SAVE THE DATE! BCE's Annual Fundraising Soirée & Live Auction
Saturday, March 20, 2027
The Waterfront Room @ Embassy Suites Burlingame
⚓ “Nautical Nights: A Sail Away Soirée”
For one unforgettable night, step into the magic of Nautical Nights: A Sail Away Soirée—a sophisticated celebration with elevated coastal flair. Enjoy nautical charm, lively entertainment, delicious food, and wonderful company for an elegant evening on the Bay.
Together, we’ll celebrate 45 years of generosity, friendship, and community, honoring the incredible supporters who make a lasting difference for Burlingame Public Schools and invest in our students’ bright futures. The evening will feature cocktails, live music, games, a delicious dinner, an exciting live auction, Fund-a-Dream, and a dance party to keep the celebration going into the night.
So grab your captain’s hat, raise a glass, and sail away with us for a night to remember, all in support of Burlingame Public Schools!
The Evening at a Glance
🍸 5:30 PM — Check-In, Cocktails & Reception Food • Drinks • Live Music • Photo Op • Games
⛵ 8:00 PM — Seated Dinner, Live Auction & Fund-a-Dream
🎶 9:00 PM — Dance Party featuring live band Mercy and the Heartbreaks !
🧭 11:00 PM — Event Concludes
Why should you attend?
Whether you are a parent, teacher, alumni, local business or community member, this event is for everyone who believes in the power of education and wants to make a difference.
Enjoy an adults only night out socializing with your community, raising your paddle high in support of our schools and dancing the night away.
If this is your first time attending this event, check out the recap of last years event. to see how much fun and generosity the evening holds, you won’t want to miss it!
Donate to our Live and Online Auctions
Donate an item, experience, or service to our Live Auction on March 20, 2027, or Online Auction running March 12–22, 2027. From sports events and kids’ camps to dining, family getaways, and unforgettable parties, your donation helps raise vital funds for Burlingame students and teachers through BCE. Complete the online donation form here. Questions? email brigitte@bcefoundation.org.
Interested in promoting your business?
This event offers wonderful opportunities to promote your business to our community, whether by becoming a sponsor or advertising in our event program.
Calling All Volunteers!
If you're interested in volunteering for our March 20, 2027 Fundraising Soirée, we would love your help! Whether you're experienced in fundraising or new to the process, your support will have a big impact. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference while engaging with the community.
Volunteer needs include:
Soliciting exciting auction items that will be featured during the Live and Online Auctions.
Reaching out to local businesses, donors, and contacts to gather unique and valuable items that will drive bids.
Day of help with setting up the venue, ensuring everything runs smoothly, and assisting during the event to ensure guests have an amazing experience.
Simply reach out to our Soirée Chair, Davina Chall and Co-VP of Events, Vidya Nathu and Odessa Villanueva at events@bcefoundation.org and we’ll provide you with all the details you need to get started!
Thank you to our Soirée Title Sponsor
More questions? Read our FAQs
What is the BCE Soirée and how is different from a Gala?
Based on feedback, BCE has revitalized its Annual Fundraising Event to incorporate more time for mingling with a new, fresh layout and format. BCE's "Annual Fundraising Soirée," is 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-Dream 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?
Kind of. As part of the new format, you will be assigned a table to sit at for the Auction and Fund a Dream portion of the event. The rest of the evening, guests will have the opportunity to choose from a wide selection of delicious food and drinks, dance and mingle in a way that suits them best.
Is there a dress code for the Annual Soirée?
This year's theme is "Nautical Nights, A Sail Away Soirée." Guests are invited to dress with an elevated coastal flair aligned to the theme. But most important is you feeling great about what you are wearing.
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 available to Soirée attendees. If you are unable to attend, contact Brigitte Dean to set up a proxy and ensure you’re still part of this meaningful evening. In addition, the Online Auction will be open to all on March 12th, 2027.
Can I be a volunteer for the night of the event?
Yes! We'd love you to volunteers to help with the event. Please contact events@bcefoundation.org to sign up to volunteer in advance of the event.
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-Dream contribution does count toward your family's annual gift listing level.
