HOST A PARTY FOR THE AUCTION

What Are Pay-to-Play Parties?

Pay-to-play parties are a fun and social way to raise money for our school! Parents volunteer to host themed parties—like movie nights, art projects, game nights, or even wine & cheese gatherings for adults—and families “buy a ticket” to attend. Kids get to hang out with friends, and parents can join in too with grown-up events! It’s a great way to build community, have fun, and support our school—all at the same time.

Here’s how you can party and support St. T’s!

  • Go solo or join up with another family to cook up a theme for your party event.

  • Determine the number of “seats” (or number of guests you’d like to host), date, venue, and all the fun details!

  • The party host/hostess sets the budget and can use their $200 donation amount to help fund the fun!

Pay-to-Play Parties – FAQ’s

  • Q: What is a Pay-to-Play Party?
    A: A pay-to-play party is a themed event hosted by a parent, teacher, or staff member where families pay a fee for their child (or themselves!) to attend. It’s a creative and social way to raise money for the school—no wrapping paper or cookie dough required!

  • Q: What kinds of parties are there?
    A: There’s something for everyone! Past examples include slime-making, pizza & movie nights, craft parties, scavenger hunts, pajama parties, and soccer games for kids. There are also grown-up parties like wine tastings, trivia nights, backyard BBQs, and parent game nights.

  • Q: Where do the parties take place?
    A: Parties are hosted at homes, local parks, community spaces, or at the school—wherever the host chooses. Each event listing will include the location and any details you need.

  • Q: How do I sign up?
    Party sign-ups go live during our annual auction and online. Spots may be limited, so early sign-up is encouraged! 

  • Q: How much do parties cost?
    A: Prices vary depending on the party and the experience. There’s parties for every price point because the focus is on community building and fun. All proceeds go toward supporting school programs.

  • Q: Why should I ATTEND one (or more!) of these parties?
    A: These parties help fund important school needs, but they also build community. It's a chance for you to meet other parents, and your child to have fun with classmates, hang out, make new friends, and support the school—all at once.

  • Q: Why HOST a party?

    A: Not only does it support the school and help build community but it also counts towards your auction donation and auction volunteer hours. Credit for hanging out with your friends!

Thinking of Hosting a Pay-to-Play Party? You may be wondering…

  • Q: Can I host a party?
    A: Yes, please! Hosting is a fun way to contribute—even something simple like a board game afternoon or cupcake decorating. You can co-host with other parents too. No idea is too small or too big!

  • Q: What if no one comes to my party?
    A: Trust us—people love these parties! It’s a great way to meet other St. Theresa families. Still nervous? Team up with a friend or another parent from any grade. Co-hosting makes it easier, more fun, and brings in a great crowd.

  • Q: My house is tiny—can I still host?
    Absolutely! Keep it cozy with a small group for a movie night or cupcake party, or take it outside to a park, bowling alley, or anywhere fun. Big or small, anything goes!

  • Q: How does this raise money for the school?
    A: Guests “buy” a spot at your party during the auction. All the money they pay goes to St. Theresa. You cover the cost of hosting. For example, if you spend $200 to host and 10 guests pay $50 each, that’s $500 raised for the school!

  • Q: I have a great idea—now what?
    A: Pick a theme, preferred date, and number of guests. If it’s a kids' party, include the age or grade range (like K–3). We’ll confirm the date and add it to the auction lineup. Then party like a pro!

🥳 Have Fun. Build Community. Support Our School.

Have an Idea?! Let’s make it a reality! Fill out this form!

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Read up on prior parties for ideas or see a full list of ideas you can use as inspiration or copy for your own party.

DAD’S BEER BUS

Adult Excursion Parties

Plan a party where parents can get out and have fun while building community at the school.

  • Wine tasting somewhere wonderful

  • S.F. or Oakland foodie tour

  • “Glamping” – with one or two other families

  • A classic golf outing

  • Fly fishing

  • Hot air balloon rides

  • Escape rooms

CASINO ROYALE NIGHT

Competitions

These are extremely popular and fun events.

  • Cooking Competitions

  • “Amazing Race” scavenger hunt or photo safari

  • Karaoke or Air Guitar, with or without judges

  • Game Night (Poker, Scrabble, Pictionary, Mafia, Scene-it)

  • Tournaments – Basketball, Broomball, Curling, Laser Tag

Intimate Evenings

Want to organize something smaller? There are many ways to get creative at smaller scale.

  • A culinary feast for 6-12 (e.g. a crab feed, world foods)

  • Cooking class

  • A book club evening– Propose the book in advance and discuss over dinner

  • A whiskey tasting evening

Need more inspiration?

Get a full list of ideas here.

LEARN TO DRAW FROM A PIXAR ARTIST

Kids & Family Parties

Host a party for your child’s grade level, or an age-range… or something where parents and kids can both participate!

  • “Kids night out” movie nights

  • Dance party or pool party

  • Family Kickball tournament

  • Family trip to an A’s/Giants game

  • Neighborhood scavenger hunt

  • Local picnic and frisbee tournament

  • Overnight camping trip

Theme Parties

Plan a party for adults around a theme with music, costumes, themed cocktails.

  • Roaring 20’s/Speakeasy

  • Cinco de Mayo

  • 70’s Disco

  • Hollywood/Bollywood

  • Hawaiian Luau

Activities

Are you into sports/fitness or getting outdoors? Arrange an activity for adults or kids.

  • Mom’s morning hike and brunch/lunch

  • Kayaking or paddle boarding

  • Yoga and Champagne Toast

  • Trampoline party at a trampoline park

  • Horseback riding