Get All the Details You Need for the 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, April 27, 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?
This year we'll be at The Depot - Minneapolis (225 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55401), a gorgeous event space in downtown Minneapolis. You'll 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 also be asked to enter a credit card at registration to ensure a seamless evening of bidding high and giving generously. This will make checkout much easier for you. (Oh, and don't forget to wear your construction couture!) 

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

• 9:15 p.m. – After Party featuring Free and Easy Band, games, and Habitat's famous photo booth

What's for dinner?
Dinner will include a fresh and bright beet salad, plus a duet of Wagyu sirloin steak and herb-roasted chicken served with fingerling potatoes and broccolini. The vegetarian option is a delicious quinoa truffle ragout.

Appetizers will be served during the social hour. 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, April 24, 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. You can start bidding at home and finish up at the Gala—and be sure to check out our live auction items!

How do I complete my online auction purchase and/or donation?

• First, you'll be prompted to enter your credit card information when you bid on an auction item or make a donation (even if you plan on using a different payment method).

• Next, you'll need to finalize your purchase(s) by clicking the "checkout" button after the auction closes (or whenever you're done if you're not bidding on anything). There, you'll see your total, including all auction items you won and your donation.

• Once you complete your purchase, you'll be emailed a receipt. If you pay by credit card, your card will be charged on Monday, April 29.

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 select “I want to pay a different way.” Then specify your payment request and we’ll contact you to process the payment. You can pay by check, stock, or a gift vehicle like a donor-advised fund. You can also split your payment and pay for your auction items with your credit card and use another form of payment for your donation. Just add it in the notes section.

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?
Auction items will come with instructions on how to receive them. But it will likely be one of two methods:

1. If it's a certificate, you'll receive it in the mail.

2. If it's a larger item, you will be able to do curbside pickup from our headquarters in St. Paul on Thursday, May 2, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., or Saturday, May 5, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. If you can't do curbside pickup, let us know and we'll figure out a solution. 
   

Note: There are some items that cannot be shipped or delivered outside of the Twin Cities - these are noted in the auction descriptions.

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 Free & Easy Band. Or grab some friends and play some of 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. Check out some examples here.

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!