Soiree

When and where is OLW Soiree? 
The event will be held from 6:30pm-10:30pm on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the Metropolis Ballroom of Arlington Heights. Free parking is available next door to the Ballroom in the parking garage or on the street.

Who is invited to Soiree?
We welcome all parishioners, parents, grandparents, friends, and supporters of Our Lady of the Wayside. REP families, school families, parishioners – past, current, and future – are welcome! This event is for adults ages 21+.

What should I wear? 
Cocktail attire is encouraged.

What does my ticket include?
Your ticket includes heavy appetizers (passed and buffet), four hours of open bar including beer, wine, and classic cocktails, and live music by the band Deja Vu.

Is this a fundraiser? What do the funds go?
Yes, OLW Soiree is a fundraiser to raise money for Catholic education at OLW. This includes the Religious Education Program and the school. Our main sources of fundraising will come from the online silent auction, the in-person Live Auction, Paddle Raise, and the in-person Heads or Tails game. Fundraising is vital for these two tuition-based programs in order to solidify their future so that OLW can continue offering faith formation to the young people of our parish community.

How does the Silent Auction work?
Our Silent Auction takes place online at our Soiree website: onecau.se/olwsoiree. To know what’s available in the silent auction and to be informed when bidding open, register on the Soiree site. Share the link with your friends too – you do not have to present to bid on the silent auction items or to participate in the paddle raise that will support the Gloria Rebek Scholarship Fund. You will have to be present to bid on the LIVE auction items. Winners will be notified via email, and prizes (if applicable) will be available for pick up at the OLW Parish Center starting the week of March 3, 2025.

How does the Live Auction work?
Our Live Auction will take place on March 1, 2025 at Metropolis Ballroom. You must be present to participate. All Soiree attendees who wish to participate will be assigned a bidder number and paddle at check-in. Our talented auctioneer, Greg “G-Man” Dillinger, will lead our guests through the Live Auction with his unique mix of energy, enthusiasm, and excitement!

How does the Paddle Raise work?
Our Paddle Raise will take place on March 1, 2025 at Metropolis Ballroom. Participants will be able to join the fun in-person or online through our Soiree website, which can be reached via our page at www.olwparish.org/soiree.

 

How does the Head/Tails game work?
The Heads/Tails game will take place on March 1, 2025 at Metropolis Ballroom. You must be present to participate. Guests will have the opportunity to sign up at check-in. Our talented auctioneer Greg “G-Man” Dillinger will lead participants through a series of head/tails coin flips, with the last person standing being declared the winner and winning half of the money raised in the game. It’s a fun way to kick off the night of fundraising!

How do I donate an item to the auction?
Thank you for your support! There are two easy ways to donate:
– Visit our Soiree website and complete the online donation form: onecau.se/olwsoiree
– Contact Cassandra McKenna, Director, Special Projects at OLW School, at cmckenna@olwschool.org  to arrange pickup of your donation.

I’d like to support Soiree in a more significant way. Can you tell me how?
We appreciate your interest! New this year we are offering sponsorships for individuals, families, and businesses as a way to further support Soiree and help make the event a success. Sponsorships include one ticket to Soiree and recognition in print and online materials as a Soiree sponsor. If you would like to make an even bigger impact, we can tailor a sponsorship package specific to your needs. Contact Cassandra McKenna at cmckenna@olwschool.org for more information.