Dearest Friends,We can not thank you enough and your support has been overwhelming! As a result our Winter Gala tickets have sold out for the moment. However, we are starting a wait-list in case a few extra spots become available to you over day.

To be added to the wait list for this tomorrow’s Winter Gala, please e-mail us www.friendsofstjudenyc@gmail.com with a subject line that reads, “WINTER GALA WAIT LIST” and a body with your full name and cell phone number. E-mails that do not contain all these components will not be considered.

Unfortunately, please keep in mind that by joining this wait-list you are not guaranteed a spot at the gala. Should any spots open up, we will be contacting you directly via phone on a first come, first serve basis. So join the wait-list now to increase your chances! IMPORTANT NOTE: IF A SPOT HAS OPENED FOR YOU, YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED VIA PHONE NO LATER THAN 10:30AM ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6,2008.

If you do not hear from us by this time, a spot has not been made available for you. Please also note that there will be NO DOOR SALES.Thank you again for your loyal support! Hope we get to see you tomorrow night! You are truly making a difference in the lives of our children and their families!

~ The NYC Friends of St. Jude

AND FOR SOME COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANWERS….

1)  How do I get to the Puck Building?

The Puck Building is located on 295 Lafayette Street (corner of Houston Street). There are a number of ways to get to the Puck Building:

• By Subway:   6 Train to Bleecker Station or F, V Broadway/Lafayette Station or N-R to Prince Street
• By Bus: Take the M21, M103, M1
• By Taxi:  Please see address above.

For any further questions on location, please contact the Puck Building at: 212.257.6085

2. What is the dress code for the Winter Gala?

Formal attire is the requested dress code for the Winter Gala.  Tuxedos for men are NOT required, but are welcomed.  You will not be turned away for looking fabulous!

3. Which New York City restaurants are included in the tasting?

Throughout the night you will enjoy culinary tastings from various outstanding New York City restaurant such as  Banc Cafe, California Pizza Kitchen, Danny’s Café, Broadway Café, Sala One-Nine, 24 Prince, Yuva and more! For dessert you will enjoy the beloved and popular cupcakes by the Cupcake Chef.

4.  Will there be an open bar?

Please take pleasure in an open bar for the entire length of the evening provided by some of our wonderful sponsors such as Bedford Wines, Bison Grass Vodka, and Coca-Cola.

5. What is a silent auction and how does it work?

A silent auction differs from the typical auction which is conducted by an auctioneer who calls out the prices for items and then takes the raised hands or paddles of people as bids at a certain price.

 A silent auction is conducted by setting up tables or displays of items or services upon which you can bid.  A minimum bid and bidding increments will be set for each it item/service.  Paper will be located near the item, which will allow you to write down your name and bid. This will give you a chance, during the event, to tour the different items available for auction and decide upon which items you would like to bid on.  You can visit table with the silent auction items a number of times and view on the bidding sheet of paper for each item what the most recent bid price is.  You will then have the opportunity to bid a higher price.  We will announce the highest bidder when the bidding closes.  If you are not present and your name is announced as the highest bidder, we will contact you no later than Wednesday of the following week to let you know you of your winnings. 

6. What type of payment will be accepted for the silent auction/raffle?

 Cash, all major credit cards, and checks will all be accepted.

7. I already bought my ticket or table but I do not see it reflected on my credit or debit card yet. Why?

Transactions may take up to two weeks to be processed, at which time you will see it reflected in your statement. You will however, be receiving an immediate confirmation number of your purchase via an automated e-mail. If you have received this confirmation, your name and those of your guests have been entered into our guest list. If you do not receive this confirmation, please try purchasing your ticket(s) and/or make your donation once again via the website. If you have any doubts or are experiencing trouble please email Glendalee Ramon at glendalee.ramon@stjude.org

8. What is this VIP Table experience all about?

This year’s Winter Gala is offering parties of 10 to experience the joys of the event without the duty of waiting at bars for drinks or trying to secure a cocktail table while indulging in the assortment of culinary delights offered by our generous participating restaurants. 

The process is quite simple:

• VIP Tables hold 10 people and must be secured in advance- They are on a limited basis so do secure them now!
• Upon entering the event, VIP patrons will be given a special bracelet for entry into the sectioned off VIP area.
  Each group of 10 will be given a reserved table where they will have exclusive access to  both an assortment of drinks and proper “mixers” and an attentive wait staff ready to provide personalized attention to VIP patrons.
• Drinks of course are unlimited but keep in mind that bottles will not be permitted outside the reserved area.
• As for dining, VIP patrons will have the luxury of sitting at their reserved tables while enjoying food from some of  NYC’s best restaurants.
• Please note that all tables must be paid in full at time of purchase along with guest names.  In addition, the individual that purchases the tables with receive a receipt for the full expense unless otherwise requested.

9. What portion of the proceeds goes directly to the hospital?

We know how important it is to you that as a Friend of St. Jude, the majority of your contributions make its way to the hospital. That’s why the committee has been working hard to secure donations to keep our costs as low as possible and still provide the best event for you. The daily operating cost for St. Jude is nearly $1.3 million, which is primarily covered by generous public contributions such as yours. Despite this large number we are proud to say that eighty-five cents of every dollar received supports the research and treatment at St. Jude. Thank you for allowing us to keep this percentage so high. Every dollar does make a difference!

10. How can my company/family/friends help sponsor the  Winter Gala?

Contributions to the Friends of St. Jude Winter Gala can be made on the Friends of St. Jude website:  www.friendsofstjude.org/nyc or by contacting Glendalee Ramon at 212-239-3239.

 

We can’t wait to see you there!