List of 14 frequently asked questions.

• Q. What is the Benefit?

  The Benefit is our community celebration benefiting Flexible Tuition at Hillbrook.
  

  • All net proceeds support the Flexible Tuition Program at Hillbrook; nearly 1 in 4 students benefit directly from Flexible Tuition. We know that this is one way to strengthen our school and community.
  • Last year, the Benefit raised over $630,000!
  • The Benefit is attended by current and former Hillbrook parents, grandparents, faculty, staff and their guests. It is an all-school, community-building event.
  • The event includes a Live and Silent Auction, Auction Parties and activities, live band, raffles, and more!
  • This Benefit is sponsored by the Hillbrook School Parent Council (HSPC).
  • This year’s event is on Friday, March 20, 2020 at the DoubleTree in San Jose @ 6PM-12AM.

• Q. How do I buy tickets and what is included in my ticket?

  Purchase tickets on the Hillbrook Benefit Microsite by Givesmart that will go live in February.  

  • General admission single tickets are $130 each. In light of recent events, we have suspended the planned price increase of tickets to the Benefit, and ticket sales remain open. 
  • Families who directly benefit from Flexible Tuition get a 50% discount using the code ‘Star20‘ for a single ticket and ‘Twinkle20’ for a couple ticket.
  • Appetizers, hosted bar, and buffet dinner are available during the live auction. Live band entertainment and a night of fun and laughter are all included with your ticket. 

  Register to bid on the Hillbrook Benefit Microsite by Givesmart, and use your smartphone to bid on Silent Auction and buy Auction Parties.

   

• Q. I can't attend the Benefit but would love to support Hillbrook's Flexible Tuition Program. What can I do?

  We will miss you at the event and thank you for thinking of ways to show your support. There are many ways you can participate including:

  • Volunteer your time before the event (One-time; solicitations; art projects; and more)
  • Donate experiences and items - vacation homes, event tickets, gift certificates, wine, and goods
  • Host or Buy into an Auction Party - Get Creative and have fun while creating community
  • Purchase items off the Wishlist for class baskets
  • Sponsor the event or give to Stand Up for Students with a 100% tax-deductible donation
  • Bid on Silent Auction items. You do not need to be present to bid; simply Register on the Hillbrook Benefit Microsite by Givesmart, and use your smartphone to donate, bid on Silent Auction items and buy Auction Parties.

• Q. What can I donate?

  Top-selling Silent Auction items include:

  • Offer a stay in a vacation home (e.g. beach, ski, golf, adventure, international - all are awesome!)
  • Donate sports, concert, and event tickets
  • Share a tour or experience related to your area of expertise, profession, or hobby
  • Organize a unique experience like a scavenger hunt, cooking/dining with a chef, or behind-the-scenes tour
  • Access to private golf courses, planes, and workspaces
  • Contribute wine, top shelf liquor, restaurant gift certificates, or popular products
  • Airline miles to round out a getaway package

  Host an Auction Party or Experience: The Hillbrook community loves a party. Get creative and have fun. Tickets to these events are popular and sell out quickly. Download last year's Auction Catalog here for more ideas. 

  
  To contribute, please fill out the Auction Donation Form , Auction Party Sponsor Form, or reach out to Benefit co-chairs.

• Q. What is Stand Up For Students?

  • A highlight of the Live Auction, all guests can raise their paddles to benefit our Flexible Tuition Program at Hillbrook.
  • This opportunity welcomes participants to raise their paddles at various levels, ranging from $100 to over $37,000 - 100% raised goes directly to benefit the Flexible Tuition Program.
  • You can also give to “Stand Up For Students” in the Silent Auction on the Hillbrook Benefit Microsite by GiveSmart or by contacting Joe Connolly or Cathy Carlson
  • We invite our entire community to join together for this effort in attempting to reach our goal of $300,000.
  • All Stand Up for Students donations are 100% tax-deductible.
  • All Stand Up for Students donations will be recognized in the Annual Report, unless you prefer to be anonymous.

• Q. What will the Benefit proceeds be used for?

  Proceeds raised from the Hillbrook Benefit directly support the Flexible Tuition Program. Nearly one in four students directly benefit from the Flexible Tuition Program (Hillbrook allocates over $1.8 million this year), so this event is both meaningful and essential to Hillbrook’s commitment to keeping an economically diverse student body.

• Q. What is an Auction Party?

  Experiences or parties are imagined and sponsored by our own parents and teachers.

  • Auction parties are extremely popular with limited spots, so be sure to purchase early!
  • Available for purchase on the Hillbrook Benefit Microsite by Givesmart (You can view Auction Parties starting in March 2020.)
  • Example experiences from last year include: Broadway San Jose and pizza (a trip to see Aladdin for 4th-8th graders) and Petroglyph in downtown LG (an after school student party for JK-5th graders).
  • Example parties from last year include: Father-Daughter Dance, Junior Scientist Party, Ping Pong Party, and a Tequila and Tacos Party!

• Q. What are class baskets?

  • Themed baskets are created by the HSPC with contributions from the Hillbrook parent community.
  • View our class basket wish lists by grade, buy direct from Amazon, and your purchases go directly to Hillbrook School. Read Hillbrook Happenings for details!
  • You are also welcome to purchase items from any grade level’s list or donate any other item that relates to a theme.
  • Drop off donations at the Front Office anytime through 8am on Wednesday, March 11.

  Join us when we get together to wrap them at the Basket Assembly Party on the morning of Wednesday, March 11th at the Levoy’s house! The baskets are then part of the Silent Auction.

   

• Q. How can I volunteer?

  We are seeking help with the following:

  • Silent Auction and Auction Party solicitation volunteers
  • Grade Level Benefit Buddies
  • Silent Auction display volunteers
  • JK through 2nd Grade art projects for the Silent Auction
  • Develop Amazon wishlists for the class baskets
  • Assemble baskets at Class Basket Building Party
  • Write thank you notes at the Thank-a-thon
  • Day-of-Event set-up help

  Reach out to Cathy Carlson, Jami Johnson, or the Benefit co-chairs to volunteer.

• Q. How do I sponsor the Benefit?

  • Sponsorships are vital to the success of the Benefit.
  • Each year families and businesses sponsor at various levels from $500 to $10,000. 
  • Sponsors will be recognized at the event.
  • Various giving levels include Benefit tickets, recognition on the Benefit Microsite, advertising in our Auction Catalog, and Premium Wine Bar tickets.
  • Sponsorship donations may be tax-deductible over the amount of the cost of the tickets, advertising, etc…

  Use the Family Sponsorship and Student Advertising Form and email to Benefit@hillbrook.org or use sponsor when you buy your tickets on the Microsite.

• Q. How do I advertise in the Auction Catalog?

  • Your business or an associated business can purchase an advertisement in our Auction Catalog.
  • Families (and particularly those in 8th grade) have the opportunity to purchase a student advertisement in our Auction Catalog. Download the Family Sponsorship and Student Advertising Form from this page. 
  • Our Auction Catalog gains visibility with over 300 families in our community.

• Q. What can I expect on the night of the Benefit?

  • Silent Auction - Bidding on Silent Auction starts on Wednesday, March 11 on the Hillbrook Microsite by GiveSmartand ends at 11PM the night of the event. There is a huge variety of items and price points - something for everyone, so be sure to take time to review the catalog.
  • Live Auction - Guests are invited to take their seats for the Live Auction whether bidding or just enjoying the buzz of the room.
  • Seating is generally organized by grade. If you have a request, fill in the seating request field when purchasing tickets; we do our best to accommodate.
  • Premium Wine Bar - A beloved Hillbrook tradition, these wines are donated from the private collections of Hillbrook families. Premium wine starts at $25/glass. Tickets are available on the Hillbrook Microsite by GiveSmart and at the event.
  • Included in the price of the ticket is dinner (vegetarian options will be available), complimentary beer, non-premium wine, and cocktails and live entertainment. 
  • Dress is cocktail attire and anything works.
  • We will also celebrate the graduating 8th grade class. Hillbrook’s 8th grade class welcomes Benefit attendees before heading off to their own celebration with chaperones!
  • Overnight accommodations are available at the DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose. Book now for special rates!

  Schedule - 6:00pm appetizers, hosted bar, Premium Wine Bar, and raffles; 6:45pm buffet opens; 8:00pm all-school video, Live Auction, and Stand Up for Students; 9:00pm live music, dancing, dessert & coffee, hosted bar, and Premium Wine Bar; 12am Hillbrook Benefit concludes.

• Q. What do I need to know about the Hillbrook Benefit Microsite by GiveSmart?

  • To enable mobile bidding, respond to the welcome text you receive from “52182” with your first and last name.
  • Once you register with GiveSmart, you can purchase tickets, sponsor the event, bid on Silent Auction items (after March 11 at 6PM and before March 20 at 11PM), and sign up for Auction Parties (after March 11 at 6PM). After registering, you will be sent a unique URL via text message and email.
  • This URL is unique to you and will provide you with the following features:
  • View detailed item information, current bid status, and what you’ve won
  • Bid anytime, anywhere during the Silent Auction (includes setting max bids)
  • Receive alerts when you’ve been outbid
  • Personalize an item ‘watch list’ for you favorite listing

• Q. I still have questions. What can I do?

  Please reach out to Cathy Carlson or Jami Johnson. The Benefit co-chairs are also available for any questions you might have. Looking forward to seeing you on Benefit night!