EVENT INFO & DETAILS
What is the Spring Fundraiser?
The Spring Fundraiser is one of the most fun, most talked about Hamlin events of the year! It is an adults-only (Hamlin parents and their guests) evening party that includes a cocktail hour, Raise the Paddle effort (more info below), live music and dancing, and more fun to be announced! This year’s theme is Glitter & Glitz and our event chairs are Christine & Nima Farzan.
Your participation in this event contributes to the Parents Association's annual gift to Hamlin. Last year, thanks to the generous contributions from the community, the PA made a gift of $620,000 to support the extraordinary education our daughters receive at Hamlin.
Will there be a live auction at this year’s event?
Back by popular demand, we will once again host this event with no live auction! Without a live auction everyone can enjoy more time with friends to celebrate our beloved school. This event remains an essential part of the PA gift each year, which means together we must still meet our fundraising goal without a live auction. We invite you and the entire community to support the event in other ways to make it a success - underwriting, Raise the Paddle, and the online auction all support the efforts of the PA.
Will the dinner program be seated?
Believe it or not, we've outgrown the affordable venues for seated dinners in San Francisco! To accommodate the increase in enthusiastic attendees at this event, this year we will have a stationed dinner with plenty of delicious food. You will not go hungry with the bountiful spread we have planned, which will be located in the same room as the program. Cocktail tables and chairs will be set up throughout the main room if you want to rest your feet in between jam sessions.
Sounds fun! What do I wear?
This year’s Spring Fundraiser is an opportunity to glam it up in support of Hamlin! Think sequins, sparkles, bling - whatever makes you shine!
TICKETS
Which ticket price should I choose?
In recognizing that every family at Hamlin is unique and in wanting to offer greater access to the event, we offer two ticket prices with the same level of inclusion and benefits: $75 and $250. When considering the two ticket prices for this fundraiser, please choose which level is the best fit for your family. Ticket sales go live on Friday, February 7 - be on the lookout for your e-invite on the same day!
UNDERWRITING
What exactly is underwriting, and am I expected to contribute?
This event brings the Hamlin community closer together, but it is also a critical part of our fundraising efforts that help support the school’s operating expenses. Underwriting supports the Parents Association in our efforts to raise crucial funds for financial assistance, faculty enrichment, and innovative programs at Hamlin. While we encourage you to join the underwriting effort at whatever level is most meaningful to you and your family, there is no obligation or expectation to do so.
Beyond underwriting, there are lots of other ways to get involved, from supporting Raise the Paddle or the online auction (more info below) to volunteering your time on the event committee (please reach out to Lisa Wheeler at wheeler@hamlin.org for details on how you can help). Please note: we are delighted to recognize underwriters at every level on the event invitation and website. The deadline to be recognized on the invitation is Wednesday, February 5.
RAISE THE PADDLE & THE ONLINE AUCTION (INCLUDING COUNT ME INS AND FACULTY ALL STARS)
What is Raise the Paddle?
In addition to underwriting and ticket sales for the event, the Spring Fundraiser features a Raise the Paddle effort. Raise the Paddle is a fun, fast-paced, auction-style round that raises funds for Excellence Everyday at Hamlin. Raise the Paddle efforts have supported athletics and PE, outdoor education and experiential learning, and professional development. Event attendees are invited to “raise their paddle” at whatever amount is most meaningful to them.
And don't forget - many employers will match any charitable contributions made by their employees - and it can be an easy way to double (or even triple or more) your gift to Hamlin! Those who utilize matching gifts will be recognized at the level of their total giving. In order to initiate a matching gift, check with your employer for their policies and forms. Hamlin's tax ID number is 94-1393894.
Will there still be a silent/online auction this year?
Yes! The online auction is a great way to support our school – it’s full of fun and unique items to bid on and every gift supports Hamlin’s mission. Be on the lookout for more information on online auction items and bidding in the coming weeks.
Our online auction is made possible thanks to generous donations of goods and services from Hamlin families and the greater community. For example, a Hamlin family might own a salon and donate a haircut and/or massage. Another family might own a vacation home and donate a week-long stay. We’re very open to unusual or creative ideas as well! For more information and/or to donate a good or service, contact Lisa Wheeler at wheeler@hamlin.org.
What about Count Me Ins and Faculty All Stars?
A "Count Me In" (CMI) is an event that draws on a family’s or group of families’ own interests and/or expertise. It can incorporate any strength, interest, or hobby that you bring to our special community. Parents design and host the event by choosing the activity, the date and location, the target audience (e.g., children, parents, just your class, all classes, etc.), the number of attendees, and the price. Examples might include a themed, home cooked dinner for fellow class parents, candy making lessons for a group of Lower School students, a day at the movies or bowling alley for families, etc.
Faculty All Stars are social activities planned and hosted by Hamlin faculty and staff. Examples might include a spa day with Ms. Yeung and Ms. Frank, a pizza party with Grade 1 teachers, etc. They are fun ways for girls to bond with their teachers and Hamlin staff outside of the classroom.
Be on the lookout for more info on Count Me Ins and Faculty All Stars soon, and if you are interested in hosting a CMI event for Hamlin girls, Hamlin parents, or a combination of both, please reach out to Lisa Wheeler at wheeler@hamlin.org.
Still have questions or want to get involved? Please contact Lisa Wheeler at wheeler@hamlin.org. We look forward to hearing from you!