The Spring Event is a beloved Saint Mark’s tradition that is always a lot of fun. If you have never been, we are here to answer some frequently asked questions for you!

What does a ticket include?

ALL ticket levels include dinner, 2 drinks per person and valet parking. Sponsorship levels include extra perks.

Where will I sit?

You will have the chance to list your preferred guests to be seated with in the checkout process after you purchase your ticket(s). We can’t guarantee seating, but we will try to accommodate all requests as much as possible.

If you’d like to be sure to sit with someone specific, a great option is to coordinate with someone and sponsor at the Lively Live Oaks level, which includes four tickets (and other perks). Or use your extra two tickets to bring a prospective family you know. This event is a great way to get to know our parent community!

If you are a Distinguished Deodars sponsor, you will have the option to select the guests at your table for 10. Split a table with a group of Saint Mark’s friends, or bring friends from outside of school! A group can go in together on this option so that they can be sure to sit together. If needed, you can email us a list of your meal choices by February 20, after you purchase the table.

How does the meal selection work? Do I have to choose my entree to buy my tickets?

We will enjoy a sit down dinner with a beautiful salad, a choice of one of two entrees, and a desert. The food at this venue is absolutely delicious! Please select your choice of entree when checking out. A choice of entree is not required to complete your ticket purchase, but is very helpful. If you are unable to select your entree at the time of checkout, please email your selection to the event chair emails provided on our landing page. Please email us if you are vegan, gluten free or have any other dietary concerns, like a nut allergy.

Is there parking at the event and is it included in the price?

Yes. Valet parking is included with your ticket or sponsorship. We also highly encourage carpooling or ride shares. 

What should I wear?

We don’t want this to be a point of stress for attendees this year of all years. We would love for it to be easy and comfortable. Certainly do wear or bring an extra pair of dancing shoes! At our last gala we were doing the boogie, the worm and all the moves! 

Both cocktail attire and formal attire are appropriate, but a little more casual is ok, too. If you just want to throw on your little black dress, or a shirt and slacks, that is totally fine! If you’d love to wear a beautiful outfit that you feel amazing in that doesn’t necessarily go with the theme, do it! 

If you would like to dress to suit the event theme, go for floral prints, green, leafy designs and anything nature inspired. Also, bright colors that you might find in a flower! Think of us as flowers blooming in the garden, symbolizing our bursting forward into a bright future. For more inspiration, check out our “What to Wear” slideshow presentation, which will be emailed on Wednesday, February 11.  

What is a Buy-in Party? 

A favorite aspect of this event is the Buy-In Party. A Buy-in Party is an event created by a host(s) from our school community and set for a specific future date. The hosts plan and cover the costs of the event, and all the funds raised from the ticket sales go directly to the school. 

Buy-In Parties can be for adults only (Whiskey and Wranglers is back this year!), for the whole family, like an end of summer pool party, or just for kids. The events take place either at the host’s home or at a venue. They’re a great way to have a fun time with current friends and connect with new ones.

Can I purchase a ticket for a Buy-in Party without attending Rooted and Rising? 

Absolutely! Buy-In Party tickets are sold on the same site as the silent auction, which will open the week of the event. Look for the email announcing it’s live and act quickly, because spots go fast! 

What is the Silent Auction? 

Our procurement team has been busy gathering amazing items for our Silent Auction. You bid on these items online and keep an eye on your competition so you don’t get outbid. The Silent Auction goes live the week of the event. You (or grandparents, relatives and friends) can bid on auction items even if you can’t make it on the big night on March 14!

What is the Live Auction, and how is it different from the Silent Auction? 

The Live Auction takes place only at the event. It’s fun and a little rowdy, and features our most extravagant or limited items that are up for bid. An exotic getaway, anyone? Or better yet, how about Head of School for a Day? Jenn Tolbert will have to share her seat with your child, as they help make fun decisions and run the school!

What is the Paddle Raise? 

The Paddle Raise portion of the evening has a special fundraising focus towards a specific initiative that benefits our children and their teachers. It is the best part of the night, when everyone gets excited and raises their paddles for a good cause. We are excited to announce the focus of this year’s Paddle Raise very soon! 

How will I pay for items at the event and Live Auction?

During the checkout process of buying tickets, you may opt to save your credit card for the event. This is the easiest way to streamline the process when you check in at the event. If you do not save your card for the event, you will receive a message that confirms that you have paid for the event, but not saved your card for auction use.

NOTE: Our auction site, Greater Giving, has high-level security for nonprofit fundraising by acting as a Level 1 PCI-certified vendor—the highest standard—to protect donor payment data. 

This is a cashless event. Every guest will be asked to leave a credit card number when entering the event. Your card will only be charged if you purchase additional drink tickets or opportunity drawing tickets, win an auction, or make a paddle raise bid. 

What if I can’t attend, can I still participate in the auction? 

Absolutely! Even if you can’t join us on March 14, you can purchase Buy-in Party tickets and opportunity drawing tickets, bid on the silent auction, and give to the paddle raise without being there.

* * *

Thanks for reading and we can’t wait to see you at Rooted & Rising on March 14 at 5:30–11:00 p.m. at the University Club of Pasadena!