Gala FAQs

Where & When is the event?

Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront
Address: 600 Airport Blvd, Burlingame, CA 94010
Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 6PM

What is included in my ticket purchase?

Includes sit down dinner, 2 drink tickets and gaming chips. Receive $50 in casino gaming chips if you purchase during Early Bird Ticket Sale (1/21 – 1/31) – $25 in Casino gaming chips AFTER 1/31 during Regular Ticket Sale (2/1 – 2/28).

What is the format of the event?

Enjoy cocktail reception, and cash bar followed by a sit down dinner and live auction. Casino games to be provided by Aces Up, a professional gaming company. Redeem your winning chips with the dealers at the end of the night for a chance to win raffle prizes. Dealers will be available to teach guests how to play all the casino games available. Additional casino cash cards will be available for purchase at the event. Be prepared to play, dance and have a fun time!

What should I wear?

The theme this year is “Casino Royale” so let your imagination take you there! Formal attire is always admired but never required!

What should I bring?

Bring your dancing shoes to this adults only event and be sure to have cash or credit card ready for getting more gaming chips for Casino Games and Live auction. You don’t want to miss out!

Skip the lines! Save or “vault” your credit card information in the school auction online system where you purchased your tickets. All guests will receive an email a few days before the event to check-in online AHEAD OF TIME and given the opportunity to save credit card information. This is a secure, encrypted system so rest assured your information is safe.

Is parking available at the event?

Parking at the Bayfront Hilton is complimentary to all Gala guests. Take a parking ticket when you arrive in order to enter the parking area. You will NOT need your ticket to leave the parking lot. At the Gala Reception area, you can place your parking ticket in the receptacle labeled “Parking Tickets” as the parking gate will be open by 9PM.

Are children invited to the event?

This is a 21 and over adults only event.

Is there an age limit to enter the event?

By law, no one under age 21 is allowed to participate at our Casino Royale Gala fundraising event. This is an adults-only event.

How do I enter all the guest information for my table?

The Gala committee will be sending out an email with instructions on how to enter the names, addresses and email addresses of all your guests by no later than 20 days before the event. THIS IS IMPORTANT as each guest will be asked for their choice of meal, and be provided with assigned auction bid numbers for the evening’s activities after we receive this information.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No. Purchasing your ticket confirms your registration for the event. All guests will receive an email a few days before the event to check-in online AHEAD OF TIME and save credit card information for the auction. Go straight in to get your name tags and your table information.

What forms of payments are accepted at the gala?

Cash, check, credit cards are all accepted at the gala. To speed through check-out at the gala, save or “vault” your credit card information to the school auction online system. This is a secure, encrypted system so rest assured your information is safe.

Skip the lines! Save or “vault” your credit card information in the school auction online system where you purchased your tickets. All guests will receive an email a few days before the event to check-in online AHEAD OF TIME and given the opportunity to save credit card information. This is a secure, encrypted system so rest assured your information is safe.

FMS is charged a credit card processing fee of 3.37% in order to accept credit cards. If you pay for your purchases/donations at the gala with a credit card, you have the option to add that fee to your total so FMS will receive the full value of your donation. Alternatively, you can choose to not add that fee to your total.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Gala Tickets will not be tax-deductible for Gala 2020 as ticket price covers 100% of services provided. If you sponsor a teacher/staff, you may receive all or part of your gift as a charitable contribution. Please check with your tax advisor. Whether goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous donation may impact what may be claimed as tax-deductible. Please note that in some cases, items like program book sponsorships through ad purchases may also be written off as business or advertising expenses. Again – it is always best to check with your tax advisor for guidance.

Is childcare available?

No, We encourage families to put together play dates or find other childcare options so that you may enjoy an evening out.

I’d like my company to match my donation – what’s the best way to do this?

Please check out the “Donate” page of the FMS website to learn more about how to donate to FMS, including a link to corporations we know that will match donations to FMS. Typically the corporate matching information is available through your Human Resources or Community Relations departments. Our EIN/Tax ID is 45-2465260. The mailing address is PO Box 123, San Mateo, CA 94401. We can provide a detailed acknowledgement letter via e-mail or mail upon request.

What kind of seating will be available at the event?

Tables of ten can be reserved and is recommended if you’d like to ensure you sit with whom you like. Unlike previous years, seats will be assigned for Single ticket & Couple Ticket holders. We will do our best to group seating by the grade level. If you want to choose who to sit with, purchase the Table Option. Note: All ticket and table sales are final – no exceptions.

Can I increase my table from 10 to more guests?

Unfortunately we cannot make changes to the table seating. For your comfort, we recommend 10 guests per table. Better yet, buy more tables and we can try to place your tables close by.