Thank you! Our event was a BIG WINNER! 

The May 2nd 2020 Spring Gala & Auction has been canceled due to current health ordinance and COVID-19. Read more here.

Ladies and Gentlemen – grab your big hats and dashing bow ties and join us for

An Evening at the Races

Evening Itinerary 

• 6-7pm: Cocktail hour featuring appetizers by Nugget Markets and a signature cocktail by Perry’s – “SPARK-Julep”
• 7:30-9pm: Sit down dinner, honoree presentation, live auction and fund-a-need
• 9-11pm: Live music by Petty Theft, casino games, late night snacks, coffee and dessert Bar

Event FAQ 

1. How do I purchase tickets and where is the event?

All tickets are available online starting March 25th and sales close April 30th. You must register and create an account in order to purchase tickets. Passwords and usernames from prior years will not work as they recently upgraded their software – but if you have an active account from this year’s online auction, this will be your account to purchase event tickets as well. The event will be held at Marin Civic Center Exhibit Hall located at 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. Tickets are $155 per person (early bird pricing ended April 15th at 9pm). Your ticket includes access to the cocktail hour with appetizers, family-style sit down dinner, open bar, Live Auction, Fund-a-Need and dancing with Petty Theft.  

2. Can I sit with my friends? 

Yes! You can purchase a reserved table for 10 for $150, which ensures your group sits together. Please note you will still need to purchase individual tickets even if you purchase a reserved table. There is also plenty of open seating available should you prefer to meet up friends at the event and grab a table there.

3. How do I purchase a reserved table?

From the Ready Set Auction Sign Up page, select buy sponsorships. This will allow you to purchase a reserved table for 10 people. It does not include tickets to the event.

4. This reserved table thing is stressing me out – Help! 

Don’t sweat it – there is plenty open seating during the entire event so you’ll have no problem finding a table. You won’t be in your seats long though – the Live Auction, Fund a Need, Honorees and dinner is super fun and you’ll have ample time before and after to mingle with everyone on the dance floor and at the casino tables.

5. What do I wear? Is this a costume party?

While we’re encouraging you to dress festive – that means different things to different people. Just as the Kentucky Derby is a chance for every female to express her inner Southern Belle, an evening at the races is no different. Whether you desire to pull out all the stops with a hat decorated with flowers, feathers, bows and ribbons of any color, a pastel-colored suit or  bold separates, we’re hoping you’ll have fun in your finest spring fashions.

6.  What are you serving at the event? 

Thanks to our partners Nugget Markets and Perry’s, we’re offering a variety of delicious food including a signature cocktail.

7. Will there be dancing?

Absolutely! Plan to dance the night away with everyone’s fave Tom Petty tribute band, Petty Theft.

8. What is Fund a Need?

Every year the District Administrators discuss and collaborate with SPARK what they would like to fund at each school that may be outside the funding categories that SPARK already supports. We raise our paddles to support this endeavor with tax-deductible cash donations. When it gets closer to the event, we’ll share the 2019 Fund a Need.

9. What will be in the Live Auction?  

The Live Auction which will feature a variety of swoon-worthy items from once in a lifetime trips to special experiences. Closer to the event, we’ll give you a sneak peek so you can be ready to bid!

10. What else can I bid on at the event?  

Open Parent Parties will be available at the Spring Spotlight event and following online. So if you missed the SPARK Online Auction in March , here’s your second chance to fill up your social calendar. We’ll also have a special drawing with exciting items as well.

11. I want to purchase a ticket for my favorite LCMSD teacher(s) to attend the Spring Spotlight – how do I do this?

We are keen to see as many of our wonderful LCMSD teachers at the event as possible. You can support this by purchasing a ticket directly for a teacher (teacher ticket price is $90) and invite them to the Kentucky Derby Party.