FAQ
Whether this is your first or fifth Tower benefit, you may have questions! If we didn't answer your question below, please reach out to any member of our benefit committee or to Jessie Achterhof, Director of Development.
- Can you explain the timing and format of the event?
- What does the benefit support?
- Who attends the benefit?
- What is the suggested attire?
Can you explain the timing and format of the event?
PARKING
Guests may park in Cornell Loop and walk directly to the tent or park in the main or side lots off West Shore Drive and walk through the school and out the double-doors by Nurse Paula's office.
5:30PM | REGISTRATION
Check-in at the registration tables at the entrance to the tent. Here you may pre-swipe a credit card to save time at checkout, purchase tickets for the “Head of School for a Day” raffle, and pay to play in the Heads or Tails game (details below).
6:00PM | QUICKIE BOARDS
Get ready for some not-so-silent bidding on the famous Tower Quickie Boards. There are ten 4' x 6' white boards stationed around the front half of the tent with about 10-16 items on each board. Quickie board captains (volunteers) are stationed at each board to take bids on items. Definitely mark up the benefit booklet and familiarize yourself with where certain items will be located so you can go from board to board checking on your bids. The quickie boards are fast-paced, fun, and offer something for everyone. At 7:15pm boards will begin to close at 3-minute intervals. Ms. Kenwell is our quickie board auctioneer and will be assisting the quickie board captains in closing each board, settling all final bids.
7:50PM | DINNER PROGRAM
After the final quickie board closes we ask for your cooperation in moving into the back half of the tent for the dinner program. There will be a mix of round tables which seat 10 guests and rectangular tables which seat 16 guests. It is open seating which may make some parents feel nervous but we assure you, everyone will find a place amongst new or old friends!
HEADS OR TAILS
To help transition everyone into the dining area and seated, Mr. Field will lead a game of "Heads or Tails". If you registered for the game at registration you start by standing up. Participants place a hand on their "head or their tail". Mr. Field will flip a coin and announce whether it's heads or tails. If you got it right, you remain standing for the next round. Eventually it will come down to just a few people who will be brought up on stage for the final rounds. The winner will take home a star themed decoration, handmade by Tower parent Steve Pitt, adorned with scratch tickets.
ICELAND RAFFLE
We'll draw the winning ticket to find out who’s heading to Iceland to see the Northern Lights!
LIVE AUCTION
Mr. Field and Mrs. Orne will be our auctioneers this evening. The live auction features just a few select items, focusing on some big trips and unique opportunities. Raise your paddles high and remember that benefit proceeds directly fund the Cultural Enrichment program for students and the Professional Development program for faculty. Thank you for bidding!
FUND-A-NEED
Following the live auction, the community comes together with their collective support to fund a project which benefits all students. This year we are really excited to raise funds to improve the Lower Kitchen. This kitchen is used frequently by all grades with a weekly cooking program in Kindergarten, Lower School cooking clubs, special baking sessions with 4th grade blue blankets, and numerous Middle School arts block classes, and special Spanish cooking projects. In addition, parent volunteers use the space to pop popcorn, make hot chocolate and help with special all-school snacks. On the wish list: create a pantry for storage; eliminate one wall of cabinets and counters in order to make enough room for students to move more freely around the kitchen; add two new adjustable height tables and stools; install new appliances including a commercial grade refrigerator, double-oven, and dishwasher; put up a whiteboard for following recipes; and purchase all new cooking appliances, gadgets and accessories.
9:30PM | LIVE MUSIC
Check-out opens 15 minutes after the final bids are placed but the night doesn’t have to end here; stay under the tent with old and new friends for live music by local band 5xFast.
10:30PM | EVENING CONCLUDES
Please stop by check-out (where registration was in the beginning of the evening) to approve charges and pick up any certificates for any items won or contributions made during the evening. We appreciate you bringing home any items won that night as we have a limited ability to store items at school. Last but not least, be sure to take home a small favor as a thank you for being a part of this stellar evening.
What does the benefit support?
The proceeds generated by the auction support two important programs that enhance and enlighten the experience provided by the school—the Cultural Enrichment program for students and the Professional Development program for faculty. Click here for more information.
Who attends the benefit?
What is the suggested attire?
After two years with no big events, we are looking forward to getting a little dressed up! The suggested attire for the benefit is cocktail attire—think spring dresses, blazers, dress pants, fun accessories. Do remember, however, that it's spring in New England and we'll be outside so dress for the weather. The tent will be over natural grass so best to wear flats, wedges or protect your high heels with these.
Here are a few photos from past events that may give you a sense of the range of appropriate attire:
