Providence Academy Annual Gala

How is Seating Determined?

To ensure state compliance, this year our tables will seat 6 and guests receive their table assignments at check-in the evening of the event.  If you have a preference of who you’d like to sit with, we will do our best to accommodate—simply note it on your RSVP.  Many people don’t make a seating request at all.  In that case, we’ll arrange a lovely table for you, typically with other parents from your child’s grade or division, or other alumni families.

What Should I Wear?

The PA gala is a formal event. Black tie attire is invited, but guests will feel comfortable in other options. Ladies wear a variety of dresses from evening gowns to cocktail dresses to “little black dresses”. Ladies will want to note the grass ground for shoe selection, and potentially bring flats along if they prefer to arrive in heels. Gentlemen wear tuxedos, dinner jacket and trousers, or business suits. Our event will involve a variety of settings around the PA campus grounds, but dinner and the live auction with take place indoors in the Great Room and social settings will be held primarily outdoors in the back courtyard. Please take note of the weather as weather in early May can vary substantially, even throughout a single evening, and you will want to have that consideration. There will be heaters throughout the outdoor space in the event the temps are cooler than expected.

Cash, Check or Credit at the Event?

Heads or Tails ($20 per chance), Split-the-Pot Raffle Tickets ($100 each), Drink & Cigar Tickets ($5-$20), as well as the wine & whiskey pull game ($20 per pull) will require payment by cash or check only. Auction purchases for both the silent and live auction can be charged to your bid number and settled by cash, check or credit card.

Will the Gala Look Different This Year Due to COVID?

As with most events in COVID-time, the answer is yes.  Understanding that we are all looking forward to coming together and celebrating our community while raising funds to enhance our school, Providence is remaining diligent in adhering to COVID-time protocols and ensuring compliance with health and civil authorities. Outdoor, seated events are currently governed by Executive Order 21-11. And, as we have done all school year, we look forward to meeting “multiple top priorities” – achieving institutional needs (in this case holding our beloved Gala) while also adhering to all relevant health and safety protocols.  Should health or civil authorities change current guidance related to our event we will be sure to update our community.

What Will the Gala Capacity Be for In-Person Attendees? 

We are currently anticipating a capacity of 250 attendees, so tickets may be limited. Our capacity is subject to current executive orders governing outdoor, seated entertainment venues.

What is the Virtual Event Compared to the In-Person Experience?

Virtual Experience:

Understanding the variety of scenarios that may prevent an individual from attending our gala in-person this year, Providence is excited to provide a pre-recorded, 30-minute virtual program which will begin and end with a brief live broadcast component for our virtual audience. While the virtual event will not replicate the full live gala experience for the entirety of the night, it will have a unique personal touch and will include our prize drawing for the split-the-pot raffle ticket winner!

In-Person Experience:

The on-campus event will have a similar feel to previous years with modifications for health & safety precautions, and abiding by all current Department of Health and active Executive Orders. Our event is planned to take place both indoors and outdoors. Silent Auction items will be on display in the Multipurpose Room adjacent to the Great Room, and Dinner and the Live Auction will take place in the Great Room. Tables will be spaced six feet apart and a maximum of six guests will be seated at each table. The outdoor portion of the evening will include a reception held in the PA Courtyard from 5:30-6:45 pm with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. And, following dinner and the formal in-person program, guests will be able to return to the courtyard to enjoy fire pits, games, a dance floor, soft music, drinks, and cigars truly “under the stars”. Face coverings will be required both indoors and outdoors when moving about the event, per Executive Order 20-81, but may be removed when seated at your table and when enjoying a beverage (or cigar!).

If I Don’t Attend In-Person, How Can I Bid on Auction Items and Support the Fund-A-Need?

The silent auction will be open to all, whether you plan to attend in person or not! The silent auction will open on Friday, April 23 and remain open until 6:45 pm on Saturday, May 1.

For those who wish to participate in the mini-live or live auction for premium items, but who do not plan to attend in person, please contact Mr. Josh Anderson, Manager of Annual Giving. We will arrange to have a staff member serve as your “proxy” during the live, in-person auction. You will be only identified by bid number, so the staff member will not know your identity and will only bid on your behalf on the package(s) you desire and only up to the maximum bid amount you specify.

And, for the Fund-A-Need, we encourage all to support the Fund-A-Need by contributing through the Gala registration page! We will still hold our traditional live Fund-A-Need auction style fundraiser the evening of the in-person Gala, but all gifts submitted online or mailed to the school in advance will equally support our “Shrine & Scholarships” Fund-A-Need package.