Everything You Need to Know for a Great Gala!

Are you ready for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity's biggest party of the year? Our Hard Hat & Black Tie Gala is this Saturday, May 20, and we couldn't be more excited! Below, we've included answers to your most frequently asked questions, so you can have the best gala experience possible. 

Where is the Gala, and where do I park?
We're at The Depot - Minneapolis (225 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55401), a gorgeous and newly-renovated event space in downtown Minneapolis right off Washington Avenue. Enter The Depot from 5th Avenue South and park in the surface parking lot or go to the underground garage. Check out our map of The Depot for more information.

What do I need to bring?
This is a ticketless event. As long as you're registered, all you need to do is show up at the registration table and give your name. You'll be asked to enter a credit card at registration to ensure a seamless evening of bidding high and giving generously. Please do not skip this step, as it will make checkout much easier for you. 

What's the order of events?

• 6:00 p.m. – Social hour and silent auction (silent auction closes at 7:45 p.m.)
• 7:30 p.m. – Dinner, program hosted by Miss Shannan Paul, and live auction
• 9:30 p.m. – After Party featuring Square Feat, games, and Habitat's famous photo booth

What's for dinner?
You're in for a treat with this sumptuous three-course dinner:

• Salad: Fire-roasted apples, baby greens, and candied walnuts with a fini cheddar vinaigrette
• You'll have two options for your entrée:
  • Filet Mignon and Herb Chicken Jus with garlic mashed potatoes and broccolini
  • Butternut Squash Ravioli with sage cream sauce, toasted pepitas, dried cranberries, and broccolini (vegetarian option)
• Dessert: Flourless Chocolate Cake and Passion Fruit Tart (also, freshly brewed coffee and tea)

Appetizers will be served during the social hour and at the President's Reception. We'll also have several cash bars throughout the event space. You'll be able to purchase bottles of wine for your table before dinner at registration.

How can I bid on auction items?
Our silent auction goes live on Wednesday, May 17, so you'll be able to start bidding from home even before you arrive at the Gala! Once you're at the Gala, you'll receive instructions on how to continue bidding from your phone. Alternatively, you can place a bid using the tablets found next to each silent auction item. Be sure to check out our live auction items, which are only available for in-person attendees to bid on.

How will I check out for the evening and get my auction items?
You will be notified that you won a silent auction item during the dinner program. If you're bidding through your phone, you'll receive a notification of what you've won. Everyone will receive a receipt at their table.

Please plan to check out at the end of the night. This is where you'll complete your payment for any live or silent auction items you won. Then you can take your auction items home with you. 

Pro tip: registering your credit card at registration at the beginning of the night makes checking out so much smoother—please don't skip that step when asked!

What if I want to pay for my donation and auction items with something other than a credit card?
No problem! You’ll still have to enter a credit card to bid or donate, but when you get to checkout, just let them know how you'd like to pay.

Why did I get an email from Auction Harmony that shows a remaining balance?
After you check out, Auction Harmony sends an automated email with a receipt that shows your item(s) and/or donation as a "remaining balance." This is simply because your card (or other gift payment) won't be processed until Monday after the auction. So don't worry about it! You will receive an acknowledgment email from Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity within two weeks of the event with your total tax-deductible portion from your auction items and/or donations.

What if I have to leave the Gala before I'm able to pick up my auction item?
Events Manager Bry Nagan will be in contact with anyone who wins an auction item but is not able to bring it home that evening. There will be curbside pick-up days during which you can pick up your item at the Twin Cities Habitat office in St. Paul. The curbside pick-up times are:

• Thursday, May 25, 5 - 7 p.m.
• Saturday, June 3, 12 - 2 p.m. 

What is this After Party I keep hearing about?
Once dinner is done and we've hit our $1.1 million fundraising goal, then it's really time to party! Dance the night away to the music of Square Feat, or grab some friends and play our fun party games. And don't forget to pose with our construction props at Habitat's famous photo booth!

What’s the hashtag?
Look at you being all social-media savvy! It is #HardHatGala. Please share photos of your construction couture and your favorite Gala moments using the hashtag!

What is construction couture?
The signature element of the evening is the mix of formal wear and construction gear—we call it construction couture! It’s the only party in town where guests can wear Carhartt and Versace in the same ensemble. 

Is there an option to attend the Gala virtually?
We do not have a virtual option for the Gala this year. We look forward to gathering in person for a wonderful celebration!

Special thanks to our Hard Hat & Black Tie Sponsors!