Frequently Asked Questions

Will I receive a ticket for this event? No, this is a ticketless event. Simply provide your name at the check-in desk at the entrance to the Green Room on the 2nd floor and our volunteers will confirm your attendance.

What is the dress code? Cocktail attire encouraged—with a touch of musical flair (think instrument-inspired jewelry, sheet music patterns, or a playful nod to your favorite piece). Or some of us may opt to wear concert black with a scarf or tie covered in music notes or our favorite instrument, or simply visit our temporary tattoo station and select a tattoo to express your chosen musical flair.

I would like to donate but I do not want to do so in such a public way during the live auction or paddle raise. We got you! We get it! Not all heroes wear capes. And not all heroes are extroverts. Simply walk up to one of our QR codes posted in the Green Room (also on page 13 in your gala program), scan the QR code, set your donation amount, and donate privately. You may also donate here before (or after) the gala.

Will there be a place for me to put my bag / suitcase / instrument during the event? Yes, there will be an attended coat check just outside the entrance of the Green Room on the second floor of the Veterans Building, the same one that contains Herbst Theatre (which is where Civic Symphony and M2M perform).

What time should I arrive? Doors will open at 6:30 PM. Please arrive promptly; your glass of bubbly will be waiting for you as soon as you visit the check-in desk on the second floor. If you find yourself with extra time and are seeking a place nearby for a small bite, Max’s Opera Cafe at 601 Van Ness Ave is only a couple of blocks away and has a large menu with quick service.

What is a Paddle Raise? A paddle raise is a live fundraising method where donation levels are announced and attendees raise their paddle to commit to a specific amount. Example: During a gala, the host announces, “Who can give $1,000 to support our programs?” Several attendees raise their paddles. A volunteer records each paddle number under the $1,000 level. The host moves to the next level – "Who can give $500?" – and more paddles go up. After all commitments are recorded, attendees complete payment for the total amount they pledged.

This will be my first Silent Auction. How does it work? A silent auction is a fundraiser where participants bid on displayed items by writing their names and bid amounts on sheets or using mobile devices, with no auctioneer present. Items have set starting bids, with a pre-agreed minimum raise, and winners are the highest bidders at auction closing time (8:45pm).

Ok, so I write my bid on a piece of paper in front of the item I want and return periodically to see if I have been outbid. If so, I can raise my bid and ‘battle it out’ on paper. Got it. Sounds strangely thrilling. Tell me more - what are some of the items in your auction this year? Our gala committee has curated a wonderful mix of experiences and objects designed to delight the civic-minded amongst us. Please take a look at a selection of the auction items and get your pencils ready! There will also be a very brief live auction for some of the larger value items and quick-paced paddle raise at 8pm which our Summer Workshop Conductor Arun Saigal will be leading for us.

What happens to the proceeds from the gala? 100% of auction proceeds help to sustain SF Civic Music. As a volunteer-run nonprofit organization, we rely on the support of generous donors like you to keep concerts free for the community and playing opportunities accessible for our musicians. Last year we collected 22% of our annual operating budget at our gala. We are hoping to surpass that this year.

What methods of payment will be accepted? Bring a credit card. We will have QR codes that you can scan on your phone to complete payment, plus Square readers for in-person credit/debit card transactions. We will also accept checks made out to ‘SF Civic Music Association’. Please note we will not be able to accept cash at this event.

Is there an elevator? Yes, there is an elevator in the lobby of the Veterans Building. Take it to the second floor and you will see the entrance to the Green Room up several steps. There is also an accessible ramp which leads into the Green Room, but be sure to stop by the check-in desk first.

What is the parking situation like around the Green Room? Street parking is limited but there are several accessible parking garages nearby. It is recommended to take public transit to the venue via MUNI or BART.

Tell me more about how tax deducations work at a nonprofit fundraising gala. The San Francisco Civic Music Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with Federal Tax ID number 94-3311973. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. As a donor (or bidder) you can only deduct the amount you pay above the item’s fair market value. Please retain a copy of your receipt(s) for your records and consult your tax advisor for specific advice on the tax deductibility of your gifts. Oh, and the fair market value of an individual gala ticket is $125.

What if I need to leave early? You can leave whenever you want, but the silent auction will not conclude until 8:45 PM. So if you leave before that, we will contact you after the event if you won an item, and to arrange payment and item pick-up.

I have a food allergy. What can I eat? We will have a selection of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres as well as sweet treats from local caterer, the family-owned La Mediterannee. All foods will be labeled for your information.

What are some of the entertainment options at the gala?

• champagne (okay, actually prosecco - we are a nonprofit!) reception

• chamber music by our musicians and friends

• a wandering magician

• selection of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres

• temporary tattoo station with a musical theme

• silent auction (see preview of items here)

• paddle raise

• a photobooth

• afterparty (location to be announced).

I have a question about something you haven’t covered here - where can I find the answer? For more information, contact gala@sfcivicmusic.org