Spartan Soirée

If the information below does not answer your question, please contact us at staff@oronofoundation.org or (952)545-6873. 

What if I just want to participate in the online auction? 

Go to the registration page and select 'Online Auction ONLY' to register for the auction and set up your bidder account. Thank you for participating! 

What should I wear to the Soirée?

There is no need for formalwear and no theme this year. Attire for the event is just 'country club chic'.  Check out our Pinterest board for ideas. Bonus if you can wear red or blue to fill the club with Spartan spirit! 

What should I take with me to the Soirée?

• Credit card (for drink tickets, experience purchases, or donation payments)
• Fully charged cell phone (for the auction and games)
• Energy for a great night of FUNdraising! 

What do I need to know about the golf simulator?

Time in the golf simulator is availalbe to those who purchase VIP tickets. Shortly after purchasing your VIP tickets, a representative from the Foundation will be in touch with you to reserve your time in the golf simulator. Time slots are 20 minutes and up to 4 people can be in each bay at a time. You can request other VIP guests to join you at the same timeslot during your time reservation. 

You are able to bring your own clubs if you prefer, or you can borrow clubs from Wayzata Country Club. Clubs can be kept in the golf simulator entry for the duration of the event, or you can have the valet return the clubs to your car after you are finished. 

Is there a cash bar?

New this year - you can pre-purchase drink tickets with your registration or you can purchase tickets at the event using Venmo or a credit card. Drink tickets are $15 and good for any kind of beverage (beer, seltzer, wine, cocktail, etc.). Tickets include tax and tip so no cash is needed. 

I am going to the Soirée, how do I sign up for the Live and Silent Auctions?

To participate in the auctions you will want to create an account on the Givi app. Use the same email address used for your Soirée tickets in order to link your registrations. You can download the Givi app in the App Store or on Google Play. The auction should automatically load if you used the same email as your Soirée registration. To buy or bid on items you will need to add and save an online payment method. 

How do I purchase Heads & Tails Necklaces, Purse Raffle Tickets and Putt for Prizes or Cigar Rolling tokens?

To pre-purchase Soirée experiences, you can add them on the auction site. You can also purchase these items at the event. 

What time should I arrive?

Most guests will arrive just before 6:00 p.m. for check-in. For individuals who purchased VIP tickets, you will receive a seperate invitation to the VIP Cocktail Hour with arrival time. 

What about child care?

The Orono High School Student Senate and National Honor Society are providing childcare the night of the Soirée from 5:30-9:30pm at the Activity Center. Click here to learn more. 

I have never been to the Soirée, what should I expect?

The Soirée is an incredible evening of fundraising, laughter, community connection, games, and more! 

• Entertainment will include a short program/video presentation, Heads and Tails, luxury purse raffle, live auction, silent auction, photo booth, games and more! 
• In the past the event has been themed, but there is no theme this year. Attire is 'county club chic'. 
• Food for the evening will include passed appetizers, platters and customizable food stations. Gluten free and vegetarian options will be available. 
• You can pre-purchase drink tickets or buy them at the event with Venmo or credit card.
• Complimentary valet parking will be available for all guests. Tips are encouraged. 

What is the After Party all about?

We have partnered with Buck's Pub to provide a fun extension to the evening of the Soirée. Attendees who are interested can head on over to Buck's after the event (starts at 9:00 p.m.) to enjoy a DJ and more socializing with friends and community members. 

How will I receive auction items I have won?

You will be notified if you have won an auction item. For all Online Silent Auction items, there will be a pickup date/time at the Activity Center the week following the Soirée. We will be in touch with you regarding details on where and when to pick up your items and will connect you with the appropriate contacts if necessary. Some certificates may also be sent via email. 

I can't attend the Soirée, how else can I support the event and Orono Schools. ?

You can still make a difference if you aren't able to attend the Soirée. Click on the site to make a general donation to support Orono Schools that will go towards the event total. Thank you for your consideration! 

How do donations and sponsorships make an impact?

After covering expenses, proceeds from the Soirée are placed into the Foundation’s Annual Fund. Contributions to the Annual Fund are invested into Orono Schools each year to support immediate needs and fill gaps in the budget due to state funding shortfalls and inflation. 

Local tax dollars are distributed evenly among school districts across the state based on number of students enrolled in each district. The only dollars guaranteed to stay in our district are referenda funds approved by district voters and private donations to nonprofits that support the school, like the Foundation.

• The Foundation is the only organization that serves all students and teachers across the K-12 spectrum. This is one way that OFE differs from our parent  organizations. Another difference is that the Foundation supports fundamental needs that take place behind-the-scenes related specifically to academics and operations.
• Donations to the Foundation support curriculum, programs, resources and trainings that are not offered at schools of a similar size and make Orono such a great place to learn and grow. This has included (but is not limited to) K-8 World Languages, K-5 Literacy Program, Character Education, and the variety of AP course offerings that have resulted in Orono being rated one of the Top Traditional High School in Minnesota.

How do I get tickets to the Soirée?

Individual and VIP tickets will be available for purchase using the registration link on this website. When purchasing tickets, you will automatically receive a bidder number to participate in both the Online Silent and Live Auctions. 

Do I need to purchase tickets ahead of time?

Yes! The annual fundraiser has historically sold out and once tickets are gone, they are gone.  We are limited with space at Wayzata Country Club and do not have the ability to sell more tickets than the Club will allow. We also spend a lot of time preparing a personalized experience for our guests which prevents us from selling tickets at the door.