When is the 35th Annual Holiday Gala?

Sunday, December 11, 2022, at 6:00 pm.

Where will it be held? Where do I park?

The Holiday Gala and Auction will be held at the Carolina Inn. Guests may park in the Carolina Inn parking lot for a charge of $7 per car or in the Nash parking lot or McCauley parking deck across the street from the Carolina Inn free of charge. 

If you have questions or concerns about parking or need to discuss accessibility please do not hesitate to call or email Matt Herman at matt@ocrcc.org or 919-968-4647. 

How much does it cost to attend? How to I purchase tickets?

Tickets are $100/person for a single ticket before the RSVP date or $150 for a donation ticket that includes an additional donation to the Center. You can also purchase a private table for 10 or 12 guests. Please note that we are required to issue tax-deduction receipts to the purchaser, even if your friends reimburse you for purchasing their tickets. If you would rather purchase tickets individually, please nominate a group leader and write that person's name in the "Group" field on the registration form. Please understand that while we try our best, we are unable to guarantee seating together for groups with individual tickets. You can purchase tickets here.

When is the RSVP date? Do you sell tickets at the door?

Please RSVP by Wednesday, November 20. After this date, ticket prices increase to $125 per person, and you will not be able to purchase private tables. Thank you for your understanding -- An advance headcount allows us to plan more accurately for catering, therefore ensuring lower expenses and more money going to the cause! 

We only sell tickets at the door if there are any left, but it's best to get your tickets early. Last year's event sold out!

What is Express Check-In and Express Check-Out?

When you register for your tickets, we ask for your complete contact information. Filling this out completely for yourself and your guests will save time checking in at the event.

This year, we can save even more time by allowing guests to register for Express Check-Out when they purchase tickets. Check the box that reads, "I authorize Orange County Rape Crisis Center to use the credit card entered on the submission page at event OCRCC Holiday Gala 2022." Your credit card will be securely registered and attached to your bid number. At the end of event night, there's no need to check out. We will charge all purchases to your registered credit card 1-3 days after the event and mail receipts shortly after.

How will I get my tickets?

You will not receive paper tickets for the event. Your name and your guests' names will be added to our guest list and a receipt of ticket purchase will be emailed to you. 

Are my purchases tax deductible? When will I get my receipt?

The amount of any contribution that is tax deductible is limited to the excess of any money over the value of goods or services provided. For example, single tickets cost $100 and are valued at $50, so $50 of that purchase is tax deductible. We will mail receipts listing all auction-related purchases after the event.

What is the attire?

This year we are giving masquerade elegance, so come dressed to the nines and show us your best fancy disguise! Cocktail party and black-tie attire.

How does the dessert auction work?

During the reception, be sure to view the desserts on display for the dessert auction. When the ballroom opens for dinner, each table will have a dessert auction pledge card. Each guest at the table can enter an individual amount that they are willing to donate toward the dessert auction. The table that collectively pledges the highest will win first choice of dessert, the second highest will have the second choice, and so on. All pledges are binding, and will be added to your purchases for the night of.

What is the drawing prize?

Win a 10 Day trip to Costa Rica! We will have 100 Raffle Tickets for $100 each available for purchase. You can purchase drawing tickets at the same link as admission tickets, and tickets will be available at the event (if still available). The winner will be announced at the end of the event, but does not need to be present to win. 

How does the live auction work?

We will use our traditional method of bid cards and shouting out numbers. So get ready to raise your card for some awesome items! We will be posting some of our incredible live auction items to the website soon for you to preview ahead of time. In the event of a dispute between bidders, the auctioneer shall have discretion to either determine the winning bidder or re-offer the item for bid. If a dispute arises after the sale, the Center’s sales record shall be conclusive. The auctioneer may remove an item from bidding if bids do not reach a price commensurate with the value. Upon the auctioneer’s statement of sale, the winning bidder assumes responsibility for it.

Check out guidelines: 

After the program has ended, auction winnings will be available for pick up as you exit the ballroom. If you have registered for Express Checkout, you’re good to go! If not, please pay for your items, dessert pledges, and raffle tickets at the registration table before you leave. Receipts for all auction purchases (including admission tickets and donations) will be mailed to you before the end of the year.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, or would like to find out how you can help at this year's Gala please contact Development Specialist, Briana Proctor, at briana@ocrcc.org or 919-968-4647.