CRYSTAL IN WONDERLAND

List of 17 items.

• What is Crystal Fest 2024: Crystal in Wonderland?

  Every year, the Crystal Family Association (CFA) hosts a community-wide fundraiser that brings together Crystal parents, guardians, alumni, PAC, and friends to support our school. This year, Crystal in Wonderland, will raise funds for Faculty Recruitment and Retention and Financial Aid funds. With the theme Crystal in Wonderland, guests will enjoy a whimsical evening of munching on fanciful delights at the Mad Hatter’s dinner party, sipping on curiously odd cocktails, challenging the Queen of Hearts to a game of croquet, dancing to freakishly good music, all while raising funds to support our incredible Crystal community through a live auction and Fund-A-Need paddle raise.

• What is the theme for the Crystal Fest this year?

  This year’s theme is Crystal in Wonderland! 

• When and where is Crystal Fest this year?

  Crystal Fest is on March 2, 2024 from 6-11 pm. Held at the Crystal Middle School campus at 10 Davis Drive, Belmont, CA 94002.

• What is Crystal Fest raising money for this year?

  This year, Crystal Fest will raise money for the Faculty Recruitment and Retention and Financial Aid funds.

• What does the Faculty Recruitment and Retention Fund support?

  Crystal’s Faculty Recruitment and Retention Fund is a distinctive fund that supports Crystal’s incredible faculty and staff. The fund provides much-needed financial support including the following:

  • Sabbatical after 10 and 20 years
  • Conferences, workshops, and other professional development opportunities
  • Signing bonuses/moving expenses for newly hired faculty and staff
  • Service awards at designated anniversary dates

• What does the Financial Aid Fund support?

  Crystal’s Financial Aid Fund enables Crystal to distribute over $5 million in financial assistance to families each year. Over 22% of Crystal’s student population receives some sort of financial support to attend Crystal, with the average gift covering about 75% of tuition, books, and other expenses.

• What is Crystal Fest's financial goal?

  The CFA is proud to set this year's Crystal Fest financial goal at $500,000, net of all expenses. With underwriting covering the expenses, 100% of profits will go directly to the Faculty Recruitment and Retention and Financial Aid funds. With the support of the Crystal community, we believe we can reach, or even exceed, this goal and we are looking forward to building connections and enjoying great food and company while doing it!

• What happens at Crystal Fest?

  This year's Crystal Fest will feature a cocktail hour followed by a sitdown dinner during our live auction and Fund-A-Need. Following dinner, everyone will be able to enjoy live music and dessert while mingling together and enjoying our wonderful Crystal community!

• Do we need to buy tickets to attend Crystal in Wonderland?

  Yes. Don’t be late! Don’t be late! For a very important date! Tickets to Crystal in Wonderland go on sale January 24, 2024. Early bird tickets of $185 are available until January 29. Sponsored tickets for PAC members are also available for purchase. Ticket prices increase to $200 after January 29 -- so don’t delay!

  
  

  To buy tickets, go to crystal.org/crystalfest2024 and create an account. Once your account has been created, you can purchase tickets, bid on auction items, and sign up for CMIs.

• I have an amazing experience or item I’d like to donate for the Live Auction.

  Our Live Auction donation wish list includes (but is not limited to) unique experiences such as: behind-the-scenes tours at awards shows, museums, theaters, or companies; chef table dinners; theater or sporting event tickets; or stays at vacation homes. If you are able to donate “just the thing”, fill out the auction donation form here, or contact us at crystalfest@crystal.org.

• I have some fabulous wine I’d like to donate to the Wine Auction.

  Excellent! We are looking for fine wine and liquor donations for the ever-popular Wine Auction. If you have bottles you’d like to contribute, fill out the auction donation form here, or contact us at crystalfest@crystal.org.

• I would like to host a fun Count Me In (CMI) event.

  Radical, dude! Events for students, parents/guardians, and families to enjoy together have all sold well in the past. If you or a group of your friends would like to host, fill out the auction donation form here, or contact us at crystalfest@csus.org.

• What’s the dress code?

  Think Alice in Wonderland, or better yet, dress like your favorite Alice in Wonderland character.  The more creative and fun the better! Need some inspiration? Check out this Pinterest board.

• Are students allowed at Crystal Fest?

  No. Crystal Fest is for adult Crystal community members only.

  
  

• What are the important dates I need to know? I want to mark my calendar!

  • Crystal Fest ticket sales will open on Wednesday, January 24.
  • Count Me In (CMI) sales will open on February 5. 
  • All levels of Underwriting (submitted by February 6) will have special recognition in the event program.
  • Live auction and wine previews will be available on February 14
  • Wine Auction, Fund-A-Need, and Live Auction will take place during Crystal Fest on Saturday, March 2.

• I can’t attend Crystal Fest. Can I still support Crystal Fest?

  Yes, use this helpful guide for more information.
  
  

• Anything Else?

  Did we miss anything? If you have any other questions, especially if you are a new family to the Crystal community, please reach out to us by email at crystalfest@crystal.org.