Recap: 2023 Annual BCE Fundraising Soirée
- bcemarketing
- Nov 7, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 27, 2023
November 4, 2023

What a night! Together we raised $194,350 for our Burlingame Schools. Thank you to all who attended, raised a paddle and danced the night away!
We are thrilled to have raised $127,200 during Fund-a-Need and $67,150 from our Live Auction. A HUGE thanks to our Soirée Sponsors, Live Auction Partners, Soirée Team, and Volunteers!
Check out photos from our amazing event!
Thank you to our generous title sponsor!

The Soirée is Sold Out!!
Thank you Burlingame community. We will see you there!
About our event:
Night's Agenda:
6pm - Arrivals and reception
7pm - Live Auction and special performance
8pm - Food, Drinks, DJ, Photobooth
10pm Event end.
Attire: Cocktail attire with a fun Cuban flair. Get inspiration from our Pinterest board. Food and Seating: This year, guests will have the opportunity to choose selections from a delicious Cuban menu and find a seat or an area to mingle that suits them best. Parking: Parking is free. Learn more about our revitalized event by reading our FAQs.
Other important stuff:
Photo Release: By participating in the BCE Fundraising Soirée on November 4, 2023 and purchasing a ticket, you voluntarily give permission to Burlingame Community Education Foundation (BCE) to publish images and videos taken at the event on www.bcefoundation.org and all of BCE's social media platforms. You understand that you have the option of refusing to allow images of you to be used by BCE. In order to exercise this right, you understand that you need to inform BCE of your request by sending an email to info@bcefoundation.org at least 24 hours prior to the event. By allowing BCE to use pictures taken at the event you are supporting BCE's effort to the benefit of all TK-8th grade students in the Burlingame School District. Thank you for your support!
Please click here to read our Gift Listing Policy.
Venue
Par 3 at Poplar Creek
Auctioneer Devon Bell provided by:
Note about COVID-19: An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. Although BCE has instituted reasonable practices in an attempt to lessen or reduce the spread of COVID-19, BCE cannot guarantee that you will never get exposed to the virus or get sick from it. By attending a BCE event, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
Check out photos from last year's event!
FAQs
What is the BCE Soirée and how is different from the Gala?
BCE has taken all of your feedback and revitalized the Annual Fundraising Event to incorporate more time for mingling with a new layout and format. This fall, BCE will introduce the "Annual Fundraising Soirée," our refreshed, adult-only fundraising evening affair, where attendees will partake in an array of food selections, drinks, dessert, entertainment, and the Live Auction. Most importantly, the evening will continue to feature the ever-critical Fund-A-Need where guests donate to support our programs and teacher salaries.
Do I have to be part of Scholars Circle to attend?
No. The BCE Fundraising Soirée is open to everyone.
Do I get to choose my seat?
No. As part of the new format, the Soirée will not include a formal seated dinner or assigned seats. Instead, guests will have the opportunity to choose from a wide selection of delicious food and find a seat or an area to mingle that suits them best.
Is there a dress code for the Annual Gala?
The dress code is semi-formal. This year's theme is "Havana Nights."
Can I purchase tickets at the door?
No. We are unable to sell tickets at the door.
Can I participate in the Live Auction even if I don't attend?
Our Live Auction offers exclusive packages (destination travel, dining experiences, and more) which are only available to Soirée attendees. However, the Annual Auction is available online and will be open to all in Spring 2024.
Can I be a volunteer for the night of the event?
Yes! Volunteers must sign up for a specific job before November 4. No walk up volunteers will be processed. Most volunteer shifts will receive a boxed dinner. Please click here and sign up to volunteer at the Soirée today!
Does the price of the ticket count toward my annual contribution to BCE?
BCE is deeply grateful for your participation of the Fundraising Soirée. As per BCE's Gift Listing Policy, only donations of cash, stock/securities, automobiles immediately liquidated to cash, and employer matching gifts will determine a donor's annual campaign donation and listing level in BCE's annual report. Your Fund-A-Need contribution does count toward your family's annual gift listing level.