity makes a HUGE impact on our kids’ educational experience and builds the community that Montclaire is so proud of!

Questions? Please email gala@montclaire.org.