The Hillbrook Benefit

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

• All net proceeds support the Flexible Tuition Program at Hillbrook; 32% of our 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 $550,000!
• 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, Benefit Parties and activities, and much more!
• The Benefit is sponsored by the Hillbrook School Parent Council (HSPC).
• This year’s event is on March 18th, 2023, from 6pm - 12am.

• Reservations and table requests will open in February 9, 2023.
• The cost to attend the event is $150 per person.
• Families who benefit from Flexible Tuition receive a discount to attend. 

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 (solicitations and more)
• Donate experiences and items - vacation homes, event tickets, gift certificates, wine, and goods
• Host or Buy into a Benefit Party - have fun while creating community!
• Purchase items off the Wishlist for class baskets
• Sponsor the event to help cover the costs
• 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 Benefit Parties tickets.

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. 

• 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 $40,000 - 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 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 can be corporate matched!
• All Stand Up for Students donations will be recognized in the Annual Report, unless you prefer to be anonymous.

Proceeds raised from the Hillbrook Benefit directly support the Flexible Tuition Program. 32% of our students directly benefit from the Flexible Tuition Program, so this event is both meaningful and essential to Hillbrook’s commitment to keeping an economically diverse student body. Hillbrook currently allocates over $2.7 million to Flexible Tuition.

These experiences or parties are imagined and sponsored by our own parents and teachers. Previous examples include game nights, themed parent-only or family events, outdoor escape rooms, and one-of-a-kind craft lessons in Hillbrook's beloved Hub (and those are just a few!)

• Benefit parties are extremely popular with limited spots, so be sure to purchase early!
• These will be in-person events on various dates, starting in April and into the Fall.
• Parties are available for purchase on the Hillbrook Benefit Microsite by Givesmart You can view Benefit Parties starting in March.

• Class baskets are created by the HSPC with contributions from the Hillbrook parent community. Each basket is filled with gifts, games, and activities, with a different theme for every grade.

• You'll be able to view our class basket wish lists and donate items directly from Amazon - your purchases go directly to Hillbrook School. Keep an eye on Hillbrook Happenings for details!

• You are welcome to purchase items from any grade level’s list or donate any other item that relates to each theme.

• There will be a basket assembly event two weeks before the Benefit - email us at benefit@hillbrook.org if you'd like to volunteer!

We are seeking help with the following:

• Silent Auction and Benefit Party solicitation volunteers

• Grade Level Benefit Buddies

• Develop Amazon wishlists for the class baskets

• Assemble baskets

• Write thank you notes at the Thank-a-thon

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

• Sponsorships are vital to the success of the Benefit.

• Each year families and businesses sponsor at various levels from $10,000 to $500. 

• Sponsors will be recognized during the event and in the Benefit Catalog. 

• Various giving levels include Benefit tickets, recognition on the Benefit Microsite, advertising in our Auction Catalog, and social media highlights.

• Sponsorship donations may be tax-deductible over the amount of the cost of advertising, food, wine, etc…
• Sponsors get awesome benefits - click here for details!

• Our Auction Catalog gains visibility with over 500 families in our community. Your business or an associated business can purchase a business 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 Advertising Form from this page (click here to view previous examples)

• Table seating - 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. 
   
• Silent Auction - Bidding in the Silent Auction typically starts on the Sunday before the Benefit and ends at 8pm on the following day. 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 - We will have premier items available through the Silent Auction. Some may be highlighted during the live event. Bidding will take place on the Hillbrook Microsite by GiveSmart.
   
• Premium Wine Bar - A beloved Hillbrook tradition, these wines are donated from the private collections of Hillbrook families. Premium wine bar tickets will be available for purchase on the Hillbrook Microsite by GiveSmart and at the event.
   
• Tentative Schedule - The event starts at 6:00pm with appetizers, hosted bar, Premium Wine Bar, photo booth, and raffle; 7:30pm - Seated dinner, live presentation (All-School Video), and Stand Up for Students; 9:00pm dance party and photo booth; and party on until 12am. 
   
• Other celebrations - we will also celebrate the graduating 8th grade class. Hillbrook’s 8th grade class will be part of the Benefit before heading off to their own celebration!

• 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 sponsor the event and bid on Silent Auction items.  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 your favorite listing

Please reach out to Cathy Carlson. You can also email benefit@hillbrook.org and reach the entire Benefit team, including Benefit Co-chairs Julia Austin Basilico, Mistie Cohen, and Danielle York. Looking forward to seeing you all on Benefit night!