Hillbrook School | The Hillbrook Benefit

The Hillbrook Benefit

Each year, The Hillbrook Benefit is a memorable and fun evening celebration that supports Hillbrook's Flexible Tuition Program.

Save the date for Friday, March 20, 2020. We hope to see you there!

Organized by the Hillbrook School Parent Council (HSPC) and the Office of Advancement, the annual Benefit is one of the school's largest community-building events and a critical fundraiser for the Flexible Tuition Program at Hillbrook.

Thank you in advance for your valuable support of our school.

Key Dates

January: Online Ticket Sales Open
Early March: Silent Auction and Auction Parties Available For Viewing on Microsite
Wednesday, March 4 from 8:15 AM-10:15 AM: HSPC Benefit Thank-a-thon
Wednesday, March 11 at 6 PM: Silent Auction and Auction Parties Open Online
Wednesday, March 11 at 8 AM: Class Basket Assembly Party. Join us for food and lots of fun!
Friday, March 20 from 6 PM-12 AM: Hillbrook Benefit 2020

Contact Cathy Carlson or Jami Johnson. We look forward to connecting with you!

Benefit FAQ's: How to Get Involved

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

Q. How do I attend the Benefit?
- Purchase tickets on the Hillbrook Benefit Microsite by Givesmart that will go live in January.
- Register to bid on the Hillbrook Benefit Microsite by Givesmart, and use your smartphone to bid on items and experiences.
- Review the flow of events under "What can I expect on the night of the Benefit?"
Q. I can't attend the Benefit this year 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:
- Volunteering your time before the event
- Donating items
- Hosting a party
- Purchasing items for class baskets
- Bidding on items during the event: You do not need to be present to bid, simply register on the Microsite ahead of time.
If you have questions about how to complete any of these items, please reach out to the team at benefit@hillbrook.org.
Q. What can I donate to the Silent Auction or Live Auction?
- Top-selling items include:
To contribute, please fill out the Auction Donation Form located on this page or reach out to Benefit co-chairs.

Check out last year's Auction Catalog for item ideas.
Q. What are some volunteer opportunities?
- We are seeking help with the following:
Reach out to Cathy Carlson, Jami Johnson, or the Benefit co-chairs to volunteer.
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 and buy direct from Amazon. 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 Wednesday, March 11.
Each year, members of each class collect items and can get together to wrap them at a Basket Assembly Party on the morning of Wednesday, March 11 - more details to come! The baskets are a popular and fun fixture in the Silent Auction.
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 include: Camping with Ms. Schilly (a weekend camping trip to Big Basin for 3rd-6th graders) and PJs and Pillows (an after school student party at Hillbrook for JK-3rd graders).
- Example parties from last year include: Father-Daughter Dance, Junior Scientist Party, and a Tequila and Tacos Fiesta!
Interested in getting involved or brainstorming a party? Reach out to Cathy Carlson, Jami Johnson, or one of the Benefit co-chairs.

See examples of Auction parties in last year's Catalog!
Q. How do I sponsor the costs of the Benefit or Faculty/Staff Benefit Tickets?
- Sponsor the costs of the Benefit or Faculty/Staff Benefit Tickets on the Hillbrook Benefit Microsite by Givesmart when it goes live in January.
- Your company can also sponsor costs of the Benefit using our Business Sponsorship and Advertising Form located on this page.
- Based on your level of support, complimentary tickets, name recognition, and free advertising opportunities are available.
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. If you would like to see some examples, visit Cathy Carlson’s office.
- Our Auction Catalog gains visibility with over 300 families in our community.

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

Q. What is the Benefit?
- The Benefit is our community celebration benefiting Flexible Tuition at Hillbrook.
- All proceeds support Flexible Tuition 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, sign-up parties and activites, live band, raffles, and more!
- This Benefit is sponsored by the Hillbrook School Parent Council (HSPC).
Q. What can I expect on the night of the Benefit?
- View Silent Auction items on the Hillbrook Benefit Microsite by GiveSmart in March. Once you register, you can bid and sign-up for parties anytime after the Silent Auction goes live on Wednesday, March 11 at 6 PM.
- Silent Auction - Bidding on Silent Auction starts on Wednesday, March 11 on the Hillbrook Microsite by GiveSmart and 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.
- We will also celebrate of 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!
Q. What is Stand Up For Students?
- A highlight of the Live Auction, all are invited to 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 $35,000 - 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.
- We invite our entire community to join together for this effort in attempting to reach our goal of $300,000.
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 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:
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!

List of 3 members.

Cathy Carlson

Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations

(408) 356-6116 x505

ccarlson@hillbrook.org
Joe Connolly

Chief Advancement and Enrollment Officer

(408) 356-6116 x305

jconnolly@hillbrook.org
Jami Johnson

Advancement and Enrollment Office Manager

(408) 356-6116

jjohnson@hillbrook.org