Gala FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Have questions about the RE:center’s Survive-to-Thrive Gala? We’ve got you covered! Whether you're attending for the first time, volunteering, or donating an item, this page is your go-to guide for all things gala. From what to wear and when to arrive, to how to participate in the auction or get involved behind the scenes—we’re here to make your experience seamless, fun, and unforgettable.
If you still have questions after browsing the FAQs, feel free to reach out to us directly at admin@rcaz.us or call (928) 457-1707. We can’t wait to see you on October 4, 2025!
Sponsorships
Being a financial sponsor for the RE:center's Survive-to-Thrive Gala means your business or organization plays a key role in bringing the gala to life. Sponsorships help underwrite event costs—such as the venue, dinner, and program materials—so that every dollar raised can go directly toward helping families in crisis. As a sponsor, you'll receive recognition before, during, and after the event, along with the opportunity to align your brand with a cause that has a real impact on our local community.
What are the sponsorship levels and what benefits come with each?
We offer a range of sponsorship levels designed to fit various budgets and goals, each with unique benefits such as VIP tables, marketing exposure, and brand placement.
If I cannot attend the event, can I donate my tickets back.
Absolutely, you can donate tickets back! Just keep in mind that this adds some extra work for our team as we try to find guests to take those seats. To make things easier, we've created other sponsorship packages that don’t include seats but offer more opportunities for brand marketing.
What is the deadline to become a sponsor and be included in promotional materials?
All sponsorship opportunities must be secured by September 19th to be included in any print materials for the gala. If you miss the deadline but still wish to sponsor, please contact us about a customized opportunity that excludes printed programs and signage.
How do I pay for a sponsorship?
Checks can be mailed or dropped off at our office (814 E White Mountain Blvd, Pinetop) during business hours (Mon - Thurs, 9 am - 4 pm).
Or, you can purchase via credit card, ACH, and other digital means on our event page. [Click Here]
What kind of audience will be attending the gala?
The gala attracts over 350 individuals from across the Arizona White Mountains, including local business owners, community leaders, healthcare professionals, nonprofit partners, and supporters who are passionate about their community. It's a diverse and engaged audience.
Who do I contact about sponsorships?
Please contact Ryan Lowe, our Operations Director. You can email him at ryan.lowe@rcaz.us. Or you can call our office (928-457-1707) or reach him directly at 928-358-3894. If you have a question about payment, please email our finance team (admin@rcaz.us).
In-Kind Donations
In-kind donations are a meaningful way to support the RE:center's Survive-to-Thrive Gala by contributing goods or services that help make the event successful. These donations may be used for our auction, raffle, door prize, or guest experience—and they play a key role in raising vital funds for our programs. Whether you're a local business, artist, or service provider, your generosity helps us create an unforgettable evening while directly supporting families in need. If you have an specific question about in-kind donations or need to coordinate a pick-up or drop-off, please call 928-457-1707 or email admin@rcaz.us.
What do you mean by in-kind donations?
In-kind donations refers to donated gift certificates, gift baskets, gourmet desserts, physical items, or comped vacation rentals and services that a donor may be interested in experiencing. For more information, click the link below.
Will my business be recognized during the gala?
Absolutely! Donors may place promotional materials with their donations to be given to winners. Live auction donors (desserts and higher valued items/experiences) will receive live recognition during the event. For more information on how your business can be recognized, please click this link: [View Donation Opportunities]
What types of in-kind donations are most helpful for the gala?
The most helpful in-kind donations for the gala include gift baskets, local experiences, travel packages, event tickets, dining certificates, unique services, and high-quality items that can be featured in our auction or raffle. Creative or themed donations that appeal to a broad audience are especially appreciated and help generate excitement and bidding during the event.
What is the deadline to submit an in-kind donation?
The deadline to submit in-kind donations depends on the type of item: gift cards, gift baskets, and mini experience donations are due by October 2, 2025; high-end live auction items are due by September 22, 2025; and dessert donations must be confirmed by September 29, 2025. For more details - [View Donation Opportunities]
Will my in-kind donation be tax-deductible?
Yes, in-kind donations to the RE:center are generally tax-deductible, as we are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Feel free to ask us for a gift-in-kind receipt for your records, and we recommend consulting your tax advisor for specific guidance.
Can I bundle items into a themed basket or package?
Yes, bundling items into a themed basket or package is encouraged and adds great value and appeal to our raffle and silent auction. Creative themes tend to generate more interest and higher bids!
Event Questions
The RE:center’s Survive-to-Thrive Gala is an exciting annual fundraising event that brings the community together for an unforgettable evening of dinner, entertainment, and giving—all set in a prehistoric, Jurassic Park-inspired atmosphere. Your participation helps transform lives across the White Mountains region. Feel free to call 928-457-1707 or email admin@rcaz.us if you have questions not addressed on this page.
What is the date, time, and location of the gala?
The RE:center Gala will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 5:00 p.m to approximately 8:30 p.m. at the Hon-Dah Resort Conference Center, located at 777 Highway 260, Pinetop, AZ 85935.
Is there a dress code or suggested attire?
The suggested attire for the gala is formal, in keeping with the elegance of the evening. However, we want all guests to feel welcome and included, so you are absolutely free to attend in whatever makes you feel most comfortable.
Will alcohol be served?
Yes, drinks will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Guests seated at a VIP table or attending through a sponsorship package that includes VIP seating will each receive two complimentary drink tickets. We understand that alcohol may be uncomfortable for some guests, and we aim to create a welcoming environment for everyone—non-alcoholic options will also be available.
How do the auctions and raffles work?
The silent auction allows guests to place written bids on bid sheets next to each item, with the highest bid at closing time winning the item. Bucket raffles let guests drop raffle tickets into containers for specific prizes they’d like to win—one ticket is drawn from each bucket. In the 50/50 raffle, guests purchase tickets for a chance to win half of the total cash collected, while the other half supports the RE:center. During the dessert and live auction, an auctioneer will present high-value items, and guests bid by raising physical paddles—the highest bidder takes home the prize.
How many people attend this event?
We expect approximately 350 attendees at the event, including guests, volunteers, and staff. There are 320 tickets available for purchase, so we encourage you to reserve yours early before they sell out.
Will there be assigned seating?
Can I buy a table or reserve a group spot?
Yes, there will be assigned seating. If you'd like to sit with friends or family, we recommend purchasing tickets in one transaction to ensure you're seated together. Alternatively, you can reserve a VIP table for an even more memorable experience. If general admission tickets are purchased separately, email admin@rcaz.us to request group seating, and we'll do our best to accommodate your request.
What time do doors open?
We’re thrilled you asked! Doors will open at 5:00 pm, and arriving on time will offer you more chances to immerse yourself in the activities, connect with friends, and embrace the thrilling ambiance of the evening. The first 100 guests will be entered to win a door prize that you won't want to miss.
How will my contribution support the RE:center’s programs?
Your support directly benefits the RE:center's Survive-to-Thrive Initiative, which helps individuals and families transition from crisis to lasting stability. The funds raised through the gala enable us to provide essential services, including financial assistance for those in crisis, food access, homelessness prevention, transitional housing, transportation, job readiness training, mentorship, and coordinated support through our network of community resources in our Arizona White Mountains.
How can I make a donation at the event? Will my donation or purchase be tax-deductible?
There will be a special opportunity to make a donation at the end of the night, and you’re also welcome to give at any time during the event at the registration desk. Donations made through the gala are tax-deductible. If you win an item in an auction, only the portion of your payment that exceeds the fair market value of the item may be tax-deductible. Please note that raffle ticket purchases are not tax-deductible under IRS guidelines. We recommend consulting your tax advisor for guidance and the most up-to-date tax advice. All guests will receive a receipt.
What is the theme of this year’s gala?
The theme of this year’s gala is “Jurassic Night,” transforming the evening into an immersive prehistoric adventure inspired by Jurassic Park, complete with dramatic décor, astonishingly lifelike surprises, and engaging activities. This year’s message, “Life finds a way,” reflects the resilience and determination of the individuals we serve as they navigate challenges and work toward lasting stability with support from the RE:center’s programs.
What is the evening’s schedule or program?
Doors will open at 5:00 p.m., allowing guests to enjoy drinks, socialize, and take photos (trust us, you'll want to capture these moments). There will be a silent auction, bucket raffles, a 50/50 raffle, and other exciting opportunities to win prizes, all preceding dinner, which begins at 6:00 p.m. The evening will continue with a dessert and live auction, as well as additional engaging program elements following dinner.
How does dinner work? Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
We're excited to serve dinner buffet-style, featuring a delightful selection of gourmet options for everyone to enjoy. Please note that while we can't accommodate specific dietary restrictions due to the venue and buffet setup, we hope you'll find plenty of delicious choices to satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy!
Do I need to bring cash or is card accepted for auction and raffle purchases?
We gladly accept cards, cash, or checks for all auction and raffle purchases. For your convenience, we highly recommend bringing cash to streamline your raffle ticket purchases, participate in the 50/50 raffle, and seize any surprise opportunities that may arise. To enhance your experience, consider pre-purchasing raffle tickets on our website. This way, you can skip the line at the door and dive straight into the excitement!