The Main Event FAQ’s

What is the The Main Event?
The Main Event brings the St. Matthew School families and community together for the premier fundraiser of the year. The evening begins with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres during a silent auction, a hosted bar throughout the evening, a seated dinner, and a live auction. The event is usually held each October and festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. at the St. Matthew Parish Activity Center, 807 Havens Corners Road, Gahanna, Ohio. 

Why an auction?  Why not try other ways of raising funds? 
There are number of ways for a school to raise money.  The majority of methods involve door-to-door sales of wrapping paper, magazines or popcorn as well as bake sales and yard sales.  While each of these methods does create income, no combination of these type fundraisers can make as much money for our school as the annual gala auctions do.

The auction is a highly focused fundraising event.  Our Catholic community and the community-at-large have become familiar with St. Matthew School and our annual Main Event auction.  Because we have focused our fundraising to a few very selective events, we are not unrelentingly asking our families to donate or spend money on items they may not really want or need. The Main Event alleviates the need to have these smaller fundraisers – something you will find yourself thankful for each time you answer the door or a co-worker’s plea to purchase a candy bar! 

The Main Event has been the school’s primary fundraiser since 1997 and through the years has raised over $1 million dollars.  Thankfully, this has been reached through company sponsorships, business or family ads in our auction catalog, and many donations from our school families and area businesses. 

What are the goals for the auction?
The current design of the auction serves three goals.

1. Raise Money.  Clearly the funds made are considerable and have great benefit to our school community.  Raising money must always be the auction’s first goal.
2. Promote the Community.  The auction serves as an opportunity for the St. Matthew School community to come together for an elegant evening out to celebrate our school, our community, and the common interest in the Catholic education of our children.
3. Public Relations.  Celebrating our school at the auction with the area’s greater Catholic community, keeps a strong connection with our non-school family supporters.  Many local parishioners support Catholic education, and we invite them all to join us in celebration of St. Matthew School.

Where does the money go?
All of the proceeds go right back to the school and our kids and are truly an investment directly in all them.  In light of the recent state funding cuts this is more important than ever if we want to continue in our commitment to excellence.

Who coordinates and organizes the auction?
St. Matthew parent volunteers have historically volunteered to chair the auction each year.  Along with the Event Chairs, we receive help with the Co-Chair positions. The Co-Chairs are the “understudies” to our Chairs, helping as needed during the current year so that they can make The Main Event a huge success the following year. These Chairs and Co-Chairs are supported by a team of leads and volunteers, who behind the scenes to make your evening fun! Everything is planned and perfected – from decorations and displays to food and beverages to class projects and security. We can’t begin to tell you how important each and every volunteer is in making The Main Event a success!

What is the dress?
The Main Event is a cocktail affair. For men, cocktail attire means a dark suit.  For women, an elegant knee length dress or skirt is recommended.  Tailored pants and a fancy blouse would also work well.

How many people attended each year?
Last year more than 360 people attend The Main Event. We anticipate an even larger gathering this year, and encourage everyone to make his or her reservation early. Current and past parents, grandparents and friends of St. Matthew are welcome.

Do I receive a ticket when I make my reservation?
No, there is no formal "ticket". Just simply go online to our website, www.stmatthewmainevent.com and click the ‘Registration’ tab on the left. Complete the information requested on that page. You can make your payment directly online and click to save your credit card information for the big night.

How is dinner seating decided?
On the notes section of the website registration, you can tell us who you would like to sit with that evening. Tables are comprised of eight (8) people. Unsure? Just fill in your child's grade and we'll make every effort to seat you with other parents from that class. Please keep in mind, that we may not be able to accommodate everyone’s wishes, but will do as much as we can to make your evening perfect.

How do I know where to sit?
Your Table Number, along with your name and Bid Number is on the back of The Main Event program cover you will receive when you check in.

What time is the silent auction?
The Silent Auction begins at 6:00 p.m. and continues throughout the evening.The rules governing the Silent and Live Auctions are listed here.

How do I participate in the Silent Auction?
A bid sheet is placed in front of each item, listing the donation, the donor, the value of the item, the minimum bid, and the minimum raise. The first bidder on each item must offer the minimum bid or higher, and each subsequent bid must increase by the minimum raise amount or more. Enter your bid in the space directly below the preceding bid. At the close of bidding, the last bid on the sheet (highest amount) will be the winner of that item.

How do I get a bid number?
When arriving at The Main Event, each guest will receive a program at the reception tables. On the back cover will be your name, Bid Number, and Table Number. For the silent auction, please use your bid number when you place your first bid and each time you want to raise your bid. Your bid number will also be recorded on a bid sheet when you are the winner of any live auction items.

When is the Live Auction held?
The Live Auction begins shortly after dinner, somewhere around 7:30 p.m., generally after dinner has been served. Please raise your bid paddle HIGH to indicate your intention to bid. The auctioneer will acknowledge all valid bids and determine the winning bid on each item.

How can I help, make a donation, or purchase advertising in the auction catalog?
All contributions are most welcome and even the smallest donation is of great importance in making the auction a success.

•  Make a donation – Many items are needed for the auction.  Of course, donated items or gift certificates from businesses are very important, but that is only the beginning!
•  Do you have a vacation home that you can offer for a week?
•  Can you perform a service: cook a gourmet meal, paint a room, babysit or teach someone how to understand their computer?  The possibilities are endless!
•  Can you build or make something?  Handmade items like quilts, clothes, furniture and toys make our auction unique and special.
•  Become a Corporate Sponsor – Sponsors receive a variety of benefits including tickets to the auction, an ad in the catalog, your company name listed on the sponsor page of the catalog, and a link to your website from our website.
•  Donate your time- many hands are needed to make the auction a success!  We need a representative from most families in the school to help in some way.  Find out how you can help by contacting on of this year’s Auction Chairs.

How can I get an auction catalog? 
In addition to our catalogs being sent home to all of our school families and at the local parishes after masses, the current year’s auction catalog is available for viewing on our website.  

How will I know if I "won" an item?
You may check the "final bid" sheet at the item's location. The winning bid number will be marked in red. You may also ask at the checkout station located at the top of the escalator. Please be sure to take your item with you after you checkout. ??

Is there a minimum bid increase for the Silent Auction?
The minimum bid increase for each item is indicated at the top of the bid sheet.

What if I do not win the items I bid on, but I still want to help the school on auction night? 
In addition to the silent and live auctions, there are opportunities to make donations to the Cash for a Cause: a specifically designated fund that will be announced each year. All you need to do is raise your bidder paddle when the amount you choose to donate is announced.  The donation will appear in your auction total when you check out at the end of the auction.

How do I pay for my auction items?
Winning bids will be collected and grouped by bid number. You may pay by cash, check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover).  Credit cards will only be charged for winning bids. Receipts will be given during check out. All sales are FINAL. There will not be any refunds or exchanges provided.

When can I pickup my item(s)?
Live auction item certificates are available at check out. Some silent auction certificates will also be available at check out. For all other items, once payment has been made, take receipts back to the auction tables. Table assistants will assist you in locating and securing your items. Please check to be sure that the item number of the item you pick up matches the one on your receipt. Large items may be picked up after check out or Sunday morning between 9 a.m. – noon.

Is the cost of my auction purchase tax deductible?
You will receive a statement from the school itemizing each winning bid. Keep in mind that items and services are not always tax deductible.

I cannot attend but would like to support The Main Event. Are there other ways to do so?
Yes, you can consider making a monetary donation to specifically offset the cost of The Main Event. 

Volunteering & Miscellaneous

I'd like to volunteer to help with The Main Event. Is it too late?
It's never too late to volunteer! Just contact volunteer coordinator at volunteer@stmatthewmainevent.com.

How do I add a name to the mailing list?
If you would like a Main Event invitation sent to a friend or to add them to our permanent mailing list, please email us at info@stmatthewmainevent.com.